X-Drive diff and transfer case oil change time?

[kvc]

I am also curious as to why adaptations must be programmed after the transfer case fluid change. What exactly does this do?

[Roman D]

BUMP!
Guys, really, what does the "Adaptations" reset do and how to perform it?

[davewlee]

use DIS software

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Roman D

BUMP!
Guys, really, what does the "Adaptations" reset do and how to perform it?

Here's a direct link to a 2012 discussion of the same topic...and it includes info about resetting the xDrive adaptation reset: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...xperience.html

[Qsilver7]

Oops...double post

[Skier1]

I originally changed my oil at 130,000 kms and it was fairly clean, never reset my adaption. I have just changed it again at 200,000 kms and was clean as. Once again never reset my adaptions. Cant see any issues as yet !!

[cn90]

Originally Posted by kvc

I am also curious as to why adaptations must be programmed after the transfer case fluid change. What exactly does this do?

I personally think the BMW engineers, in their wisdom after having a few beers and bratwursts, theorize that the "old" fluid becomes "more liquidy" after ___ miles. The new fluid is supposedly "tighter".

As the car is driven the computer gets used to old liquidy fluid.

So when one puts a tighter fluid in, the computer needs to be reset for the new tighter fluid.

All nice in theory. In reality, it is a worthless idea, IMHO...

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by cn90

...theorize that the "old" fluid becomes "more liquidy" after ___ miles. The new fluid is supposedly "tighter".

As the car is driven the computer gets used to old liquidy fluid.

So when one puts a tighter fluid in, the computer needs to be reset for the new tighter fluid.

All nice in theory. In reality, it is a worthless idea, IMHO...

This theory I presume is also used in other areas where BMW has engineered/designed adaptive behaviors...where after critical work is performed...a reset is recommended for the way clutches or similar engineering designs have adjusted to wear over time. See example below:

For example, the hydraulic transmission pressure adaptations...BMW suggests a reset after work on the valve bodies, or transmission change, or software update. Obviosly, adaptive engineering should compensate for any changes...but a quick reset after specific type of work performed probably is recommended for a quicker outcome.

My opinion as to the importance of a reset procedure hinges on the wording...when I see "recommended" or "suggested" or "mandatory"...those or key "guide" words for me.

[kvc]

So basically, the adaptation process is designed to make any required adjustment/s for wear on components such as clutch plates in the X-Drive transfer case? It's interesting to read that some owners could even 'feel' the difference after having reset adaptations, or so they believe.
I'm still waiting on the arrival of my programming software from the Romanian seller. I'll have a go at this process when it comes and after I've read enough to feel some level of confidence doing this. I'm still very 'old school' when it comes to maintaining vehicles and get a bit apprehensive when it comes to plugging in a laptop to my car to change things...