Z4M Fluid Maintenance

[bosstones]

I still have to swap my diff fluid, too. Aside from the fluid/oil, you'll need replacement plugs (fill and drain) since the washers are part of them and are one time use.

Also, you'll want a stubby hex driver for the fill plug since it is a bit tight to get to.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by bosstones

I still have to swap my diff fluid, too. Aside from the fluid/oil, you'll need replacement plugs (fill and drain) since the washers are part of them and are one time use.

Also, you'll want a stubby hex driver for the fill plug since it is a bit tight to get to.

Thanks! Any sources for ordering these parts? I'm hoping to source the diff fluid from Diffsonline.com

[elerner61]

I bought my stubby driver(s) from here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Short-Hex-To...609125&vxp=mtr

[jmillet]

Not a good idea to put 1/2 Redline D4ATF & 1/2 Redline 75w140NS Gear Lube in your transmission.
I suggest either Red Line D4ATK or MTL or 50/50 MTL and MT-90.

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Thanks! Any sources for ordering these parts? I'm hoping to source the diff fluid from Diffsonline.com

No prob. I don't contribute much to the forum, but try where I can.

For the fluid, I just went w/ the OE from a dealership + CCA discount.

I ordered the plugs from Tischer when I ordered a few other parts. They still have stock, but Pelican has them for cheaper (not that they are uber expensive to begin with). I'd check what they cost at a local dealer. Since the parts aren't very expensive, paying for shipping might make it more expensive than get it from a dealership. http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...5-064-M58#tab5

I ordered my stubby hex driver from Snap-On.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by bosstones

No prob. I don't contribute much to the forum, but try where I can.

For the fluid, I just went w/ the OE from a dealership + CCA discount.

I ordered the plugs from Tischer when I ordered a few other parts. They still have stock, but Pelican has them for cheaper (not that they are uber expensive to begin with). I'd check what they cost at a local dealer. Since the parts aren't very expensive, paying for shipping might make it more expensive than get it from a dealership. http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...5-064-M58#tab5

I ordered my stubby hex driver from Snap-On.

Thanks, that is very helpful.

[KevinM]

Ready to change the transmission and diff fluids!

[Punisher3.0si]

You won't have to take turns to distribute the diff oil on these cars. That's only for cars with solid rear axles so the oil can get all the way down the tube to the wheel bearings. Z4s only came with IRS.

[Vanne]

Great thread!!

[MeisterS]

Originally Posted by biped

Transmission Oil
Volume : 1.5 litres
Suggested Interval :

Recommended :
Catrol MTF-LT-2 PN # 83 22 0 309 031

Options :
Amsoil 5w30 Manual Syncromesh
Amsoil 75w90 MTF
1/2 Redline D4ATF & 1/2 Redline 75w140NS Gear Lube.
Royal Purple
Pentosin MTF2

Parts :
Screw Plug with Gasket Ring PN # 23 11 7 531 356

FYI- its 1.8L and not 1.5L

[robertd33]

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/ca...drive35is.html
other model info available on the same site

[coh661]

Got my 8 mm stubby from Amazon. Pretty cheap and worked well.

Williams 35608 3/8-Inch Drive Impact Hex Bit Stubby Driver, 8mm, 1-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YRAORG..._LWGrxbXMNH76K

[kaybat]

Just did my Diff(M)with this

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=134&pcid=4

so far so good.

[RobMCoupe]

Purchase a stubby hex socket for the transmission fill plug. The plug is aluminum and stripped easy if not seat completely in the plug.

I"vie been using Amsoil 75w-90 MTF and Liqui Moly oil for engine and diff with no issue.

[Zed4Em]

This thread is super helpful. Thank you!

Taking delivery of my 06 Z4MR this week (34K miles). PPI showed rear diff oil seal leak, so that will be the very first thing I will ask my indy shop to take care of, and top off new differential fluids.

Would it make sense to do transmission fluid flush as well in one swoop?

And besides engine oil change - which I plan to do myself - which of the following are high priority, while others can wait until next spring? (This will be a 3-season weekend car; will at most drive 3000 miles per year) Is there anything on this list that I can try to DIY?

- Brake fluid flush
- Power steering fluid flush
- Coolant flush
- Valve adjustment

Many thanks!

[mousitch]

Valves and brakes if no docs of inspection one being done

[Zed4Em]

Originally Posted by mousitch

Valves and brakes if no docs of inspection one being done

Appreciate the quick reply! Will prioritize brake fluids and valve adjustment.

Is there any other maintenance items I should add to the list? (besides engine and cabin air filters)

Thanks again

[elerner61]

Adjusting the valves isn’t technically hard, but it’s rather time consuming and not for the faint of heart. There are videos out there that are very good. If you have a mechanic do it, go with a BMW specialist, someone that has done many of them (on S54 motors specifically) and can do it in their sleep.

Brake, transmission, and diff fluid swaps are easy DIY jobs. You’ll need a stubby 8mm hex socket for the transmission fill though. You should also check condition of the belts. If no records on when last changed you should DIY those as well, they’re relatively quick and easy.

[maupineda]

I would not let anyone but me touch the engine for something as simple as a valve adjustment ñ. There are more ignorants calling themselves specialists that would do more harm than any educated DIYer