Transfer case oil requirement

[X5 in AK]

I've been researching the oil requirements for the transfer case and have come up with slightly conflicting info.
There have been a couple of good threads about this subject, this one being the best I've found:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...=transfer+case

So some people say use the same BMW-Esso fluid that goes into the transmission, and others say use Dextron-III, and somebody said that BMW's recommended top-off oil is Dextron-III.

So here's my questions:

1. Does anybody have any good reliable info on what goes into the transfer case?
2. Is the tranny fluid bought from the BMW dealer clear colored (i.e. not red), meaning is it the same color as the stuff I bought from the VW dealer?

I just drained out my transfer case fluid, and it was red, indicating Dextron-III, as the replacement Esso fluid I bought for the transmission is clear (I got mine from the VW dealer as per the article on changing transmission fluid).


I have called several dealers around the country about this, and have gotten nowhere. Best responses are: Parts person at Crevier BMW didn't know what a transfer case was, she had to put me on hold to go ask somebody, and when she came back, she gave me a lecture about how everything was 'lifetime fill' . Another guy in at Motorwerks BMW in Minneapolis told me to put GL-5 differential oil in my transfer case !!! WTF?

Anyways, I put the Esso fluid into the transfer case for now, but I would sure like to know what is going on!!