First oil change and differential oil...

[tom2517]

The X5s are CBS but some still do earlier oil change than suggested, especially during break in, my question is, for those who did an early oil change, did you guys also change the differential oil? Thanks.

[jeremym]

I don't know why you'd change diff oil after only a few thousand miles. Doesn't make much sense to me.

[tom2517]

I asked because first oil change is suppose to be accompanied by rear axel differential oil change, so I was just wondering for those who did early oil change did they also change the differential oil.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by tom2517

I asked because first oil change is suppose to be accompanied by rear axel differential oil change, so I was just wondering for those who did early oil change did they also change the differential oil.

That's news to me. Where'd you get that piece of information?

[JCL]

The M models (which these aren't) had a recommended first early service, around 2000 km, when they did engine oil and differential oil. The engine oil was due to breaking in of the rings. While it can't likely hurt, I don't see much reason to do a 2000 km oil change in the differential.

[zx45]

Yes that's a good thing,you'll be surprise by the amount of small metal particle you'll find.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by jeremym

That's news to me. Where'd you get that piece of information?

I read it in the service manual.

[DCC]

There are 2 diffs on the car right? So would you also include the front diff as part of the change?
What about the transfer case...does that need a earlier change as well?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by DCC

There are 2 diffs on the car right? So would you also include the front diff as part of the change?
What about the transfer case...does that need a earlier change as well?

If you believed that it was necessary to do an early 2000 mile oil change on the differential, then it would only make sense to do both front and rear differentials. The real question is why would you bother to change the differential fluid at that mileage at all.

Even if you did the diffs, I wouldn't do the transfer case. The transfer case compensates for fluid condition, so you don't need the hassle of reprogramming/resetting it, if that was required on your model.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by JCL

If you believed that it was necessary to do an early 2000 mile oil change on the differential, then it would only make sense to do both front and rear differentials. The real question is why would you bother to change the differential fluid at that mileage at all.

Even if you did the diffs, I wouldn't do the transfer case. The transfer case compensates for fluid condition, so you don't need the hassle of reprogramming/resetting it, if that was required on your model.

Yeah, I'm not knocking anyone who does anything they want to do. However, I don't believe such a change was needed at that mileage. Just like the guy who changed his spark plugs (and gave me hefty amounts of virtual human fecal matter in the process).