BMW Differential Oil Guide
BMW does not use one rear differential oil. The right one depends on the model, the build date and whether the differential has a lock. This page gives BMW's oil by car group, the BMW part numbers and container sizes, the oil by chassis, and the lifetime fill rule.
Part of the BMW differential guide. To look up a particular car, use the E-series lookup or the F and G series lookup.
Quick read
- Which oil: OSP up to the 2011 changeover, G1 or G3 from 07/2011 to 02/2020, MSP/A or SAF-XJ for limited-slip M cars.
- Special cases: SAF Carbon Mod for the outer chambers of Dynamic Performance Control units and BMW HOC oil for hang-on clutches.
- Fill for life: BMW says E31, E36, E38, E39 and E46 cars built from 09/1997 need no oil change, only a level correction after repairs.
- Additives: BMW states its final drives need no oil additives and it accepts no liability for any use of them.
- Main watch item: the wrong oil in a limited-slip unit, which BMW's bulletin says causes creaking in the Z3 Roadster.
Differential Oil At a Glance
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| What oil does a normal BMW differential take? | OSP, also named SAF-XO, up to the 2011 changeover, then Hypoid Axle Oil G1 or G3 up to 02/2020. |
| What about M cars? | MSP/A for most M models and SAF-XJ for the E82 M and E90, E92 and E93 M3. |
| What about xDrive? | The rear differential takes the same oil as the rear-drive version. The parts catalog lists Hypoid Axle Oil G2 only for the front differential of all-wheel-drive cars, and BMW's 2024 rear differential oil table does not list a G2. |
| Where is the capacity? | In the lookup guide for each model; the catalog lists 0.52 L to 2.12 L. |
Oil by Car Group
| Cars | Oil | BMW number and container |
|---|---|---|
| Cars without a lock, up to 06/2011 or model year 07/2011 | OSP (SAF-XO) | 83 22 2 365 987, 1 L; 83 22 9 407 768, 60 L |
| Cars without a lock, 07/2011 to 02/2020 | Hypoid Axle Oil G1 or G3 | 83 22 2 295 532 (G1) and 83 22 2 413 512 (G3), 3 x 0.5 L |
| E34 M5, E36 M3, E39 M5, E46 M3, E60 M5, E63 and E64 M6, Z4 M, F06, F10, F12, F13 M, F80, F82, F83, F87, E36 and Z3 with option 209 | MSP/A | 83 22 2 365 988, 1 L |
| E82 M, E90, E92, E93 M3 | SAF-XJ | 83 22 2 282 583, 3 x 0.5 L |
| E70, E71 and F15, F16 with the QMVH differential, F85, F86 | SAF Carbon Mod outer chambers; OSP or SAF-XO centre | 83 12 0 445 832, 3 x 0.5 L |
| F90, F9x and G-series with option 2T4 | Hypoid Axle Oil G4 | 83 22 2 447 362, 3 x 0.5 L |
| F39, F40, F44, F45, F46, F48, F49 hang-on clutch | BMW HOC oil, G3 for the rear differential only | 83 22 2 413 513, 850 ml |
Oil by Chassis
These groups come from the rear differential oil parts the catalog lists for each model; front differential and China-only lines are left out, and where the catalog ties an oil to an option or accessory the cell says so. Models with the same oil are grouped.
| Chassis | Models | Oil in the catalog |
|---|---|---|
| Z3 | Z3 1.9 (M44), Z3 2.5 (M52), Z3 2.5i (M54), Z3 2.8 (M52), Z3 3.0i (M54), Z3 M (S52), Z3 M (S54) | MSP/A with limited-slip differential, OSP |
| E30 | 318i (M42), 318is (M42), 325i (M20), 325ix (M20), M3 (S14) | no rear oil line listed |
| E31 | 840Ci (M62), 840i (M60), 850CSi (S70), 850Ci (M70), 850Ci (M73) | no rear oil line listed |
| E32 | 735i (M30), 735iL (M30), 740i (M60), 740iL (M60), 750iL (M70) | no rear oil line listed |
| E34 | 525i (M20), 525i (M50), 530i (M60), 535i (M30), 540i (M60), M5 3.6 (S38) | no rear oil line listed |
| E36 | 318i (M42), 318i (M44), 318ti (M42), 318ti (M44), 320i (M50), 323i (M52), 325i (M50), 328i (M52) | OSP |
| E36 | M3 (S50), M3 3.2 (S52) | MSP/A |
| E38 | 740i (M60), 740i (M62), 740iL (M60), 740iL (M62), 740iLP (M62), 750iL (M73N), 750iLP (M73N) | OSP |
| E38 | 750iL (M73) | no rear oil line listed |
| E39 | 525i (M54), 528i (M52), 530i (M54), 540i (M62), 540iP (M62) | OSP |
| E39 | M5 (S62) | MSP/A |
| E46 | 320i (M54), 323Ci (M52), 323i (M52), 325Ci (M54), 325Ci (M56), 325i (M54), 325i (M56), 325xi (M54), 328Ci (M52), 328i (M52), 330Ci (M54), 330i (M54), 330xi (M54) | OSP |
| E46 | M3 (S54) | MSP/A |
| E52 | Alpina V8 (M62), Z8 (S62) | no rear oil line listed |
| E53 | X5 3.0i (M54), X5 4.4i (M62), X5 4.4i (N62), X5 4.6is (M62), X5 4.8is (N62) | OSP |
| E60 | 525i (M54), 525i (N52), 525xi (N52), 530i (M54), 530i (N52), 530xi (N52), 545i (N62), 550i (N62N), 528i (N52N) LCI, 528xi (N52N) LCI, 535i (N54) LCI, 535xi (N54) LCI, 550i (N62N) LCI | OSP |
| E60 | M5 (S85) | MSP/A |
| E61 | 530xi (N52), 535xi (N54) LCI | OSP |
| E63 | 645Ci (N62), 650i (N62N), 650i (N62N) LCI | OSP |
| E63 | M6 (S85) | MSP/A |
| E64 | 645Ci (N62), 650i (N62N), 650i (N62N) LCI | OSP |
| E64 | M6 (S85) | MSP/A |
| E65 | 745i (N62), 750i (N62N), 760i (N73), Alpina B7 (N62) | OSP |
| E66 | 745Li (N62), 750Li (N62N), 760Li (N73) | OSP |
| E70 | X5 3.0si (N52N), X5 4.8i (N62N), X5 xDrive35d (M57N2) | OSP |
| E70 | X5 M (S63) | OSP (07/2009-07/2011), SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| E70 | X5 xDrive35d (M57N2) LCI, X5 xDrive35i (N55) LCI, X5 xDrive50i (N63) LCI | OSP (04/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| E71 | X6 M (S63) | OSP (07/2009-07/2011), SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers), G1 (07/2011-06/2014) |
| E71 | X6 xDrive35i (N54) | OSP, SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers) |
| E71 | X6 xDrive35i (N55) | OSP (04/2010-07/2011), SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers), G1 (07/2011-06/2014) |
| E71 | X6 xDrive50i (N63) | OSP (07/2008-07/2011), SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers), G1 (07/2011-06/2014) |
| E72 | Hybrid X6 (N63) | OSP (10/2009-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-09/2011) |
| E82 | 1 Series M (N54T) | SAF-XJ |
| E82 | 128i (N51) | OSP (03/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-09/2013) |
| E82 | 128i (N52N) | OSP (12/2007-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2013) |
| E82 | 135i (N54) | OSP |
| E82 | 135i (N55) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2013) |
| E83 | X3 2.5i (M54), X3 3.0i (M54), X3 3.0i (N52N) LCI, X3 3.0si (N52N) LCI | OSP |
| E84 | X1 sDrive28i (N20) | G1 |
| E84 | X1 xDrive28i (N20) | OSP (03/2011-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2015) |
| E84 | X1 xDrive35i (N55) | OSP (03/2011-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-04/2015) |
| E85 | Z4 2.5i (M54), Z4 3.0i (M54), Z4 3.0i (N52), Z4 3.0si (N52) | no rear oil line listed |
| E85 | Z4 M (S54) | MSP/A, SAF-XJ |
| E86 | Z4 3.0si (N52) | SAF-XJ |
| E86 | Z4 M (S54) | MSP/A, SAF-XJ |
| E88 | 128i (N51) | OSP (03/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2013) |
| E88 | 128i (N52N) | OSP (12/2007-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2013) |
| E88 | 135i (N54) | OSP |
| E88 | 135i (N55) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2013) |
| E89 | Z4 35is (N54T) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-08/2016) |
| E89 | Z4 sDrive28i (N20) | G1 |
| E89 | Z4 sDrive30i (N52N) | OSP (02/2009-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-08/2011) |
| E89 | Z4 sDrive35i (N54) | OSP (02/2009-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-08/2016) |
| E90 | 323i (N52), 323i (N52N), 325i (N52), 325xi (N52), 328i (N51), 328i (N52N), 328xi (N51), 328xi (N52N), 330i (N52), 330xi (N52), 335i (N54), 335xi (N54), 335i (N54) LCI, 335xi (N54) LCI | OSP |
| E90 | M3 (S65), M3 (S65) LCI | SAF-XJ |
| E90 | 323i (N52N) LCI | OSP (09/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2011) |
| E90 | 328i (N51) LCI, 328i (N52N) LCI, 328xi (N51) LCI, 328xi (N52N) LCI | OSP (09/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-12/2011) |
| E90 | 335d (M57N2) LCI | OSP (09/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-08/2011) |
| E90 | 335i (N55) LCI | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2011) |
| E90 | 335xi (N55) LCI | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-12/2011) |
| E91 | 325xi (N52), 328i (N52N), 328xi (N52N) | OSP |
| E91 | 328i (N52N) LCI, 328xi (N52N) LCI | OSP (09/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-05/2012) |
| E92 | 328i (N51), 328i (N52N), 328xi (N51), 328xi (N52N), 335i (N54), 335xi (N54) | OSP |
| E92 | M3 (S65), M3 (S65) LCI | SAF-XJ |
| E92 | 328i (N51) LCI, 328i (N52N) LCI, 328xi (N51) LCI, 328xi (N52N) LCI, 335i (N55) LCI, 335xi (N55) LCI | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| E92 | 335is (N54T) LCI | OSP (05/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| E93 | 328i (N51), 328i (N52N), 335i (N54) | OSP |
| E93 | M3 (S65), M3 (S65) LCI | SAF-XJ |
| E93 | 328i (N51) LCI, 328i (N52N) LCI, 335i (N55) LCI, 335is (N54T) LCI | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-10/2013) |
| F01 | 740i (N54) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2012) |
| F01 | 750i (N63) | OSP (11/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2012) |
| F01 | 750i xDrive (N63) | G1, OSP |
| F01 | Alpina B7 (N63), Alpina B7 xDrive (N63), Alpina B7 (N63N) LCI, Alpina B7 xDrive (N63N) LCI | no rear oil line listed |
| F01 | 740i (N55) LCI, 750i (N63N) LCI, 750i xDrive (N63N) LCI | G1 |
| F02 | 740Li (N54) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2012) |
| F02 | 750Li (N63) | OSP (11/2008-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2012) |
| F02 | 750Li xDrive (N63), 760Li (N74) | OSP (09/2009-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2012) |
| F02 | Alpina B7L (N63), Alpina B7L xDrive (N63), Alpina B7L (N63N) LCI, Alpina B7L xDrive (N63N) LCI | no rear oil line listed |
| F02 | 740Ld xDrive (N57N) LCI, 740Li (N55) LCI, 740Li xDrive (N55) LCI, 750Li (N63N) LCI, 750Li xDrive (N63N) LCI, 760Li (N74) LCI, Hybrid 7L (N55) LCI | G1 |
| F04 | Hybrid 7 (N63), Hybrid 7L (N63) | G1, OSP (04/2010-07/2011) |
| F06 | 640i (N55), 640i xDrive (N55), 650i (N63N), 650i xDrive (N63N), 640i (N55) LCI, 640i xDrive (N55) LCI, 650i (N63N) LCI, 650i xDrive (N63N) LCI | G1 |
| F06 | Alpina B6 (N63N), Alpina B6 (N63N) LCI | no rear oil line listed |
| F06 | M6 (S63N), M6 (S63N) LCI | MSP/A |
| F07 | 535i (N55) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| F07 | 535i xDrive (N55) | OSP (09/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| F07 | 550i (N63) | OSP (09/2009-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-05/2012) |
| F07 | 550i (N63N), 550i xDrive (N63N), 535i (N55) LCI, 535i xDrive (N55) LCI, 550i (N63N) LCI, 550i xDrive (N63N) LCI | G1 |
| F07 | 550i xDrive (N63) | OSP (06/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-05/2012) |
| F10 | 528i (N20), 528i xDrive (N20), Hybrid 5 (N55), 528i (N20) LCI, 528i xDrive (N20) LCI, 535d (N57N) LCI, 535d xDrive (N57N) LCI, 535i (N55) LCI, 535i xDrive (N55) LCI, 550i (N63N) LCI, 550i xDrive (N63N) LCI, Hybrid 5 (N55) LCI | G1 |
| F10 | 528i (N52N) | OSP (06/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-08/2011) |
| F10 | 535i (N55), 550i (N63) | OSP (03/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| F10 | 535i xDrive (N55), 550i xDrive (N63) | OSP (09/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-06/2013) |
| F10 | M5 (S63N) | MSP/A |
| F12 | 640i (N55), 640i xDrive (N55), 650i (N63N), 650i xDrive (N63), 650i xDrive (N63N), 640i (N55) LCI, 640i xDrive (N55) LCI, 650i (N63N) LCI, 650i xDrive (N63N) LCI | G1 |
| F12 | 650i (N63) | OSP (03/2011-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-05/2012) |
| F12 | M6 (S63N), M6 (S63N) LCI | MSP/A |
| F13 | 640i (N55), 640i xDrive (N55), 650i (N63), 650i (N63N), 650i xDrive (N63), 650i xDrive (N63N), 640i (N55) LCI, 640i xDrive (N55) LCI, 650i (N63N) LCI, 650i xDrive (N63N) LCI | G1 |
| F13 | M6 (S63N), M6 (S63N) LCI | MSP/A |
| F15 | X5 sDrive35i (N55), X5 xDrive35d (N57N), X5 xDrive35i (N55), X5 xDrive40e (N20), X5 xDrive50i (N63N) | G3 |
| F16 | X6 sDrive35i (N55), X6 xDrive35i (N55), X6 xDrive50i (N63N) | G3 |
| F22 | 228i (N20), 228i (N26), 228i xDrive (N20), 228i xDrive (N26), 230i (B46), 230i xDrive (B46), M235i xDrive (N55), M240i xDrive (B58), 230i (B46) LCI, 230i xDrive (B46) LCI, M240i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F22 | M235i (N55), M240i (B58), M240i (B58) LCI | G1, MSP/A with the M Performance limited-slip differential |
| F23 | 228i (N20), 228i (N26), 228i xDrive (N20), 228i xDrive (N26), 230i (B46), 230i xDrive (B46), M235i xDrive (N55), M240i xDrive (B58), 230i (B46) LCI, 230i xDrive (B46) LCI, M240i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F23 | M235i (N55), M240i (B58), M240i (B58) LCI | G1, MSP/A with the M Performance limited-slip differential |
| F25 | X3 sDrive28i (N20), X3 xDrive28d (N47N), X3 xDrive28i (N20) | G1 |
| F25 | X3 xDrive28i (N52N) | OSP (12/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-03/2012) |
| F25 | X3 xDrive35i (N55) | OSP (12/2010-07/2011), G1 (07/2011-08/2017) |
| F26 | X4 (N55), X4 xDrive28i (N20), X4 xDrive35i (N55) | G1 |
| F30 | 320i (N20), 320i xDrive (N20), 328d (N47N), 328d xDrive (N47N), 328i (N20), 328i (N26), 328i xDrive (N20), 328i xDrive (N26), Hybrid 3 (N55), 320i (N20) LCI, 320i xDrive (N20) LCI, 328d (N47N) LCI, 328d xDrive (N47N) LCI, 328i (N20) LCI, 328i (N26) LCI, 328i xDrive (N26) LCI, 330i (B46) LCI, 330i xDrive (B46) LCI, 340i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F30 | 335i (N55), 335i xDrive (N55), 340i (B58) LCI | G1, MSP/A with the M Performance limited-slip differential |
| F30 | 330e (B48X) LCI | G1, OSP |
| F31 | 328d xDrive (N47N), 328i (N20), 328i xDrive (N20), 328d xDrive (N47N) LCI, 328i xDrive (N20) LCI, 330i xDrive (B46) LCI | G1 |
| F32 | 428i (N20), 428i (N26), 428i xDrive (N20), 428i xDrive (N26), 430i (B46), 430i xDrive (B46), 440i xDrive (B58), 430i (B46) LCI, 430i xDrive (B46) LCI, 440i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F32 | 435i (N55), 435i xDrive (N55), 440i (B58), 440i (B58) LCI | G1, MSP/A with the M Performance limited-slip differential |
| F33 | 428i (N20), 428i (N26), 428i xDrive (N20), 428i xDrive (N26), 430i (B46), 430i xDrive (B46), 440i xDrive (B58), 430i (B46) LCI, 430i xDrive (B46) LCI, 440i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F33 | 435i (N55), 435i xDrive (N55), 440i (B58), 440i (B58) LCI | G1, MSP/A with the M Performance limited-slip differential |
| F34 | 328i (N26), 328i xDrive (N20), 328i xDrive (N26), 335i xDrive (N55), 330i xDrive (B46) LCI, 340i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F36 | 428i (N20), 428i (N26), 428i xDrive (N20), 428i xDrive (N26), 430i (B46), 430i xDrive (B46), 435i xDrive (N55), 440i xDrive (B58), 430i (B46) LCI, 430i xDrive (B46) LCI, 440i xDrive (B58) LCI | G1 |
| F36 | 435i (N55), 440i (B58), 440i (B58) LCI | G1, MSP/A with the M Performance limited-slip differential |
| F39 | X2 (B48E), X2 xDrive28i (B46), X2 xDrive28i (B46D) | G3, HOC oil (hang-on clutch) |
| F39 | X2 sDrive28i (B46), X2 sDrive28i (B46D) | no rear oil line listed |
| F48 | X1 sDrive28i (B46) | no rear oil line listed |
| F48 | X1 xDrive28i (B46), X1 xDrive28i (B46D) LCI | G3, HOC oil (hang-on clutch) |
| F80 | M3 (S55), M3 (S55) LCI | MSP/A |
| F82 | M4 (S55), M4 GTS (S55), M4 (S55) LCI, M4 CS (S55) LCI | MSP/A |
| F83 | M4 (S55), M4 (S55) LCI | MSP/A |
| F85 | X5 M (S63R) | OSP, SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers) |
| F86 | X6 M (S63R) | OSP, SAF Carbon Mod (outer chambers) |
| F87 | M2 (N55), M2 (N55) LCI, M2 Competition (S55) LCI | MSP/A |
| F90 | M5 (S63M) | G4 |
| F91 | M8 (S63M) | G4 |
| F92 | M8 (S63M) | G4 |
| F93 | M8 (S63M) | G4 |
| F97 | X3 M (S58) | G4 |
| F98 | X4 M (S58) | G4 |
| G01 | X3 sDrive30i (B46), X3 sDrive30i (B46D), X3 xDrive30i (B46) | G3 |
| G01 | X3 xDrive30i (B46D) | no rear oil line listed |
| G01 | X3 xDriveM40i (B58) | G4 |
| G01 | X3 xDriveM40i (B58D) | G3, G4 |
| G02 | X4 xDrive30i (B46), X4 xDrive30i (B46D) | G3 |
| G02 | X4 xDriveM40i (B58) | G4 with M Sport differential |
| G02 | X4 xDriveM40i (B58D) | G3, G4 with M Sport differential |
| G05 | X5 (N63B) | G4 with M Sport differential |
| G05 | X5 sDrive40i (B58C) | G3 |
| G05 | X5 xDrive40i (B58C), X5 xDrive50i (N63M) | G3, G4 with M Sport differential |
| G06 | X6 (N63B), X6 xDrive40i (B58C) | G3, G4 |
| G06 | X6 sDrive40i (B58C) | G3 |
| G07 | X7 (N63B) | G4 with M Sport differential |
| G07 | X7 xDrive40i (B58C) | G3 |
| G07 | X7 xDrive50i (N63M) | G3, G4 with M Sport differential |
| G11 | 750i xDrive (N63R) | OSP in the parts catalog (BMW's oil table gives G1 or G3 for cars built 07/2011 to 02/2020) |
| G11 | 750i xDrive (N63B) LCI | G3 |
| G12 | 740e xDrive (B48X), 740i (B58), 740i xDrive (B58), 750i (N63R), 750i xDrive (N63R), Alpina B7 (N63R) | OSP in the parts catalog (BMW's oil table gives G1 or G3 for cars built 07/2011 to 02/2020) |
| G12 | M760i xDrive (N74B), 740i (B58C) LCI, 740i xDrive (B58C) LCI, 745e xDrive (B58X) LCI, 750i xDrive (N63B) LCI, Alpina B7 (N63B) LCI, M760i xDrive (N74L) LCI | G3 |
| G14 | 840i (B58C), 840i xDrive (B58C), M850i xDrive (N63B) | G4 with M Sport differential |
| G15 | 840i (B58C), 840i xDrive (B58C) | G4 with M Sport differential |
| G15 | M850i xDrive (N63B) | G3, G4 with M Sport differential |
| G16 | 840i (B58C), M850i xDrive (N63B) | G4 |
| G16 | 840i xDrive (B58C) | G3, G4 |
| G20 | 330i (B46D), 330i xDrive (B46D), M340i (B58D), M340i xDrive (B58D) | G3, G4 with M Sport differential |
| G29 | Z4 (B58D) | G4 with M Sport differential |
| G29 | Z4 sDrive30i (B46D) | G3, G4 with M Sport differential |
| G30 | 530e (B46X), 530e xDrive (B46X), 530i (B46), 530i (B46D), 530i xDrive (B46), 530i xDrive (B46D), 540d xDrive (B57), 540i (B58), 540i (B58C), 540i xDrive (B58), 540i xDrive (B58C), M550i xDrive (N63B), M550i xDrive (N63R) | G3 |
| G32 | 640i xDrive (B58) | G3 |
Service Parts at a Glance
| Oil | BMW number | Status |
|---|---|---|
| OSP, 1 L | 83 22 2 365 987 | current |
| MSP/A, 1 L | 83 22 2 365 988 | current |
| SAF-XJ, 3 x 0.5 L | 83 22 2 282 583 | current |
| G1, 3 x 0.5 L | 83 22 2 295 532 | current |
| 0.5 L | 83 22 2 413 511 | current |
| G3, 0.5 L | 83 22 2 413 512 | current |
| G4, 0.5 L | 83 22 2 447 362 | current |
| SAF Carbon Mod, 0.5 L | 83 12 0 445 832 | current |
| HOC oil, 850 ml | 83 22 2 413 513 | current |
Known Failure Points and Service Items
01 Lifetime oil
BMW bulletin 33 01 98 (327) says E31, E36 (not M3 or M Roadster), E38, E39 and E46 from 09/1997 use lifetime oil, with OSP for open differentials and MSP/A for locked ones when topping up.
Watch for a low level after any seal repair; that is the only oil work BMW describes for these cars.
02 SAF-XJ for E9x M3 and E82 M
BMW says only SAF-XJ is approved for these cars and the fill is 1.1 L.
Watch for other oils at a shop; BMW names none.
03 MSP/A in the Z3 with option 209
BMW's bulletin makes MSP/A mandatory and bars MSP oil in the Z3 Roadster with the limited-slip differential.
Watch for creaking noises after a wrong fill.
Common Questions
What oil goes in a BMW rear differential?
It depends on model and date: OSP up to the 2011 changeover, G1 or G3 after, MSP/A or SAF-XJ for limited-slip M cars.
Does a BMW differential need an oil change?
BMW says E31, E36, E38, E39 and E46 cars from 09/1997 do not, apart from topping up after a repair.
Can I add an additive to a BMW differential?
BMW says its final drives need no additives and it accepts no liability for their use.
What is G2 oil?
Hypoid Axle Oil G2, BMW number 83 22 2 413 511, is listed in the parts catalog only for the front differential of all-wheel-drive cars, not for the rear differential.
Sources
- BMW service information 33 01 96 (149), enclosures 1 to 16.
- BMW service information 33 01 98 (327), 33 02 95 (007) and the SAF-XJ bulletin.
- BMW parts catalog data to December 2019.
Now find the part.
Search by chassis or engine, or browse the whole catalog