E53 and quickjack.

[StevenG]

Originally Posted by Overboost

That is one of the advantages of having the QJ. You have the room underneath to fix any and all leaks and the ability to clean things.

Your fluid change will be a snap once in the air. In a half a day, you can have all those fluids changed properly.

If you have X Drive, don't forget to reset the clutch adaptations on the transfer case after you change the oil. Use TF 0870 oil.

I am almost ready with fluids and parts. I have:
3 quarts of redline 75W90 for both differentials
1 litre BMW OEM DTF1 p/n 83 222 2 409 710 for transfer case
1 gasket kit by Meyle, filter, gasket and bolts for GM transmission.
I thought I would go with Valvoline Max Life ATF but now I’m debating if I should instead go with FEBI Bilstein, or maybe Liqui Moly? (I’ve also considered going to a GM dealer to see what they have for Dexron 6.) I am planning to replace filter and fluid in the transmission, drive for a bit and do another fluid change. I withdrew a small amount of fluid from the transmission and it is dark brown but it doesn’t smell burned. It has 109,000 miles and the transmission has never been serviced - but luckily I have had no issues with it so far, still shifts well so all of this is preventive maintenance.
BTW my X5 is a 2005 July production model.
As per adaptation of transfer case I knew about it but haven’t yet figured out how I will do that. So far I have used an old car soft diagnostic program but it is not bulletproof.
I saw pics of your E46 and it reminds me of my 2002 330ic with 5 speed and factory M package that I sold 2 years ago but that’s another story.
I appreciate your input and if you or anyone else has any more comments or helpful hints that would be great. All of my BMWs current and past were manuals except for my 95 E34 which is a GM automatic and which I serviced many years ago.
Thanks.