2012 C63 diff oil change

[a1butch]

Hi all.

My C63 hunt continues and has led me to researching whether a missed limit slip diff oil change is something to worry about (no not your car Eddy )
Should I be?
Engine oil I guess is a different beast but this thought has cast my mind back to my old Z4M's 'running in service' at 2k an absolute necessity, else a. the warranty would be voided and b. the engine is likely to suffer.
I believe BMW M Sport cars used a thicker running in oil for the first 2k miles to bed the engine in, I'm assuming the same kind of logic applies to the C63 diff oil change?

 

[whitenemesis]

It would peak my curiosity as to what else might have been missed? Serviced on the cheap?

 

[a1butch]

It would peak my curiosity as to what else might have been missed? Serviced on the cheap?

My thoughts, but all the service history is on time, present and MB dealer/Specialists.

 

[J LAD]

Kevin at MB Wakefield always insisted that the rear diff oil be changed at every service!

 

[Simon_M]

The first diff change at 2000 miles was free so no idea why it would be missed. Wasn't always clear and some dealers knew nothing about it. But the manual clearly states it needs changing.

S

 

[njkmr]

I know a guy who had an Audi A8 and the diff service was missed several times.
It cost thousands to replace in the end when it went bang.
I wouldn't be happy buying a car that has missed a vital oil change to be honest, whether engine, diff or other.

 

[st13phil]

The plates in a clutch based LSD's have a finite life, and regular oil changes are required to make them last as long as possible. Has it had any of the subsequent scheduled oil changes (assuming it's covered sufficient mileage to make them due)?

Worst case scenario is that you end up having to service the diff prematurely, but that's pretty unlikely unless it's done mega miles without any oil changes.

 

[njkmr]

And seeing as the diff only holds a snatch full of oil , why not do it in the first place, neglect..!!

 

[ecain63]

Seeing as my car is on the block here too:

I bought my PPP C63 last December under the guidance that it had the LSD fitted from factory. There was a full service trail and also the important rear diff oil change done at 1050 miles. However!

Today has thrown a spanner!

The diff oil change was booked through MB Dartford. Confirmed again by phone today as having taken place on Nov 5th 2012 at 1053 miles. On digging a little deeper the service was actually carried out at the Milton Keynes site, which I believe is MBUK HQ?

Looking at the options list my car does not have option 471, the AMG rear locking differential. But, it did have the LSD oil change and I am sure it was shown on the paperwork at some point.

Milton Keynes customer service have acknowledged the service as being only applicable to the cars (C63 and E63) with 471 option codes. They can confirm my car had this work done but no code. Could the diff have been fitted at Milton Keynes?

The car was apparently an HQ Fleet car at first registration. Maybe it had some extras that were not listed???

Having had a non diff PPP before I can tell this one has a diff. But there is no concrete proof. I have found a guy who had an E63 with no 471 but did have the factory diff. Is this just a weird anomaly. Customer services are looking into it for me but it's a tad frustrating.

 

[V8andTurbos]

What the general consensus on how often the diff oil should be changed and does this vary if a quaife has been fitted?

 

[ecain63]

The AMG LSD has a service interval of something like 100k miles. It's plated so will eventually wear. The Quaife item is geared and is literally a 'fit and forget' item. No service needed.

 

[JDL60]

Likely been covered on here before but will fitting a Quaife have any affect on your MB warranty...or is it something to fit when the warranty expires?

 

[st13phil]

The only effect would be that the MB warranty on the diff is voided, but as the Quaife has a lifetime warranty of its own most don't see that as a problem.

 

[alexpez]

I've spoken to Sytner Bristol and Sinclair Cardiff about a retrofit of the 471, and both said they wouldn't do it (AMG quite happy to do so, but require a 1500 mile round trip and a few days with the car).

Would be interested to know if someone has been carrying out this work.

 

[ecain63]

I asked Brooklands about this when I had my first C63. They wouldn't do it either.