Please advise what can I use instead of Texaco ETL 8072B

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by boqibama

Dex VI caused manual transmission problem, how it is related to Transfer case?

GM has only said Dex VI will work as a replacement for Dex III in older automatic transmissions, not manuals, and not transfer cases.

I went with Redline D4ATF.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Beating a dead horse here, but honestly for something that you do once every 30,000-50,000 miles I really don't see why buying the stuff BMW sells specifically for the car isn't the way to go, even if it costs you an extra $40.

I believe that BMW just specs Dex III for the transfer case, not a specific Esso or Texaco oil (like the used to for our X5 trannys, but do not do so anymore). I went with the highest quality Dex III I could get locally (Redline D4ATF).

[X5 Meister]

Hey John- I have the info somewhere of what it is, I don't recall off hand. My point is that like BMW synthetic engine oil, they also sell transfer case oil with a BMW assigned p/n. Rather than speculate what it is or isn't or what is a good alternative, I just don't see why people bother. Go to the dealer and get the juice and do the change. End of story don't you think?

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Hey John- I have the info somewhere of what it is, I don't recall off hand. My point is that like BMW synthetic engine oil, they also sell transfer case oil with a BMW assigned p/n. Rather than speculate what it is or isn't or what is a good alternative, I just don't see why people bother. Go to the dealer and get the juice and do the change. End of story don't you think?

If BMW reccommends Dex III for the transfer case, I feel no need to get ripped off by the dealer for something I can get anywhere. Also, why not buy a top quality (Group V base) Dex III instead?

For engine oil, the BMW web site has a list of approved oils. Again, why should I get ripped off at the dealer when I can buy one of the BMW approved oils just about anywhere (I use Mobile 1 0W-40). Also, the BMW oil is only Group III, whereas Mobile 1 is Group IV. I like getting a better oil, especially for the long run period.

BMW North America

[X5 Meister]

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.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

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.

I basically agree with this. If BMW recommends Dex III for the transfer case, I will use Dex III. I don't think that even BMW says that you must use BMW Dex III.

It is basically the same for the engine oil: they have an approved list, and I am using one of the oils on that list. The Mobile 1 is a real synthetic oil, while the BMW oil is not. If I can use a better oil for the same or less money, why wouldn't I?

What oil does BMW recommend for the x-drive transfer case?

[X5 Meister]

I didn't realize BMW synthetic engine oil wasn't a real synthetic?!

For x-drive they spec "BMW transfer case oil - TF 0870", they don't say what it is and I never bought it. Even Mike Miller states that there is no aftermarket substitute for it, and it definitely isn't Dexron III ATF. See below.

Originally Posted by John Galt

I basically agree with this. If BMW recommends Dex III for the transfer case, I will use Dex III. I don't think that even BMW says that you must use BMW Dex III.

It is basically the same for the engine oil: they have an approved list, and I am using one of the oils on that list. The Mobile 1 is a real synthetic oil, while the BMW oil is not. If I can use a better oil for the same or less money, why wouldn't I?

What oil does BMW recommend for the x-drive transfer case?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

I didn't realize BMW synthetic engine oil wasn't a real synthetic?!

It is a matter of interpretation. It is a real synthetic according to the court cases that went on years ago. It isn't a Group IV (PAO) base stock, which some call a 'real' synthetic. To me, it is a moot point since many oils from Group III and Group IV now meet the same specs, due to improvements in processing. I think the specs are more important than the process by which the oil was processed.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

I didn't realize BMW synthetic engine oil wasn't a real synthetic?!

It is a Group III, which in just about every other country in the world cannot legally be called a synthetic. Group III oils are pretty good, but since Group IV (real synthetic) oils are available for about the same money, I usually avoid Group III.

Here is a site with some good info on the differences:

What's In Your Motor Oil

[Albert100]

Hello guys!
Here I am.

Finally I've changed trans. fluid
I bought Conoco Phillips Dexron VI as said before and new filter with gasket.

Well what can I say... I'm happy.
At this stage were used 7 quarts of fluid and after 300 km I'll change it again to renew.
Below is small photoreport as promised.








Below is magnet. Also as you may see there some small metal dust on it.




I washed up pallet and put magnet back...