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Originally Posted by Clavurion
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That looks like a match, thanks! The page you linked says it's "fully synthetic" but available only at BlauParts and Amazon. I just checked Amazon, but only found Rock Oil (Gearaxl), Shell, AC Delco, and BMW Group brands stating "TF-0870". The only Ravenol brand stated "DTF-1". No idea if they're the same. Some mentioned "synthetic", but not "fully synthetic" so they might be dino/synth blends.
I then found this advertisement about "TF-0870" on BimmerWorld: "This fluid was previously called TF0870 but has been replaced with a re-branded version called DTF-1. Note that this fluid is for the transfer case manufactured by ATC and used in 2003+ xDrive models. AWD models prior to 2003 use a NV transfer case which takes standard ATF Dexron III oil. This is xDrive DTF-1 fluid manufactured by Rein Automotive - an original supplier to BMW for many engine components." I noticed that the Rein ad doesn't even mention if it's synthetic, much less fully synthetic. Moreover, when I zoomed in on a low-res pic of the container, it clearly said "first fill" which, at least in my experience, is often dino oil for break-in purposes.
BlauParts does list "Ravenol Transfer Case Fluid TF-0870 / DTF-1 1L" and also says it's "fully syhthetic", so we'll probably go with that. I still wish there was something more readily available locally (in North America for me; such as Redline, Valvoline, or the like).
EDIT #1: The correct Ravenol sku is J1C1125 for the fully synthetic ATC X-Drive transfer case oil, regardless of whether it's being called TF-0870 or DTF-1.
EDIT #2: The Rock Oil gearaxl TF-0870 (sku: IYK500010) is a fully synthetic spec'd for Land Rovers of same vintage, which I believe had the same ATC transfer cases (since BMW owned Land Rover at the time). It seems to be geared towards high-performance applications, it's surprisingly more readily available from US sources, but more expensive unless buying 2 at a time (sku: IYK500010K2; perhaps some Land Rovers needed 2 liters per vehicle?). It also meets BMW specs for the ATC 500 transfer case in our 2004 E53-LCI as well as the ATC 400 in our 2008 E83-LCI. We've just ordered this.
EDIT #3: I just found this: Redline MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4 Gear Oil. Redline's online description says "Popular in ... BMW X-Drive and other transfer cases calling for Shell TF0870." A local speed shop might even have it in stock!