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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics N55 (M235i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning rear differential leak (Xdrive)

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      01-25-2019, 09:00 AM   #1
M235
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rear differential leak (Xdrive)

2016 M235i X-drive with a milage of 50,000km or 31,000 miles.

noticed an oil leak all over my rear differential, clearly both seals on each side are leaking . its not leaking to the point where its dripping on the floor but very noticeable all over the differential it self.

could it just be bad seals from the factory which i can deal with or is the differential on its way out ?

couldn't find any previous posts on this since its not a common problem... wondering if this happened to anyone before.
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      01-28-2019, 12:37 PM   #2
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Rear Axle Leak

Just had my engine oil changed...mechanic at BMW says the rear axle leak is a common issue...BMW quoted me $1400 for repair! I think I'll just refill the axle and see how quickly the gear oil leaks out!

Last edited by cybergym66; 01-28-2019 at 12:45 PM..
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      01-28-2019, 02:21 PM   #3
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My Mercedes (2002 C-class) axle weeped from the seals. I think the tech said it wasn't a mandatory or urgent repair.
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      01-28-2019, 02:32 PM   #4
M235
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Guys, im talking about the rear differential (N55)...... not Axels....
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      01-28-2019, 03:43 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M235 View Post
Guys, im talking about the rear differential (N55)...... not Axels....
yeah rear diff weeped in my Mercedes. you could wipe your finger on the bottom along center and get a finger tip full of grease - but mine hadn't gotten to the point of dripping.
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      01-28-2019, 03:53 PM   #6
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Yes same here scott.. not to the point of dripping. Now i get the fix is simple.. just a change out the seals, but i dont know how long its been there (most probably months) also ive been tracking the car... so im trying to figure out if my differential or transmission took a hard beating or not
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      01-29-2019, 07:01 AM   #7
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OK, just to clarify...It's my rear DIFFERENTIAL that is leaking, not my rear axle...still...BMW wants $1400 to replace seals.

Last edited by cybergym66; 01-29-2019 at 11:33 AM..
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      01-31-2019, 01:32 AM   #8
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I got it replaced under warranty but my car was making a weird howling noise and they ended up changing my differential because it was apparently completely empty of fluid or had metal shavings inside, I was told two different things but got the differential replaced under warranty. Never noticed a leak or anything but that's what they told me. Can't really comment on price cause it was a warranty repaid but I can say I'm someone else who probably had the same issue.
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      01-31-2019, 08:12 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cybergym66 View Post
OK, just to clarify...It's my rear DIFFERENTIAL that is leaking, not my rear axle...still...BMW wants $1400 to replace seals.

1400!!!!!!!!!!!!!! seals cost $10 each... how did you get charged 1400? that cant be for just diff seals
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      01-31-2019, 08:16 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mibikin View Post
I got it replaced under warranty but my car was making a weird howling noise and they ended up changing my differential because it was apparently completely empty of fluid or had metal shavings inside, I was told two different things but got the differential replaced under warranty. Never noticed a leak or anything but that's what they told me. Can't really comment on price cause it was a warranty repaid but I can say I'm someone else who probably had the same issue.

yeah im covered under warranty. can you explain the howling noise? and when you do hear it? (slow or high speeds)

im asking because i sometimes hear a howling sound as soon as i first drive off after the car has parked for a while, but then it goes away after a minute or so.
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      01-31-2019, 12:22 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M235 View Post
1400!!!!!!!!!!!!!! seals cost $10 each... how did you get charged 1400? that cant be for just diff seals
ESTIMATE!!! I didn't get it done...seems WAY too high (Quoted 6hrs to do work). I need to go to a Indy BMW shop who has the BMW specific tool to accomplish the work...tried my usual shop and they said they didn't have the right tool to do the work. Cost $10 to top off the Diff gear oil...I'll see how quickly I lose the gear oil.
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      01-31-2019, 03:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M235 View Post
yeah im covered under warranty. can you explain the howling noise? and when you do hear it? (slow or high speeds)

im asking because i sometimes hear a howling sound as soon as i first drive off after the car has parked for a while, but then it goes away after a minute or so.
My car was howling most noticeably between 30 and 50 mph. Above that it wasn't really noticeable
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      02-01-2019, 05:36 AM   #13
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Had both that and the transfer case go on GFs previous F30, they covered it under warranty / goodwill but it was not a cheap repair. Would have been close to $5K for both.
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