BMW 1500, 1502, 1600, 1602, 1802, 2002, E10/E20 (USA)

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 1500, 1502, 1600, 1602, 1802, 2002, E10/E20 (USA) models utilize differential fluid with a capacity range of 0,8 to 0,95 liters. Service intervals require a check every 12 months. The data covers 12 configurations.

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

TypeSpecifications
  • 1502 (1974-1976)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • 1502 (1974-1976)
  • Rear, limited slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,9-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • Code: ZF S40, S75
  • 1802 (1971-1975)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • 1802 (1971-1975)
  • Rear, limited slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,9-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • Code: ZF S40, S75
  • 2002 tii (1971-1975)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • 2002 tii (1971-1975)
  • Rear, limited slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,9-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • Code: ZF S40, S75
  • 2002 Ti (1968-1971)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • 2002 Ti (1968-1971)
  • Rear, limited slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,9-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • Code: ZF S40, S75
  • 2002/2002A (1968-1975)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • 2002/2002A (1968-1975)
  • Rear, limited slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,9-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • Code: ZF S40, S75
  • 1600-2/1602 (1966-1971)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,8-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • 1600-2/1602 (1966-1971)
  • Rear, limited slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,9-0,95 liter
  • Check 12 months
  • Code: ZF S40, S75

Additional Notes

  • Across all listed variants of the BMW 1500, 1502, 1600, 1602, 1802, 2002, and E10/E20 series, the rear differential fluid capacity is specified as a range rather than a single fixed value. The standard rear differential holds between 0.8 and 0.95 liter, while the limited-slip differential version holds a slightly narrower range of 0.9 to 0.95 liter. A capacity expressed as a range typically reflects the difference between a drain-and-refill service fill and the unit's total overhaul capacity, with the lower figure representing the minimum acceptable level and the upper figure the full service fill point.
  • The limited-slip differential variants across all listed models carry a minimum fill value of 0.9 liter, compared to 0.8 liter for the open rear differential. The tighter range in the limited-slip unit reflects the more precise fluid volume requirements of a clutch-pack or cone-type limited-slip mechanism, where underfilling can accelerate wear on the friction elements.
  • All twelve rows share an identical service interval: a fluid level check every 12 months under normal use conditions. A 12-month check interval for a rear differential is a time-based schedule rather than a mileage-based one, meaning the interval applies regardless of how many kilometers or miles have been accumulated within that period.
  • The 2002 Ti, produced from 1968-1971, and the 2002 tii, produced from 1971-1975, are listed as separate variants despite sharing the same differential fluid capacities. The Ti used a twin-carburetor engine while the tii used mechanical fuel injection, yet neither distinction affects the rear differential fluid specification, which remains 0.8-0.95 liter for the open unit and 0.9-0.95 liter for the limited-slip unit in both cases.
  • The 2002/2002A variant covers the longest production span among the listed models, from 1968-1975. The 2002A designation refers to the automatic transmission version of the 2002, yet the rear differential fluid specifications are identical to the manual-transmission 2002, with the same 0.8-0.95 liter open differential capacity and 0.9-0.95 liter limited-slip capacity.
  • The 1600-2/1602 production years of 1966-1971 represent the earliest model years in the listed specifications. Despite the age of the platform, the rear differential fluid capacity figures are consistent with all later variants in the lineup, indicating a shared rear axle unit across the E10 body family.
  • All specifications are designated for normal use conditions only. No severe-use or alternative interval data appears for any of the listed variants, meaning the 12-month check interval and the stated capacity ranges apply solely under standard operating conditions as defined by the manufacturer.

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