Final drive fill bottle

Hi all,

I have two different brands of a plastic graduated fill bottle very similar to the one I've seen referenced in various maintenance tutorials. (They can be found at beauty supply stores, and I think BeemerBoneYard sells one.) I'd say they are pretty much the same when comparing the graduated markings. I then compared their measured volume with a Pyrex measuring cup, and found that the difference was about 10ml. If the Pyrex measuring cup is correct, then 180ml of oil measured using these plastic bottles would really be 190ml.

Now, I wouldn't normally get too worked up about 10ml (or even 20ml), but considering BMW thought it important enough to reduce the fill amount, I'm thinking it's kind of important to to get this right.

Has anyone else checked the graduated markings on these fill bottles for accuracy? I'm thinking of taking one into my local dealership and seeing if they will compare it to whatever they use to measure out the final drive oil.

--Jason

Actually, BMW reduced the specified fill downward from 230cc to 180cc, which on my calculator is a 50cc reduction.

If that's the case, then I probably won't worry about it.

Yep. You are right. The "new" initial fill is 200ml (with oil change at 180ml). That's probably where I came up with the 20ml difference. Thanks.

Alt fill

I find using a large syringe with a short length of tubing the
least messy and most accurate dispenser. Any veterinarian
can supply one. Don't forget to account for some fluid that will remain in the tubing.
Warming the oil helps for administering if you've low ambient temps.

Clear plastic bottle with a conical opening (like a restaurant ketchup bottle). Put six inches of clear tubing on it and squeeze slowly. I measured carefully the first time and marked the bottle fo future use.

I now just use the bottle to measure the amount, then pour that into a small funnel with tube attached to get the oil into the final drive. As already suggested, I also warmed up the oil the last time I changed the fluid; that sped up the process quite a bit.

My first attempt at just using the bottle was a small disaster... I won't be doing that again.

I use a Toomey irrigation tip syringe. It is 60cc's so I pour about 200cc's into a measuring cup and draw up 3 syringes @ 60cc's each and squirt them into the drive. I know exactly how much oil goes in.

http://www.amazon.com/Special-Pack-...qid=1419842314&sr=8-1&keywords=toomey+syringe

arbolmano said:

I find using a large syringe with a short length of tubing the
least messy and most accurate dispenser. Any veterinarian
can supply one. Don't forget to account for some fluid that will remain in the tubing.
Warming the oil helps for administering if you've low ambient temps.

Click to expand...

+1

arbolmano said:

I find using a large syringe with a short length of tubing the
least messy and most accurate dispenser. Any veterinarian
can supply one. Don't forget to account for some fluid that will remain in the tubing.
Warming the oil helps for administering if you've low ambient temps.

Click to expand...

^^^what he said^^^

I use the same gizmo (tech term) that I devised to fill front forks. It is an upside-down gear oil bottle with the bottom cut our, a length of tubing with a pointed fitting attached, and a wire bail from which to hang.

I measure the fluid, insert the pointed tip in the fill opening, pour in the measured fluid, and hang the gizmo above where the fluid goes.. A cup of coffee later the fluid has flowed to where I wanted it without the stress and spillage I always had with other methods.

I found 100cc syringes at some plant supply store on the internet. Try Googling for them.

I tried using an enema bag but the S__t went everywhere...

What I use:




Jim

jimvonbaden said:

What I use:

Jim

Click to expand...

At JVB's suggestion years ago, that is what I have been using. Inexpensive and works well.