Anybody replacing diff and transfer case oil at less than 100k?
 

"Lifetime". What an awesome word.. for ze BMW bros.

Can't decide when to change the differential and transfer case (just another diff) fluid. BMW calls for 100k miles. I'm at '62k. Here I am having auto tranny problems.. so I'm also thinking about preventative maintenance on the diffs. But then again.. diffs are waaaay simpler than transmissions.

Anybody changing oil sooner than 100k? X is going in next week for auto fluid refill anyway. I don't want to spend the extra coin on the diffs unless you guys feel it is important at 62k.

Thanks a bunch.

Slightly off topic; Its amazing how many posts accumulated on this forum in just 24 little hours! 1.7 pages worth. No one can say this board has settled down! Good job keepin' it goin' guys!.
:thumbup:

I changed my front/rear differentials, transfer case, transmission (fluid/filter) at 48k. Running well thus far at 57k. Be prepare to buy some drain/fill plugs for the differentials depending on the type of plugs that came with your car. If you have the normal plugs with crush washer, then you can re-use them (get new washer if you like). If you have the newer plugs with built-in rubber seal rings, then the safe bet is to get new ones.

Had all of my various power transfer fluids changed at InspII, ~60k miles,by an excellent Indie in Asheville,NC:
front/rear diff, transaxle, manual trans.
Reasonable and worth it, imo, if one is keeping it for 100k or, more.
GL,mD

OK, so what's the latest best oil for use in the differentials, transfer case and in my case, manual transmission?

I'm leaning with the following, but also looking for any EXPERIENCED input if it's out there:

5 spd MT - BMW MTF-LT3 (BavAuto)
TC - Castrol or Lubro-Moly 75w90
Front and Rear Diff - Castrol or Lubro-Moly 75w90

- M54 Lover

I recently did both the front and rear diffs with Valvoline Syntec 75w-90. To my demise, the rear had a leak in the front input shaft seal. New fluid, flowing better - went right out in 2 days and I burned up my diff on the highway.

Just a note - make sure you're not leaking any fluids right now before you replace it or you could accelerate the damage.

Eventually, I had to get a used diff. My '06 has 90K on it but the used rear diff has 18K. The indy I got everything replaced at used the original Castrol XAF-XJ fluid. Check with the dealer and confirm with another as it may be different for the models with and without X-drive.

I use Redline 75w90 in my differentials, FWIW. I change it every 30k miles or so in my 5-series. Last change, the stuff coming out looked nearly as good as the stuff coming in... so I guess that tells me I"m using good oil, and, 30k is probably overkill.

MG

The indy where I got my diff replaced said they'd use either the original BMW stuff or Royal Purple, whichever they could get sooner.

everyone should stick to BMW OE fluid. Not sure why ppl feel that they NEED to "UPGRADE" some aftermarket brand. As if BMW used the worst fluid in the world or something. Just stick with factory fill and you should be safe.

I have never changed the fluid in diff or transfer case. Once around 180,000 or so I drain and refilled the transmission fluid. I currently have 241,000. Maybe lifetime really means life time. I have been think about changing the transmission fluid and filter because of all the talk we have had about fluids but I am not sure. Like waynesworld said he changed his fluid and the diff crap out 2 days latter. I really don't want that.

wally, that 241k miles on your X, may be the top mileage here on the board,
based upon my fading memory!
Congrats!
GL,mD

they do all that in the inspection II so i woule recommend doing it for added life of the X

I wish I could have that title but there was some guy from florida that I saw had posted 245,000 or something close. I will pass him in another month or so.

yeah, exactly. I just had mine flushed/filled (transfer case) so not sure how you could go 240k miles and not change it once, unless you are refering to the tranny fluid.

I'm not so sure that they do change those fluids out at Inspection II according to the list of things done at Inspection II on the home page FAQ (see below), they just check for leaks:

Items Covered on Inspection II Undercarriage

• Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
• Check transmission for leaks.
• Check rear axle for leaks.
• Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
• Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
• Check power steering system for leaks.
• Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
• Examine brake disc surfaces.
• Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
• Grease wheel center hubs.
• Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
• Check front control arm bushing for wear.
• Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
• Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
• Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
• Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
• Check thickness of parking brake linings.
• Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
• Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment

• Read out diagnostic system
• Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
• Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
• Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
• Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
• Check air conditioner for operation.
• Reset Service Indicator.
• Replace spark plugs.
• Replace intake air cleaner element.

Body/Electrical Equipment

• Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
• Perform batter load test.
• Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.

Quote:
Originally Posted by themoth http://www.xoutpost.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif
they do all that in the inspection II so i woule recommend doing it for added life of the X

:iagree: ... I had mine done at "Insp ll" by my Indie, but I requested that they do the fluids. The dlr is not gonna change out fluids unless you ask and, they may be pricey.
Imo, "Insp II" at a dlr, may be right up there in the high gross margin "service" rung in terms of profit.

My diff crapped out because it had a leak. I just accelerated the problem by putting fresh fluid in there but it would have crapped out on me anyway, just not as soon.

Why go with non OE fluid? Here are my reasons:

Engine - Lubro-Moly, I like this product's reputation is Europe and the 5L container it comes in reasonably priced at BA.

Transmission - Using OE MTF-LT3, from BA, dealer wouldn't sell me any.

TC - Dealer parts dept. doesn't know what goes in here, using Lubro-Moly ATF 3 from ECS.

Diffs - Dealer says to use OEM (Castrol) SAF-XO, and that they will NOT sell me any. Using Lubro-Moly 75w90 (SAF-XO) from ECS.

Why go with another fluid, . . . because BMW NA policies encourage such creative procurments.

- M54 Lover

I changed both differentials and transmission fluid at 100k on my 01. Compared to the new oil, the old differential fluid was much darker than the new. New transmissions and differentials are not cheap. I spent about 3 hours and $200 doing it myself. It's worth the peace of mind. The dealer will make more money on you replacing your fried components than changing your oil.

Yes.

I changed at 68k.
Royal Purple 75w90 in the diffs.
I can't recall what I put in the xfer case.

The thing about diffs and xfer cases though is unless you heat them up or contaminate them with water, you could very well be ok. I changed mine because I bought the car used and had little history - and well, I don't trust anyone.

Lifetime fluids
 

Unless BMW has some magic diffs / trannies, I don't believe the lifetime fluid story. All metal gears / moving parts grind a bit, release metal shavings contaminating the oils / fluids.

How quickly it 'goes bad' I think is up to driving conditions, style and dumb luck. One of my favorite indy mechanics told me to change the fluids every 60-80k miles depending on how anal I was and my budget.

took the plunge and changed the fluids
 

I recently purchased a 2003 X5 with 100k. I decided to ignore the advice of lots of the post on this board and took the advice of an excellent indie shop here in Asheville. He said to change the fluids as lifetime meant 100k. I had all the drive train fluids changed, and yes, including the auto trans. I just cannot buy into the concept of lifetime fluids. I now have 4k on the changes and all is well so far.

OT...
Hey dipstick, would that Asheville Indie be German Motor Werks by any chance?
BR,mD

you betcha! I think you have to trust that dude. Anybody who works on racing porches, mercedes and bmw for as long as him knows what he is doing. And I would eat my next meal off his shop's floor it is so clean.

:iagree: ...Excellent Indie. Scott, Liz and the gang are A+, imo!

Just wanted to say hey James....got myself an X5 last week. 7 for cruising, X for playing....good times :thumbup:

Hey James! Its funny how small the BMW community is sometimes! Looks like we have matching models! Good to see you on this forum too!

I'm following you :stickpoke buahahaha

I didnt catch it but how much oil is added to the Transfer Case?

wow 17 months old thread is raised from the dead...

hahah lol yeap Decided to do a major overhaul and gonna change brake fluid, power steering fluid, transfer case oil, both front and rear diff oil, High pressure sensor for AC, AC refill with proper drain and vacuum, got the front end kit off ebay and gonna change out that, change coolant....lol and sunroof gasket change too.

I did my TC plus front and rear diff at 100K. Just did the PS fluid at 113K. Left the trans alone. Brake fluid will be done when I replace the rear brakes in the next few weeks. It's been done before, but has probably been more than 2 years so it's time.

On most cars I do the diff fluid around 50K miles. If I had owned my X5 at that miles I probably would have gone ahead with it then. But I don't think waiting till 100K is going to hurt anything given the high quality fluid BMW started with. I am also a believer in 50K mile AT trans fluid changes, but since I didn't get the X5 or my 740i until 90K miles I figure that ship has sailed and that a change now is about as likely to accelerate wear than slow it down. So I'm sticking with the "lifetime" fluid idea there.

I prefer thread revivals...keeps the house clean vs scattering the same information over countless threads. I wish more people would search before posting and then do the same thing :thumbup:

Transfer Case Qty
 

My Bentley manual shows transfer case ('00-'03) refill qty is .47 liters (.5 qt.). Changed mine last year with LubroMoly ATF III and recall this quantity being right.

Great Thank You appreciate it. I bought 2 quarts just in case. Well time to return. thanks

DSAviate have you used the TIS for BMW vs bently manual? does the manual have better detail?

The master mechanic that did mine had to look at the tag on the trans case to see what type of fluid it used before he quoted me a price. Mine was the cheaper kind. One of the models uses a brutally expensive oil. Just a heads up.