Anyone know the proper way to do a Transfer Case Fluid change on 4.4i?

[coachelladoug]

I've tried doing searches for transfer case fluid changes, but found no info.

Anyone know the proper way to do a Transfer Case Fluid change on 4.4i?
Is it just drain, refill, done. Or, drain 2nd time, refill 2nd time, and done? or redo 3 times. Seen many videos online, but none for an X5.

[cncmastr]

Sorry, I should have read what you wrote, you asked for TC and not diff.

[TriX5]

Note: for the post face lift e53 you need special snake oil which you can get at the dealer or ECS tuning. Also, once you flush the TC on the x-drive you need to reset the adaptation values in the computer. A search on here will disclose the procedure.

I just got some fluid for the TC and the gear box but haven't done the fluid change yet.

[coachelladoug]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the additional info. Although, I did not find specific info on how-to change the transfer case fluid, I did find that many here recommend doing a reset of the transfer case computer.
Which, can only be done at a BMW dealer or an Indy that would have the proper software.

More info here: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...uid-diy-2.html

Any of you have done the TC fluid change without doing a reset? If yes, how many miles ago?

It seems that reseting is highly recommended as the TC will re-learn based on the new fluid viscosity, etc.

Depending on your answers, I guess I won't be DIY my TC Case, and leave that for the dealer. Maybe I can get a discount since I already have the fluid from ECS Tuning.

[SlickGT1]

I am thinking of attempting it this weekend. I'll let you know. I still have access to a GT1, and know the instructions for adaptation reset.

[coachelladoug]

You are more than half way there. I stopped after I read that a BMW computer is needed to reset the TC.

I hope to hear from others who did their transfer case, without any reset, and have been driving for more than 25K miles.

[ThalliumZA]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

I am thinking of attempting it this weekend. I'll let you know. I still have access to a GT1, and know the instructions for adaptation reset.

SlickGT1, I am also thinking about doing this myself. also, the drain plug is a 16mm bolt at the back of the x-drive unit, not at the bottom or sides.

Good Luck, I would be keen to know how you did the reset with GT1

I agree with JCL, and I also worry about long term effects from not resetting the TC.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by ThalliumZA

SlickGT1, I am also thinking about doing this myself. also, the drain plug is a 16mm bolt at the back of the x-drive unit, not at the bottom or sides.

Good Luck, I would be keen to know how you did the reset with GT1

I agree with JCL, and I also worry about long term effects from not resetting the TC.

I'll make a how to. I took screen pics from GT1 already.

[Phr3d]

congrats on the post, SlickGT1! (kilopost)

[SlickGT1]

I plan on doing it without the reset. Driving it around. Then doing the reset, and checking the values after some time to compare. I have a feeling this won't change. If you look at the transfer case actuator, the plug on it has two wires. I bet there are other sensors, but I doubt it will make much difference as long as the oil difference wasn't huge.

If you think about it, it is supposed to take less than a quart. If it comes out like sludge, then yea values might change. If it comes out with similar viscosity, I doubt there will be a difference.

I just can't figure out where the damn drain plug is on the X drive transfer case. I have the Bentley manual, and it not only lacks info on the 4.8is, it also doesn't have legitimate instructions on changing it. Almost seems like the drain and fill are the same bolt, and you have to suck the old fluid out.