Leaky diff on an E46 318i?

Scuzi · 17 Jul 2006 at 20:45

Car: 1999 E46 BMW 318i SE

My mum has noticed spots of oil on the driveway underneath the rear of her car. I had a look and from my limited knowledge I think the differential is leaking. Am I right in saying that the box connecting the propshaft to the rear axle is the rear diff?
It's dripping oil and is covered in a layer of oil itself. Is this a big problem and if so what should be done? Can the car be driven in the meantime until an appointment with the mechanic is sorted?

What needs to be done and what sort of costs are involved?

I can get pictures if that helps.

Thanks

jon.bda · 17 Jul 2006 at 21:13

Thats the diff mate, if its the pinion seal it may be quite costly depending on your mechanic...

Scuzi · 17 Jul 2006 at 21:14

Here's some pics:

*Moangroan* · 17 Jul 2006 at 21:23

That bar that looks like it covers where the leak is coming from is that hiding another hex bolt.

Is it just leaking from hex/allen bolt...where it may be topped up...been in for a service lately

Is the bottom hex to empty diff and top one to top up/fill..

jon.bda · 17 Jul 2006 at 21:32

Thats the filler/level mate. It needs topping up until its running out of that hole with the bolt removed, then the bolt needs tightening up and sealing so it doesn't leak...can't remember offhand if theres a copper washer or anything behind the bolt though...defo not a big job for a mechanic though...

Scuzi · 17 Jul 2006 at 21:33

Yeah that bar is hiding another bolt, just like the one on the bottom. The leak appears to be coming from that bolt.

The last time the car was serviced was when it was bought in April.