BMW 1 series, E82 (USA)

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 1 series, E82 (USA) differential fluid specifications cover differential fluid with a capacity range of 1 to 1.2 liters. The data includes 8 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • M Coupé (2011-2013)
  • Rear, with differential lock
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • 135i, N55 (2010-2013)
  • Rear, as of 07/2011
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • 135i, N55 (2010-2013)
  • Rear, up to 07/2011
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • 128i, N51 (2008-2013)
  • Rear, as of 07/2011
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • 128i, N51 (2008-2013)
  • Rear, up to 07/2011
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • 128i, N52 (2007-2013)
  • Rear, as of 07/2011
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • 128i, N52 (2007-2013)
  • Rear, up to 07/2011
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • 135i, N54 (2007-2010)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: 215LW

Additional Notes

  • The BMW 1 Series E82 (USA) rear differential fluid capacity splits along engine lines, with the 128i variants holding 1 liter and the 135i variants along with the M Coupé holding 1.2 liters.
  • The 128i equipped with the N51 engine, covering model years 2008-2013, carries a 1-liter rear differential capacity for both the pre-07/2011 and post-07/2011 unit designations, indicating a consistent fill volume across the production date boundary.
  • The N52-engined 128i, spanning 2007-2013, shares the same 1-liter rear differential capacity as the N51 variant, and likewise maintains that figure across both the up-to-07/2011 and as-of-07/2011 differential specifications.
  • The July 2011 production date serves as a dividing point for differential unit identification on both 128i engine variants, yet the fluid capacity remains unchanged at 1 liter on either side of that date.
  • The 135i with the N54 engine, covering 2007-2010, specifies a 1.2-liter rear differential capacity, which is 20 percent greater than the capacity listed for the 128i configurations.
  • The N55-powered 135i, spanning 2010-2013, also carries a 1.2-liter rear differential capacity, and like the 128i, the specifications distinguish between pre-07/2011 and post-07/2011 differential units without any change to the fill volume.
  • The M Coupé, covering 2011-2013, specifies a 1.2-liter rear differential capacity specifically for the variant equipped with a differential lock, placing it in the same capacity class as the 135i configurations rather than the 128i.
  • All eight rows across the E82 lineup carry a normal use condition, meaning none of the rear differential fluid capacities listed are associated with a severe-duty or first-fill-only service distinction.

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