Great video as always! I watch them all. I did a video on this a month ago and I also tried the Valvoline bags. I will agree it takes longer than a pump but I like the easier cleanup without having to deal with cleaning the pump hose so it isn't dripping on everything. I would argue the cost of a replacement cheap pump to toss is close to the extra convenience charge of the bag. Both options work and I love that the oil companies are slowly giving us more options.
Your video was excellent as well. You're doing great and your a better videographer than I am! Appreciate the kind words! Agree on the pump cleanup, mines in a bag with that awesome gear oil smell wafting from it.
I want to thank you for this video and product selections. I just did this project yesterday using the suggested pump. Easy peasy!! Thanks again. Your videos are very very helpful.
I believe proper fill is usually get the car flat and fill until it drops out, then don't place the fill plug until it finishes dripping. Im not certain on the z3 diff process I'll have to look up to confirm lol I watch a lot of m539 restorations and thats his process on other old BMWs. I believe he follows proper shop manuals. Another great video mark! Everyone should get all their fluids on these old cars up to date. It's only right!
Great video Mark! Thanks for the explanation of the different oil specs for the various differentials used in our Z3s. I can confirm that using the 75w90 oil in a 2000 non-M results in a whine when the oil is cold. Also, reusing crush washers, even if you sand them flat is risky. I had to replace ATF fluid an extra time because the crush washer sent with my service kit was the wrong size, so I sanded and reused the original. Leaked from the start. Also, to get more old oil out, lift the front or back opposite the drain plug higher, then level or lift the plug side higher to get more oil in. I believe level is fine, as the gears are bathed in oil during rotation. Too much oil may result in axle seal leaks.
First off; brilliant videos. I got my Z3, 3.0i a few months back and because there was very little service history I decided that it'd be best to check all the various wear points the Z's are known for and start from scratch. The M54 is a sweet engine but I'm discovering that here are quite a few areas to check out to maintain performance and reliability, but she pulls like a train. To my point. I changed both transmission and diff oils yesterday and what a difference it has made to smooth out gear changes. I opted for Red Line 75-110 for the diff and MT 90 for the gearbox. The oil plugs on both units were a pig to shift and had it nt been for you novel idea of using a wrench and trolley jack I'd have been there still trying to budge 'em - I guessed they were a tad tight when the rear end started to lift before finally looseneng! , I appreciate your enthusiasm and attention to detail. Bon chance from the S.W. of France.
@@CobraKyle The 75-110 works fine, as does the MT 90 for the box. For the engine I chose Mobil 1 5-30. Now completed several maintenance tasks to keep her running sweet; upgraded DISA valve flap (X8R); valve cover gasket and spark plugs; replaced Vanos oil feed (BMW); Fuel filter (MAHLE) MAF sensor (Hella); Air filter (MANN) PCV valve (Fibi-Bilstein). The PCV was a pig to install but well worth the effort for ventilation and emissions control. The Vanos system is running fine but X8R do refurb kits as and when.
Hello Mark, as always, it was again great fun to watch your informative and well done video with perfect explanations. One thing left to say: Never reuse crush washers. Saving a few cents at one point can cost you a lot in case of a failure of a used one. Greetings from Germany!
Thanks for the tutorial! Just changed mine with the 75W-140 Valvoline using the Slippery Pete pump. I took my time, but easy process. Wound up using about 1.4QTs for my 2000 2.3 manual. Used the 45 ft-lbs torque. Suggestions on cleanup for the pump to reuse for transmission fluid later? Just pump soapy water through it?
@johncagle3362 to tell the truth I can't remember what I did. Soapy water seems reasonable, although maybe pumping tranny fluid thru into a receptacle until the diff fluid is out might be easier.
I did mine as soon as I bought it with 85,000 miles... no idea of the history, so I baselined mine. It's a 97 1.9L open diff, and I used 75w90 Royal Purple with a pump... about a qt. The oil that came out looked really clean just like yours, but what the heck! Just get it done so I know it's done.
Thank you for all the videos. Great knowledge, and they saved me from tons of money. I have a 1.9 from 1997, and the VIN decoders both state that I have the S209 option. Are they trustworthy? I want to change the oil and I don't want to use the wrong one.
@@MomentofZed thank you for the fast reply. Is there an other way to get this info without opening the differential? Like from a diagnostic tool or something? I think I will trust the info and go for the 75W110
Now that 1 year has passed, are you good with the choice of fluid and how you filled (by lowering the front to allow slightly more than 1 qt)? Any new tips to provide? I am about to do mine 1998 Z3 2.8 Thank you.
Still happy, no issues. Many warned me about overfilling, haven't had a problem, but... if it's level and the new stuff drips out, I'd stop there next time.
Yes, the first one worked but did not give any rear diff. information. The second said that there as an problem and to try again in a couple of hours. But, I did get the information from you that the 2001 Z3 models have a Torsen rear diff., so I will go with that. I'm going to use Amsoil fluid at the correct viscosity with the LTD additive. Thanks again for all you do for us BMW Z3 lovers and owners!@@MomentofZed
Just curious, did you measure the amount of gear oil that you removed from the rear end? I was brought up that in some cases overfilling can cause more harm than good. Whoever did the last gear oil change got a little too excited with the task at hand... Like the old school torque wrench: Have you done a gauge variation check with a calibrated torque wrench? Nothing wrong with old school as long as the readings are accurate...
No to both! Thought about the first one after dumping the old oil. My position change literally bought me an extra ounce or so, hopefully not an issue.
@@MomentofZed I don't think an extra ounce or two of gear oil is going to hurt however I would have just left it on level ground to refill. One less step for Mark and mankind...
Actually too much is worse than too little. Can great more internal pressure and possibly force a seal leak. Slightly less is safer. Its a splash lubricating system
The 1.9s always had the open diff. Only the inline 6’s have the Torsen to limited slip.
Using a jack to break the bolts loose! First time I’ve seen anyone do this! Brilliant!
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Great video as always! I watch them all. I did a video on this a month ago and I also tried the Valvoline bags. I will agree it takes longer than a pump but I like the easier cleanup without having to deal with cleaning the pump hose so it isn't dripping on everything. I would argue the cost of a replacement cheap pump to toss is close to the extra convenience charge of the bag. Both options work and I love that the oil companies are slowly giving us more options.
Your video was excellent as well. You're doing great and your a better videographer than I am! Appreciate the kind words! Agree on the pump cleanup, mines in a bag with that awesome gear oil smell wafting from it.
I want to thank you for this video and product selections. I just did this project yesterday using the suggested pump. Easy peasy!! Thanks again. Your videos are very very helpful.
Glad to help! Thank you for the kind words and for watching!
Great. Now I have “clean differential cover “ envy!!!!
Yeah, mine was crusty prior to changing it as well.
I believe proper fill is usually get the car flat and fill until it drops out, then don't place the fill plug until it finishes dripping.
Im not certain on the z3 diff process I'll have to look up to confirm lol
I watch a lot of m539 restorations and thats his process on other old BMWs. I believe he follows proper shop manuals.
Another great video mark! Everyone should get all their fluids on these old cars up to date. It's only right!
Yeah I probably didn't need to for e in the extra ounce.
I'm also from New Brunswick Canada, I just bought a 1999 Z3 2.3 manual 2 weeks ago, compared to my 1999 Miata I sold this car is awesome
Welcome aboard and congrats on the new purchase !
Great video Mark!
Thanks for the explanation of the different oil specs for the various differentials used in our Z3s. I can confirm that using the 75w90 oil in a 2000 non-M results in a whine when the oil is cold.
Also, reusing crush washers, even if you sand them flat is risky. I had to replace ATF fluid an extra time because the crush washer sent with my service kit was the wrong size, so I sanded and reused the original. Leaked from the start.
Also, to get more old oil out, lift the front or back opposite the drain plug higher, then level or lift the plug side higher to get more oil in. I believe level is fine, as the gears are bathed in oil during rotation. Too much oil may result in axle seal leaks.
Thank you Steve! Good tips!
First off; brilliant videos.
I
got my Z3, 3.0i a few months back and because there was very little service history I decided that it'd be best to check all the various wear points the Z's are known for and start from scratch. The M54 is a sweet engine but I'm discovering that here are quite a few areas to check out to maintain performance and reliability, but she pulls like a train.
To my point. I changed both transmission and diff oils yesterday and what a difference it has made to smooth out gear changes. I opted for Red Line 75-110 for the diff and MT 90 for the gearbox. The oil plugs on both units were a pig to shift and had it nt been for you novel idea of using a wrench and trolley jack I'd have been there still trying to budge 'em - I guessed they were a tad tight when the rear end started to lift before finally looseneng! ,
I appreciate your enthusiasm and attention to detail. Bon chance from the S.W. of France.
Thank you so much and congratulations on the purchase!
How did the 75w110 work in your 3.0? I have the same engine and comparing rear diff fluids for changing mine.
@@CobraKyle The 75-110 works fine, as does the MT 90 for the box. For the engine I chose Mobil 1 5-30. Now completed several maintenance tasks to keep her running sweet; upgraded DISA valve flap (X8R); valve cover gasket and spark plugs; replaced Vanos oil feed (BMW); Fuel filter (MAHLE) MAF sensor (Hella); Air filter (MANN) PCV valve (Fibi-Bilstein). The PCV was a pig to install but well worth the effort for ventilation and emissions control. The Vanos system is running fine but X8R do refurb kits as and when.
Thank you for the great videos you offer for the enthusiasts of the most beautiful roadster in the world ❤
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
8:00 you can use a lowpro jack in place of the extra energy it takes to muscle off a too tight bolt
Hello Mark,
as always, it was again great fun to watch your informative and well done video with perfect explanations.
One thing left to say: Never reuse crush washers. Saving a few cents at one point can cost you a lot in case of a failure of a used one.
Greetings from Germany!
Thank so much for the kind words and good advice!
Thanks for the tutorial! Just changed mine with the 75W-140 Valvoline using the Slippery Pete pump. I took my time, but easy process. Wound up using about 1.4QTs for my 2000 2.3 manual. Used the 45 ft-lbs torque. Suggestions on cleanup for the pump to reuse for transmission fluid later? Just pump soapy water through it?
@johncagle3362 to tell the truth I can't remember what I did. Soapy water seems reasonable, although maybe pumping tranny fluid thru into a receptacle until the diff fluid is out might be easier.
I did mine as soon as I bought it with 85,000 miles... no idea of the history, so I baselined mine. It's a 97 1.9L open diff, and I used 75w90 Royal Purple with a pump... about a qt. The oil that came out looked really clean just like yours, but what the heck! Just get it done so I know it's done.
My thoughts exactly!
Thank you for all the videos. Great knowledge, and they saved me from tons of money. I have a 1.9 from 1997, and the VIN decoders both state that I have the S209 option. Are they trustworthy? I want to change the oil and I don't want to use the wrong one.
@@grave420hardcore while I don't guarantee anything done by someone else, I don't have any reason not to trust them. Thank you for the kind words!
@@MomentofZed thank you for the fast reply. Is there an other way to get this info without opening the differential? Like from a diagnostic tool or something?
I think I will trust the info and go for the 75W110
@grave420hardcore not sure I know the answer to be honest on the obd2 question
Took me a moment that the spare tire well has to be removed. What does this involve?
See my how to Playlist i made a video about that
ruclips.net/video/WbFy7_vOruA/видео.htmlsi=qqzwySJHsvEi-kZv
Now that 1 year has passed, are you good with the choice of fluid and how you filled (by lowering the front to allow slightly more than 1 qt)? Any new tips to provide? I am about to do mine 1998 Z3 2.8
Thank you.
Still happy, no issues. Many warned me about overfilling, haven't had a problem, but... if it's level and the new stuff drips out, I'd stop there next time.
Brilliant! Defo something I'd like to do in the future
Thanks and thank you for watching!
Hi Mark great to see your content..we have a 99 Z3 with the 2l 6 and we love it..keep up the fantastic vids kind regards...William
Thank you and thanks for watching!
BMW Z3 2.0 2.2 have a 168mm open diff unless u have the sport model in which case u have a torsen LSD 188mm
@swaranbains8326 appreciate that!
Glad to see my car on zed of the week 🙌🏻 Luis here
Glad you liked it! Thanks for submitting
How can I tell for sure if my 2001 3.0L Z3 rear diff is LTD or not?
Did you already try the vin decoders linked in the description?
Yes, the first one worked but did not give any rear diff. information. The second said that there as an problem and to try again in a couple of hours. But, I did get the information from you that the 2001 Z3 models have a Torsen rear diff., so I will go with that. I'm going to use Amsoil fluid at the correct viscosity with the LTD additive. Thanks again for all you do for us BMW Z3 lovers and owners!@@MomentofZed
@@Non-Artificial-Intelligence i think thats the smart way to go. Good luck with the work!
Would be nice to see a video on replacing the rear plastic window with a glass one of you haven’t done it already 👍🏼
Appreciate the suggestion! Trying like crazy to preserve mine cause I'm cheap!😄
Put in Amsoil 75W 140 on my 2001 3.0 and it's been shifting great 30K later. No one carries 75W 110 around me.
I think that the difference is negligible. Your better off with new oil a grade up or down than the old oil.
6cyl 2litre in uk. Is 75/80 bad?
Just curious, did you measure the amount of gear oil that you removed from the rear end? I was brought up that in some cases overfilling can cause more harm than good. Whoever did the last gear oil change got a little too excited with the task at hand...
Like the old school torque wrench: Have you done a gauge variation check with a calibrated torque wrench? Nothing wrong with old school as long as the readings are accurate...
No to both! Thought about the first one after dumping the old oil. My position change literally bought me an extra ounce or so, hopefully not an issue.
@@MomentofZed I don't think an extra ounce or two of gear oil is going to hurt however I would have just left it on level ground to refill. One less step for Mark and mankind...
@@jimmyk6336 fair point!
Actually too much is worse than too little. Can great more internal pressure and possibly force a seal leak. Slightly less is safer. Its a splash lubricating system
Had that mentioned a while back as well. Point taken, no harm so far to the seals, luckily.
perfect lunchtime video, thanks 👋
Glad you enjoyed it!
brilliant!
Thank you so much!
Glad i watched this beforehand as i picked up some 75w90 but i have a 00' 2.8 LSD M varient. 140 IT IS
Glad to help!