John I understand what you are saying, and you are not incorrect. My only point is that for something that gets changed so infrequently and requires so little fluid (0.5 liters) I do not see the benefit of buying anything other than the factory recommended fluid which for 1.0 liter will run you $35 on an $80,000 car.

BTW, technically BMW specs different oil for the transfer case of x-drive versus non x-drive cars. Which in the case of x-drive is not Dexron III ATF.

As far as engine oil is concerned, BMW synthetic with discount runs me virtually the same price as any other their other approved choice.