Diff fluid changes and transfer case

[Jeff SJ]

I subscribe to the theory that tranny changes should be done prior to recommended BMW intervals whatever they actually are and I have done that. What about diffs and transfer case? I assume there are two diffs and a transfer case but maybe the transfer case is part of the tranny? I had the auto tranny service done and didn't ask that question. I searched but could not find technical info on doing these changes.

Info on doing this on this site?

Jeff

[JCL]

Differentials are pretty straightforward. 60,000 miles is a pretty good interval.

As you have an x-drive model, the transfer case uses a special BMW fluid. When it is changed, there is a reset procedure for the transfer case control unit. A service computer is required to do that reset. 60,000 miles is a pretty good interval for this compartment as well.

Yes, there are lots of threads here about changing these fluids. A search will show them. Search on the full site, not just the E70 forum.

[Jeff SJ]

I assume diffs have a fill and drain plug or will they require removal of the case seal and resealing. Sounds like I have to have the dealer do the transfer case(if they will). Or I guess suck the diff fluid out of the fill plug?

Jeff

[JCL]

Differentials (and the transfer case) have both a drain and a fill. If you are doing them yourself, loosen the fill before draining.

The differentials use 75w-90 (from memory - check yourself). They are not limited slip differentials, and thus don't need LSD additives or special oil.

The dealer will do your transfer case fluid change, it is a straightforward job.

None of these compartments have the risks that are associated with transmission fluid changes, they are simple drain and fill procedures.

How many miles do you have on it? Seems early for a change.

[Jeff SJ]

Originally Posted by JCL

Differentials (and the transfer case) have both a drain and a fill. If you are doing them yourself, loosen the fill before draining.

The differentials use 75w-90 (from memory - check yourself). They are not limited slip differentials, and thus don't need LSD additives or special oil.

The dealer will do your transfer case fluid change, it is a straightforward job.

None of these compartments have the risks that are associated with transmission fluid changes, they are simple drain and fill procedures.

How many miles do you have on it? Seems early for a change.

55k. Lots of 1300 mile round trips to park city ut at 80 plus. I figure it is close to time.

Jeff

[Xtony]

Originally Posted by Jeff SJ

I assume diffs have a fill and drain plug or will they require removal of the case seal and resealing. Sounds like I have to have the dealer do the transfer case(if they will). Or I guess suck the diff fluid out of the fill plug?

Jeff

Funny you mention this. I was recently reading somewhere that some new BMW doesn't have either a differential or transmission drain plug anymore. I don't think that's the case with the X5.

[diesaroo]

Originally Posted by JCL

Differentials are pretty straightforward. 60,000 miles is a pretty good interval.

As you have an x-drive model, the transfer case uses a special BMW fluid. When it is changed, there is a reset procedure for the transfer case control unit. A service computer is required to do that reset. 60,000 miles is a pretty good interval for this compartment as well.

Yes, there are lots of threads here about changing these fluids. A search will show them. Search on the full site, not just the E70 forum.

Gonna resurrect this thread...it being Easter...ok that was bad.

Anyways, I have looked in the TIS and do not see where the transfer case unit has to be reset when changing the oil, only when the transfer case is being replaced. Any references?

Thanks

[JCL]

Originally Posted by diesaroo

Gonna resurrect this thread...it being Easter...ok that was bad.

Anyways, I have looked in the TIS and do not see where the transfer case unit has to be reset when changing the oil, only when the transfer case is being replaced. Any references?

Thanks

If a fault code is reset from the fluid being out of spec (as determined by measuring slip and engagement pressure) then that has to be reset.

If the fluid is changed prior to that code being logged, then it is just the adaptations.

What has to be done additionally when the transfer case is being replaced is that the vehicle needs coding related to the classification resistor.

Here are some sources.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...intenance.html


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...available.html


This next one is about the X3 (which uses a different version of the same transfer case, same technology)


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x3-e83-forum/67524-ecs-tuning-xdrive-x3-oem-bmw-transfer-case-fluid-now-available.html

[diesaroo]

Originally Posted by JCL

If a fault code is reset from the fluid being out of spec (as determined by measuring slip and engagement pressure) then that has to be reset.

If the fluid is changed prior to that code being logged, then it is just the adaptations.

What has to be done additionally when the transfer case is being replaced is that the vehicle needs coding related to the classification resistor.

Here are some sources.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...intenance.html


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...available.html


This next one is about the X3 (which uses a different version of the same transfer case, same technology)


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x3-e83-forum/67524-ecs-tuning-xdrive-x3-oem-bmw-transfer-case-fluid-now-available.html

Thanks for the sources. But there is just one thing, assuming the VTG module must be reset to purge intself of adaptation values even if a code has not been generated to properly calibrate the operation of the TC, why is this information only shown on an X-Drive training manual? I saw nothing of the sort on the TIS and mine is a version <1year old. I was under the impression that all service data was in the TIS, or at least a direction was given in the TIS if something else was required as part of the service procedure. Killcrap? Weasel?

P.S. I understand that people employed by BMW might not want to post from the TIS, but can I get a reference # or directory? TIA

[JCL]

I don't have a copy of the TIS, so I can't provide original references. However, the following are all posted on this site. Credit given to texmin, ripp222, and skeetjunkie:

Posted in response to where to find the TIS reference:

Originally Posted by texmin

Look under:

Repair Instructions / 00 Maintenance and General Data / 0011572 Changing oil in the transfer box (ATC 400/500)

The first line in the document states "When changing the gear oil it is necessary to delete the self-adapting wear values in the transfer box control unit"

I've never cleared the adaptation values since I did the job and have had no problems at all.

texmin wrote up a DIY, found the reference in the TIS, and reported that he never did do it. Not sure if he has done so since.

Posted in reference to how to cleare the VTG fault:

Originally Posted by ripp222

My X5 VTG had the fault logged around 50,000 miles. Here is the relavent SIB:

=====================

SI B27 01 07
Intermediate and Special Transmission
April 2007

Technical Service

SUBJECT

Transfer case (VTG) Fault Code 54C6 Oil wear - Value too high
MODEL
E53 (X5) from 10/03 to 02/05 production
E83 (X3) to 02/05 production
SITUATION
After interrogating the fault memory, as part of an Inspection I or II maintenance service or another repair
requiring a diagnostics procedure, fault code 54C6 Oil wear – Value too high is stored. This fault will not
illuminate a warning lamp.
CAUSE
Transfer case fluid (non lifetime) wear value limit was exceeded.
CORRECTION
Replace the fluid in the transfer case.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
83 22 0 397 244 TF0870 Fluid 1 = 1 liter

Note: Before opening, shake the container to evenly mix the additives in the fluid.

That refers specifically to the VTG fault when the fluid no longer meets spec, not the adaptation values that are to be reset whether or not the fault has been raised.

Posted in a discussion on why it matters:

Originally Posted by skeetjunkie

Additional info from Mike Miller on the resetting the control unit:

The X-Drive transfer case must be reset electronically at the dealership after the oil is changed. You can change the transfer case oil yourself or have it done wherever you want, but the vehicle does have to go back to the dealer to have the transfer case reset. This “resetting” procedure is only possible on the BMW service computer.

Specifically the “reset” uses the actuator inside the transfer case to gauge the thickness of the remaining clutch material. The transfer case then relearns the end stops of the clutch pack to compensate for wear. The electric motor inside the X-Drive transfer case then knows how much it has to apply the clutch pack in order to transfer power when
necessary.

It is that last information from Mike Miller that gives me pause to think. It makes sense that the adaptations are important for future transfer case clutch plate life, not just for a warning as to when the fluid is due to be replaced. Many have posted that they changed the fluid without resetting the adaptations, and it still drove fine. That is certainly possible, but IMO they won't be able to judge their success until they see if the transfer case lasts as long as expected without the adaptations being reset. Incorrect clutch pressures will lead to shortened clutch plate life if too low, and potentially to actuator motor failures if too high.