Front Differential Leak on 2006 330xi

Hi All,
Just bought my first BMW. It is a 2006 330xi manual with 53,000 miles. It comes with a 72-hour 100% return policy from a large non-BMW dealer. I need to make a quick decision on whether to keep it or not . I had my mechanic take a look at it (he is not a BMW mechanic) and the only thing that seems amiss was a small leak on the left front axle seal at the differential. He described it as a leak that is a 5 to 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. It is not pooling on the ground under the car but has developed a build up of "gunk" on the bottom of the differential. Is this a common problem? Has anyone had a similar situation?

It has just come off the BMW warranty and I by random chance know the previous owner. Car was maintained very well and not driven recklessly.

I plan on taking it to a local independent shop for a check up to be sure I am not sitting on a ticking time bomb.

Thanks for your feedback!

I have a 2007 328xi that had a similar leak, but mine was the front "pinion seal". Relatively cheap and quick fix to replace that seal. I'm not sure I would return the car over this...Then again, your repair may not be exactly the same as mine so WTF do I know! lol

//Brew

Originally Posted by NatiBimmer

Hi All,
Just bought my first BMW. It is a 2006 330xi manual with 53,000 miles. It comes with a 72-hour 100% return policy from a large non-BMW dealer. I need to make a quick decision on whether to keep it or not . I had my mechanic take a look at it (he is not a BMW mechanic) and the only thing that seems amiss was a small leak on the left front axle seal at the differential. He described it as a leak that is a 5 to 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. It is not pooling on the ground under the car but has developed a build up of "gunk" on the bottom of the differential. Is this a common problem? Has anyone had a similar situation?

It has just come off the BMW warranty and I by random chance know the previous owner. Car was maintained very well and not driven recklessly.

I plan on taking it to a local independent shop for a check up to be sure I am not sitting on a ticking time bomb.

Thanks for your feedback!

Originally Posted by NatiBimmer

It has just come off the BMW warranty and I by random chance know the previous owner. Car was maintained very well and not driven recklessly.

I plan on taking it to a local independent shop for a check up to be sure I am not sitting on a ticking time bomb.

A little gear lube is bound to leak eventually; it's not unusual to see a bit of "gunk" on diffs. As long as it's not a constant it's probably ok; but you need to have it checked every oil change (easy since they're in the same place.) The front diff holds only about 1.5 PINTS of oil IIRC, so you can't afford to lose much.

FYI, the front diff on my '01 330xi was a $1,700 part, with another $700 labor to replace. It would be well worth it to have the seals replaced especially if the rubber CVJ boots are in need of replacement.

Originally Posted by NatiBimmer

.... small leak on the left front axle seal at the differential.

Pic?

I had a local independent BMW shop take a look. Confirmed the same leak- front diff at left seal. They quoted me $315 and some change. They said it was not a big deal and to have it serviced at the 60,000 checkup in 6,500 miles. Looks like the dealer is willing to work with me on the price. I think she is a keeper! Just want to get all maintenance up to par so I can drive relatively worry free. I plan to post a picture for future reference on the site. Thanks for all the feedback.

Cheers,

Hi Brew

I just got my 328xi diagnosed with the same front differential pinion seal leak. Is it a hard job to do it by myself?

Best,

Good question... I don't personally know. I paid my indy to do it.