What type of fluid should I replace it with?? same as the rear differential oil?

Not unless you are trying to destroy your transfer case. Have you read the thread or done a search?

I have no idea what car you have. Are you 1000% sure you have x-drive?

I have a 2004 X5 3.0 produced 7/2004. It's currently at 105k miles. I am sure it has X-drive, and I am thinking about the x-drive maintenance~

See link and post #37.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...l-8072b-4.html

ECS Tuning carries it. They are a supporter of this site. Go to the parts and accessories forum and they'll hook you up.

I am a little confused now. I am not a very good mechanic, but i have a little skills. Can you please identify what oil should I use for which part?
I am reading that there is two transfer case, one transmission(obviously :) ), and the X-Drive. I used D4ATF for my transmission and 75w90 for my real transfer case. I have not change oil for my front transfer case, I assume the same oil as real transfer case. What about my X-Drive module? Thanks X5 Meister in advance, as you've been very helpful all along!

From the engine, following the powertrain, there is a transmission, then a transfer case, then two differentials. The transfer case may be an early model (up to 2003) or the later model (2004 onwards). The later one is the x-drive model, and it has clutches in it to control slip. It uses a different oil than the early transfer case.

I'll let the parts experts define precisely which oil for which component. Personally, I would use BMW lubricants from the parts department as it is just easier. The transmissions use different fluids depending on which year and model of transmission. The transfer case is either Dexron (ATF) for the early version, or the BMW fluid for the later x-drive version. The differentials should be gear oil.

JCL is right on the money with his explanation. You have 1 transfer case.

Transfer case without x-drive: Dexron III ATF BMW p/n 83 22 9 407 858. $13.25 per liter. (See picture on the left)

Transfer case with x-drive: BMW transfer case oil - TF 0870 p/n 83 22 0 397 244. $46.71 per liter. (The old p/n was 83 22 0 306 816) ) (See picture on the right)

Clear enough?

(Per the ETK BMW states that the Dexron III ATF is used in all THM-R 1 Type automatic transmissions, E.g. in the E34 and E36. Also to be used for: E53 up to 09/03 without X-Drive)
(Per the ETK BMW states that the Transfer Case Oil is used in BMW types E60/E61 and E90/E91/E92. Also for E83 and E53MU from production date February 2005)

Yup! Thank you both for the detailed explanation!
I was under my X yesterday, Let me repeat to be absolutely sure!

I assume the X-drive that I am referring to is the transfer case. Either model have the transfer case, it just depends if it has x-drive capabilities, and each model uses different oil.

I am able to locate my rear differential, but I can't find the other one? is it above(under) the aluminum skid plate. I assume it will use the same oil as the rear.

:rolleyes:

:worthless:
a picture saids a thousand words. 6 picture saids (1000^6) words!! Thanks to everyone who made an effort to clear it up for me!