Differential Oil Selection Confusion

[moonlightblue]

Well, you're doing their work for them

I just want to get the right thing, as I understand 83222413512 is the correct part number and when I research this number on Google I find out the black genuine BMW bottle that has a 75w80 GL5 sticker on it. At the Febi website I see that Febi 184247 has BMW part number 83222413512 as a recommendation and it also has same properties of G3 GL5 and 75w80 as that black genuine BMW bottle. So I think it will be fine to use this Febi product. I see some aftermarket part sellers online selling Motul Gear 300 LS for 83222413512 which does not even recommend the bmw part number. Its viscosity is even different. So I think Febi should be fine in this case.

 

[edyvw]

I just want to get the right thing, as I understand 83222413512 is the correct part number and when I research this number on Google I find out the black genuine BMW bottle that has a 75w80 GL5 sticker on it. At the Febi website I see that Febi 184247 has BMW part number 83222413512 as a recommendation and it also has same properties of G3 GL5 and 75w80 as that black genuine BMW bottle. So I think it will be fine to use this Febi product. I see some aftermarket part sellers online selling Motul Gear 300 LS for 83222413512 which does not even recommend the bmw part number. Its viscosity is even different. So I think Febi should be fine in this case.

In G20 use whatever BMW part is. There were issues with those differentials, and many aftermarket blenders yet to make specific fluid for those differentials.
Use ZF8 in gearbox.

 

[moonlightblue]

In G20 use whatever BMW part is. There were issues with those differentials, and many aftermarket blenders yet to make specific fluid for those differentials.
Use ZF8 in gearbox.

Thank you. For the gearbox zf8 and zf9 is recommended but once I asked Zf about it they advised zf8 so I will go with that.
For the differential do you mean that Febi with matching Bmw part number will still be okay? Or do you recommend to only get bmw branded differential fluid from the dealership? I didnt understand which one you meant.

 

[edyvw]

Thank you. For the gearbox zf8 and zf9 is recommended but once I asked Zf about it they advised zf8 so I will go with that.
For the differential do you mean that Febi with matching Bmw part number will still be okay? Or do you recommend to only get bmw branded differential fluid from the dealership? I didnt understand which one you meant.

If under warranty, BMW fluid. If not, I would still go BMW if the price difference is not outrageous.

 

[martinq]

I wouldn’t conflate wanting to stick to factory spec fill with old wives tales. That is awfully condescending.

It's the truth though if you think a compatible fluid is going to destroy your gearbox.

 

[brandon9715]

It's the truth though if you think a compatible fluid is going to destroy your gearbox.

What defines compatible? According to the OEM, or to the aftermarket fluid manufacturer? There are “universal” transmission fluids that cannot possible be universal for example. While I certainly think Valvoline is a good company, do they even recommend that 75w90 in that application?

 

[martinq]

I just want to get the right thing, as I understand 83222413512 is the correct part number and when I research this number on Google I find out the black genuine BMW bottle that has a 75w80 GL5 sticker on it. At the Febi website I see that Febi 184247 has BMW part number 83222413512 as a recommendation and it also has same properties of G3 GL5 and 75w80 as that black genuine BMW bottle. So I think it will be fine to use this Febi product. I see some aftermarket part sellers online selling Motul Gear 300 LS for 83222413512 which does not even recommend the bmw part number. Its viscosity is even different. So I think Febi should be fine in this case.

I would look at what they're using at the track for that gearbox. How many models use that drive-train?

If it were mine I would not use a 75w80 as fuel efficiency is not my top priority, making things work well and last long is. I would upgrade to a 75w85 or 75w90 from Red Line, Amsoil, HPS, or one of the big labels. If I was in an exceptionally cold climate I might stick with the 75w85.

 

[Alain2]

We all know that BMW keeps recommending thinner oils to shorten lifespan of their cars to sell new cars sooner also calls fluids which already have shelf life as ' LifeTime' is another proof of this drama.

No, we don’t all know and believe this.

 

[moonlightblue]

If under warranty, BMW fluid. If not, I would still go BMW if the price difference is not outrageous.

No, the warranty is already over. Car is nearly 5 years old and at 40000 miles.

Price difference is huge but for me the sucess of work and peace of mind is the priority rather than price.

I now get more confused as some people even advised not to go too thin as 75w80 which also makes sense.

 

[moonlightblue]

I would look at what they're using at the track for that gearbox. How many models use that drive-train?

If it were mine I would not use a 75w80 as fuel efficiency is not my top priority, making things work well and last long is. I would upgrade to a 75w85 or 75w90 from Red Line, Amsoil, HPS, or one of the big labels. If I was in an exceptionally cold climate I might stick with the 75w85.

I am talking about the differential and not the gearbox. I have no idea about modules.

Making things work well and last long is also my priority but the BMW part number that I can find is pointing a 75w80 GL5 Hypoid 3 fluid.

At the country that I am living there is no Red Line, Amsoil, HPS at all. I only can find FEBI as an aftermarket brand and both 75w85 and 75w80 versions of Febi are available. However 75w85 is recommended for the previous generation F30 series Bmw differential and not for G20.

As Edyvw told that these differentials are already problematic, I am not sure if switching to 75w85 will cause any problems. In my opinion it shouldnt as the difference is not so much but I am not sure too.

 

[martinq]

No, the warranty is already over. Car is nearly 5 years old and at 40000 miles.

Price difference is huge but for me the sucess of work and peace of mind is the priority rather than price.

I now get more confused as some people even advised not to go too thin as 75w80 which also makes sense.

The viscosity is something you can play with. If you were to test out different viscosity of GL5 (75w80/85/90/110/140) you would likely notice a few things. The temperature of the diff fluid (higher viscosity = higher temperature), fuel efficiency (higher viscosity = lower fuel economy) and wear (higher viscosity = lower wear rates).

The OE manufacturers are always under pressure to improve efficiency and low-maintenance, but mostly only under warranty. After warranty is expired it's OK for you to spend money replacing worn out parts or go buy a new car.

 

[martinq]

I am talking about the differential and not the gearbox. I have no idea about modules.

Making things work well and last long is also my priority but the BMW part number that I can find is pointing a 75w80 GL5 Hypoid 3 fluid.

At the country that I am living there is no Red Line, Amsoil, HPS at all. I only can find FEBI as an aftermarket brand and both 75w85 and 75w80 versions of Febi are available. However 75w85 is recommended for the previous generation F30 series Bmw differential and not for G20.

As Edyvw told that these differentials are already problematic, I am not sure if switching to 75w85 will cause any problems. In my opinion it shouldnt as the difference is not so much but I am not sure too.

The differential is a hypoid gearbox with/without limited-slip function or possibly clutches. The transmission is also a gearbox as is the transfer case/box found in 4wd/AWD such as BMW X-Drive.

 

[moonlightblue]

What defines compatible? According to the OEM, or to the aftermarket fluid manufacturer? There are “universal” transmission fluids that cannot possible be universal for example. While I certainly think Valvoline is a good company, do they even recommend that 75w90 in that application?

Valvoline distributor themselves sold FAKES and Valvoline USA banned them selling any Valvoline products in this ... country. So, Valvoline is not an option.

As I said earlier Febi is the only aftermarket brand that I can find here and Febi recommends BMW part number that I need but my only concern is to use such thin 75w80 oil at rear differential. Febi also has 75w85 which makes me feel much safer but it is definitely the wrong fluid according to BMW.

Getting original BMW fluid from dealership will also not get me 75w85 either, it will also be the same GL5 75w80 oil, and I do not think that it will protect better than Febi 75w80.

What would you choose?

 

[martinq]

Valvoline distributor themselves sold FAKES and Valvoline USA banned them selling any Valvoline products in this ... country. So, Valvoline is not an option.

As I said earlier Febi is the only aftermarket brand that I can find here and Febi recommends BMW part number that I need but my only concern is to use such thin 75w80 oil at rear differential. Febi also has 75w85 which makes me feel much safer but it is definitely the wrong fluid according to BMW.

Getting original BMW fluid from dealership will also not get me 75w85 either, it will also be the same GL5 75w80 oil, and I do not think that it will protect better than Febi 75w80.

What would you choose?

I am interested to hear about the Valvoline issue as that would probably be my first choice if it were cost-effective. I would chose the 75w85 but would rather the 75w90.

 

[brandon9715]

Valvoline distributor themselves sold FAKES and Valvoline USA banned them selling any Valvoline products in this ... country. So, Valvoline is not an option.

As I said earlier Febi is the only aftermarket brand that I can find here and Febi recommends BMW part number that I need but my only concern is to use such thin 75w80 oil at rear differential. Febi also has 75w85 which makes me feel much safer but it is definitely the wrong fluid according to BMW.

Getting original BMW fluid from dealership will also not get me 75w85 either, it will also be the same GL5 75w80 oil, and I do not think that it will protect better than Febi 75w80.

What would you choose?

The Valvoline comment was in regards to the YouTube video, they used Valvoline in that instance. In your case, my vote is the BMW fluid. I’ll be told I’m wrong for saying that, but I think it’s easier for others to recommend oils not specified when it’s not their money on the table.

 

[moonlightblue]

The differential is a hypoid gearbox with/without limited-slip function or possibly clutches. The transmission is also a gearbox as is the transfer case/box found in 4wd/AWD such as BMW X-Drive.

yes it is hypoid gearbox as the original oil is hypoid 3 oil.
There is no AWD. Car is only rear wheel drive.

 

[moonlightblue]

The Valvoline comment was in regards to the YouTube video, they used Valvoline in that instance. In your case, my vote is the BMW fluid. I’ll be told I’m wrong for saying that, but I think it’s easier for others to recommend oils not specified when it’s not their money on the table.

That is correct but at the video CarcareNut guy is not clearly stating which grade oil they put inside that failing differential. So we do not know if they sticked to the viscosity at all. Or am I wrong?

 

[brandon9715]

That is correct but at the video CarcareNut guy is not clearly stating which grade oil they put inside that failing differential. So we do not know if they sticked to the viscosity at all. Or am I wrong?

In the Royalty Auto video I posted, he shows the oil used at about the 9:00 mark. It’s Valvoline 75w90.

 

[moonlightblue]

In the Royalty Auto video I posted, he shows the oil used at about the 9:00 mark. It’s Valvoline 75w90.

Thank you very much I now see the video I watched the other video before. Problem was that they used 75w90 Valvoline instead of 75w85 Bmw fluid and damaged the pinion bearing and he is saying that using close viscocity oil isnt enough you should use exact. That Valvoline bottles do not have BMW part numbers. But Febi has bmw part number that I need on its bottle and viscocity is exactly same.

After reading your and Edyvw's messages I made up my mind and will stick to the viscocity of 75w80. So it is a matter of how much do you trust Febi with the bmw part number thing... But you still recommend genuine Bmw product instead of Febi (with exact everything including the part nr too) right?

 

[brandon9715]

Thank you very much I now see the video I watched the other video before. Problem was that they used 75w90 Valvoline instead of 75w85 Bmw fluid and damaged the pinion bearing and he is saying that using close viscocity oil isnt enough you should use exact. That Valvoline bottles do not have BMW part numbers. But Febi has bmw part number that I need on its bottle and viscocity is exactly same.

After reading your and Edyvw's messages I made up my mind and will stick to the viscocity of 75w80. So it is a matter of how much do you trust Febi with the bmw part number thing... But you still recommend genuine Bmw product instead of Febi (with exact everything including the part nr too) right?

I’m unfamiliar with Febi. My opinion is BMW fluid in this case even though it’s overpriced. Could I be wrong? Yes. Do I believe I am taking the least risk? Also yes.