Interesting....I just had oil change, brake flush done on my '04 last week and they did coolant flush also. It does say 'lifetime' in the '04 maintenance book. :dunno:

SA's got their years/maintenance plans mixed up I guess

If that's the case, you better find out if they replaced it regular coolant in there. I guessed you're safe if you decides to change it again in 4 years.

It won't be my issue in 4 yrs ;)

My local dealer is another story... It has NOT been 2 years since the last brake fluid flush, but after my Service Manager contacted their Warranty Admin, he was given authorization to have it covered under the Maintenance Warranty.
However, the coolant flush was a no go, as the warranty book and "2004, 2005 X3, X5 Service Maintenance Checklist" states it does not require periodic replacment.
Has anyone changed the coolant themselves? I think I found the crush ring for the engine block plugs (07 11 9 963 225 GASKET RING), but TIS doesn't show squat for a draining procedure. Comments?

Two thoughts. The engines are used in multiple series of BMW models. Maybe you can find out what the procedure is for another model and see if that fits your X5.

There is also a product called 'Mighty Vac' that sucks out the fluid (available at auto parts stores). You could use this to get most of the fluid out. You never get it all any way and you can flush with water and suck that out too before adding fresh fluid.

I have read somewhere that you may need to set the heat controls in the interior to HOT since this allows fluid exchange in those hoses as well.

Good luck!.

Good idea about searching other vehciles w/ the N62 engine or even the N62TU... looking at the 745i I found the following:

Under Water Pump R&I...
==============================

Lifetime coolant filling:

Never reuse used coolant.
When replacing and removing components which rely on the corrosion protection effect of the coolant, it is essential to change the coolant. The cooling system must therefore be drained and refilled.
In the case of other removal work involving the draining of partial quantities of coolant, replace these quantities which have been drained with new coolant.
=============================

Under Radiator R&I...
=============================

Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Use only recommended coolant.

Draining coolant:

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Remove front splash guard.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant from radiator.

Remove reinforcement plate.
Open drain plug (1) on engine block.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation:

Replace sealing ring. Tightening torque, 11 11 5AZ (M14 x 1.5 @ 25 Nm)

Adding coolant:

Vent cooling system and check for leaks.
===========================

The pictures of course help and they don't mention the coolant plug on the opposite side of the engine, but at least they give the torque. Mistery solved. I'll be changing the coolant this month (I'm a bit over 4 years).

Now I'd just like to know what BMW did to make the cooling system on the N62 "Lifetime" fill...

consider changing the transfer case and final drive oils

Agreed! I was going to change those fluids when I hit 50,000 miles.

To continue the cooling instructions in TIS...
=======================================

No vent plugs on radiator and thermostat housing.
Cooling system is vented while it is filled and during subsequent idle operation.

Note:

Installation:

Perform filling operation slowly.
Pour coolant into expansion tank up to MAX mark.
Start engine and run at idle speed for approx. one minute (cap open). Then adjust coolant level to MAX.
Close cap and run engine up to operating temperature until main thermostat opens. Check cooling circuit and drain plug for leaks.

Important!

The engine must be cooled down before the coolant level is checked. Coolant temperature must not exceed 30

°C. If ambient temperature is above 30 °C, allow engine to cool down to ambient temperature at least.
Check coolant level and adjust to MAX.

Note:

Do not fill coolant expansion tank over MAX level as overfilling will
cause the coolant to overflow.
========================================