X-Drive Maintenance???
 

I was in the heavy maintenance mode with tranny, final drive, engine, waterpump, thermostat, coolant, brake fluid, power steering cycle. Of course I am doing one of these at a time to make sure that each job has been done correctly!

However, after changing smelly(especially the final drive) and dark fluids, I am thinking about the x-drive multi clutch disc system. Is there maintenance on it???? sound wierd if there is none~~

x-drive fluid check at inspection , change if discoloured .

the VTG sends a current signal through the oil to determine if the oil is worn out, this will set a fault in the VTG control unit, advising the tech to change the transfer case fluid. a GT-1 will be needed after the fluid exchange to re-adapt the new fluid and then to clear the fault memory.

What are you smoking? I had my x-drive t-case fluid drained and refilled. Nothing needs to be reset or re-adapt. No issues since 8K miles.

wow, such ignorance.

He didn't say that anything needed to be reset if you changed the fluid. He said that if the fluid needed changing based on a sensor indication, you would get a fault code and then you would need to reset it.

Personally I wouldn't want to debate it with a BMW tech (and I believe killcrap is one). I suspect he has probably done this procedure himself.

A bit rude I agree. Chill out. He's absolutely correct.

Here is a printout of the work order/invoice for such a change:

********************
E** AS PER ATTACHED DME PRINTOUT - REPLACE TRANSFER CASE OIL
CAUSE: MAINTENANCE
24 REPLACED TRANS CASE OIL
315 WXMP
1 83-22-0-397-244 DISTRIBUTOR FOR TRANS. FLUID: 832251040

62631 REPLACED TRANSFER CASE OIL

************************************************** **************

I can also second (or forth) his statement.

Sorry to create such a debate on my ignorance~ Just wondering~ anyone DIYed it?? I never seen it mentioned in the forum.

The drain and fill would be pretty straight forward, just a big allen wrench away!

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!

you are most welcome to the pics although i think other posters input is good , you should consider purchasing a manual from bentley if you are going to maintain x5 yourself .

I second that, the Bentley will be a great resource for you if you plan on keeping the car and want to learn more about it.

Another Question, BMW Claimed that our X drive system can independently allocate power to each wheel, if the x-drive only determine power to front and rear axle, does the differential does the left and right job? Or when you are in a turn, the axle automatically switches power?

There is info on x-drive on the homepage and so forth.

X-Drive allocates power front and rear. Side to side balance is achieved via the DSC system which applies a wheel brake on the wheel on the side that is spinning. The differential is open, ie not a limited slip design. When you are in a turn, the differential does the normal variation in rotation speed, but that doesn't switch power, it switches speed.

Thanks! The article on the front page kinda suggest that X-drive is allocating power individually to each wheel, which in reality, it's only going to front and rear.

So the theory that they suggest that 100% of power to 1 wheel is not really possible as if power is 100% to the front wheel, it's split between 2 wheels, and then dsc brake one wheel and left the other wheel turning. Well~ Thanks for the input guys!

x-drive rebuild?
 

Hi there Killcrap - is the x-drive unit servicable, that is can the clutch pack and chain be replaced?
If so, are the spares sold seperately by dealers.
lastly would you recommend a rebuild
many thanks

The parts are not available at the dealer, and properly rebuilding is more difficult than it would seem because it is measured to know what classification resistor is needed.

Here's the link to my Xdrive DIY that I posted a week or two ago:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/71037-xdrive-transfer-case-fluid-diy.html?highlight=xdrive+diy

You're going to need Xdrive fluid, which I found at ECS Tuning. And yes, the TIS does advise you should reset your adaptation values after changing the fluid. I haven't reset mine yet and I frankly am not terribly worried about it.

Bavauto sells this code reader that says it will do all of this:

BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport

Fault code reader shows you what the problem is on an LCD color display. Launch Tech's CReader VI (pronounced "see reader six") reads and clears manufacturer specific BMW and MINI "check engine" fault codes as well as all standard OBD-II codes.

Features include: Choice of language, English, Spanish or French
Special tests for Evaporative system, Oxygen sensor, Inspection readiness, MIL( check engine light ) Status, VIN Info, and on-board monitors
Fault-code search function
Free internet updates
On-screen help function and more.

http://www.launchtechusa.com/assets/.../CreaderVI.pdf

Can you resist the transfer case with this?

I plan to buy one either way, it looks like a good tool to have.

You cannot reset the transfer case adaptations with a code reader. However, I have never reset mine since I changed the the fluid more than a year ago and I have had no issues in the 15k or so miles since... That being said, I would still recommend resetting them if you have the opportunity.

Transfer box
 

My car 4.4 X5 has started to make a strange noise at less than 20mph its like wub wub wub wub any ideas transfer or wheel bearing

Not that clear. What about cars with xDrive manufactured between 09/03 and 02/05???