anyone ever use Valvoline transfer fluid in X drive?

[kevinkay]

OF course I didnt read all the "fine print" until AFTER the job was done.

I know there is "special" BMW transfer case fluid for 04, X drive that I used the last time. This time the guy at parts store said "its all the same...." and sold me Valvoline Transfer case fluid, its red and reading it - it seems like its ATF dex/merc fluid. Can't call Valvline, there closed today so I am leaving the car parked in the driveway until I know if I am OK or I need to change it??

THANKS!

[ix&x5]

The right stuff from BMW is SAE 75w GL-4. IT's a gear oil that's safe for bronze bushings, spiral cut and bevel gears not anywhere the same as transmission fluid. I did not want to mess with putting "red" transmission fluid in it so i went to the dealer for the right stuff at $48 for a liter. It took all of it but a tablespoon. They can look up what is speced at the front counter and see that the two are not "all the same".

[jdstrickland]

I have a Bentley manual for the 330xi, and there's no information about the specification of the t-case fluid.

[kevinkay]

Thanks for the replies.
Just needed some re-assurance that I screwed up.
the car will sit until I change it to the $50 stuff.
And I should clarify the parts guy who said they are all the same was Advanced Auto, not BMW.

[ix&x5]

My 2005 325xi takes dexron and is not x-drive.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by kevinkay

Thanks for the replies.
Just needed some re-assurance that I screwed up.
the car will sit until I change it to the $50 stuff.
And I should clarify the parts guy who said they are all the same was Advanced Auto, not BMW.

Why not crack the drain bolt now and let it sit draining until you get the correct fluid?

Also.. Have you got a running DIS setup, so you can reset the oil wear adaptations in the VTG module? While many folk don't perform this (required) step, those who have done so indicate a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of the transfer case operation.

[kevinkay]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Why not crack the drain bolt now and let it sit draining until you get the correct fluid?

VERY GOOD IDEA!

Also.. Have you got a running DIS setup, so you can reset the oil wear adaptations in the VTG module? While many folk don't perform this (required) step, those who have done so indicate a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of the transfer case operation.

Yes, did that last time - and will prob. take me hours on where I found it the first time

THANKS!

[bcredliner]

I think best practice is to use OEM or OE fluids in transmissions, diffs and transfer cases. The cost of fluids is cheap compared to potential repairs that "might" result from other options.

[g300d]

Hmmm, I did fluids for both and IIRC the older pre-facelifts use ATF, Dexron 3, and the Xdrives use a special fluid.

I'd go OE or equivalent, and there was no equivalent for the Xdrive fluid at the time so I went OE.

It was expensive but it's only a quart and not often.

[kevinkay]

Original poster here-
I did get the $50. BMW fluid, but I think there is an alternative, (about $30.)
RAVENOL J1c1125 Transfer Case Fluid Tf-0870 - Full Synthetic 1 Liter