New Member with Maintenance Questions (60,000mi)

[Whammy]

Hello all,

My wife has a '13 X5 Xdrive 35i (N55 motor). As of late, I've wanted to learn more about the platform because I am starting to service it. I have an '03 E46 ZHP that I drive during the summer and a '03 4Runner for winter duties. So, I'm not new to BMW vehciles. My wife's X5 is at 60,000mi. I have already changed the oil this past weekend but need to do a bit more work. From what I can tell, here is what I think needs to be done:

Spark Plugs -ZR5TPP33S
Air Filter - 13717571355
Accessory Belt - 11287628659
Diff Fluid - 07512293972

Is there anything I am missing from the maintenance work?

Also, while performing a little bit of research, I found a video which shows how to change the spark plugs (though it was a bit of a reverse video). Has someone written a thread about changing the spark plugs on the N55 motor?

Thanks for the help!

[garagelogician]

I'm only familiar with the diesel M57 engine (and even with that I'm a noob)...so I can't really comment on anything engine specific.

That said, most people recommend dropping the transmission pan/valve body and replacing the seals/sleeves at 60k miles. More info here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCvmdo1bLLw

Changing out the fluid in the front and rear diffs is also a good idea. There is no drain, so you have to suck it out and fill with new. Not perfect, but better than leaving it in there. BMW says it is lifetime, but those of us who keep vehicles beyond their warranty/lease period know better.

Have you had the front driveshaft inspected/replaced yet?

[Whammy]

@garagelogician, what are the reasons for dropping the pan and replacing the seals/sleeves? Are there known issues with the transmission?

In looking at the TIS guides, it looks like the front has a drain plug, but the rear does not: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...fferential+oil (see the first two links on the search result).

And yes, the driveshaft was replaced under recall.

[MadJap]

I strongly recommend adding these three tasks to your 60k mile service.

Water pump / thermostat replacement - our electric water pumps are known to go out as early as 60k miles. You want to do this before if quits on you and strands you on the side of the road.

Transmission filter and fluid change - BMW states it's a lifetime fluid. That's BS. ZF, the manufacturer of these transmissions recommend 60k service.

Tension strut and sway bar link replacement on the front end - surprisingly, these parts wear quickly, and cause the X5 to act erratically during braking. Changing these make the X feel like a brand new car.

I did all three of these on my 2012 at 60k miles. It was worth it for the peace of mind.

[boostedX5SAV]

Originally Posted by MadJap

I strongly recommend adding these three tasks to your 60k mile service.

Water pump / thermostat replacement - our electric water pumps are known to go out as early as 60k miles. You want to do this before if quits on you and strands you on the side of the road.

Transmission filter and fluid change - BMW states it's a lifetime fluid. That's BS. ZF, the manufacturer of these transmissions recommend 60k service.

Tension strut and sway bar link replacement on the front end - surprisingly, these parts wear quickly, and cause the X5 to act erratically during braking. Changing these make the X feel like a brand new car.

I did all three of these on my 2012 at 60k miles. It was worth it for the peace of mind.

I agree with this. I have not done the suspension but have been noticing a slight rattle going low speed over bumps/road imperfections so that may be the cause.

Other things to add: brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid.

The N55 spark plug change on the X5 is very similar to the N55 spark plug change on the 1 and 3 series. There are tons of videos and diy for them and you can pretty much follow them. However, plug 5 and/or 6 (near the cabin) may be a bit harder to reach and require extension and swivel sockets.

[garagelogician]

Originally Posted by Whammy

@garagelogician, what are the reasons for dropping the pan and replacing the seals/sleeves? Are there known issues with the transmission?

The seals/sleeves shrink up and degrade over time. Not really an "issue", just normal maintenance. The same ZF box has been used in other Ford/Lincoln vehicles (Navigator, F-150) and they need similar attention. It is a very good transmission, and maintaining it properly will help it last over the long term.

[MadJap]

Originally Posted by garagelogician

The seals/sleeves shrink up and degrade over time. Not really an "issue", just normal maintenance. The same ZF box has been used in other Ford/Lincoln vehicles (Navigator, F-150) and they need similar attention. It is a very good transmission, and maintaining it properly will help it last over the long term.

I thought this was an issue with the ZF 6 speed, not with the ZF 8 speed.

[giaka]

Originally Posted by MadJap

I thought this was an issue with the ZF 6 speed, not with the ZF 8 speed.

Dont know but brings up a question, Is our ZF 6 speed the one used in Ford or Chevy (or both)? I thought at one time I was told the transmission in my 2004 Z4 was closely related to a Chevy transmission? Is it the ZF 6HP-28X?

Edit after some reading I see its more common with F150 and certain Expeditions/Navigator.

[ard]

Originally Posted by Whammy

@garagelogician, what are the reasons for dropping the pan and replacing the seals/sleeves?

Even if you dont replace any seals or sleeves, the filter is integrated into the pan (def for the 6, not sure on the 8) and to change the filter you MUST change the pan.

Genuine ZF Parts... great prices, everything you need.