I looked it up in the TIS today and chris is correct. The TIS recommends clearing the fluid condition adaptation value after a fluid change. I guess I'll check the local indies to make sure they've got the software and have one of them clear the value for me.

That sucks! So much for a DIY...

so just to double check, this DIY procedure is also good for '01 x5 3.0 w/o x-drive correct?

i know it's filled with dextron III (different fluid from xdrive fluid), that is verified from another post and also by the dealer. now it's just a matter of changing it. thanks for your input!

Update
 

I never did bother to clear the values and almost six months and 8,000 miles later there are no issues to report. Everything is working just fine. Therefore, I'm putting the value reset in the 'nice to have' column vs the 'must have' column.

Could you tell me where in TIS you found this?

Can't see it anywhere :dunno:

Look under:

Repair Instructions / 00 Maintenance and General Data / 0011572 Changing oil in the transfer box (ATC 400/500)

The first line in the document states "When changing the gear oil it is necessary to delete the self-adapting wear values in the transfer box control unit"

I've never cleared the adaptation values since I did the job and have had no problems at all.

Thanks. Found it.

Problem with not clearing the adaption values is that you will not know when it is time for the fluid to be changed again !

Unlikely to be in your lifetime, but for the next owner, you are handing on a sloppy diagnostic record no ?

Just a thought.

My X5 VTG had the fault logged around 50,000 miles. Here is the relavent SIB:

=====================

SI B27 01 07
Intermediate and Special Transmission
April 2007

Technical Service

SUBJECT

Transfer case (VTG) Fault Code 54C6 Oil wear - Value too high

MODEL

E53 (X5) from 10/03 to 02/05 production
E83 (X3) to 02/05 production

SITUATION

After interrogating the fault memory, as part of an Inspection I or II maintenance service or another repair
requiring a diagnostics procedure, fault code 54C6 Oil wear – Value too high is stored. This fault will not
illuminate a warning lamp.

CAUSE

Transfer case fluid (non lifetime) wear value limit was exceeded.

CORRECTION

Replace the fluid in the transfer case.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number Description Quantity

83 22 0 397 244 TF0870 Fluid 1 = 1 liter

Note: Before opening, shake the container to evenly mix the additives in the fluid.

And for those who see value in Oil Analysis, here were the comments from Blackstone Laboratories:

=========================

As this is the factory fill of fluid out of your transfer case we aren't too alarmed by the high wear. It's
due to new parts breaking-in and should look better with subsequent oil changes. Universal averages are based on an oil run of just 20,000 miles. This oil was run well past that mark and that likely contributed to the high readings. The oil itself was in good shape physically and contained no harmful contaminants. Check back when you have this unit serviced next for another look at wear.
============================

I think it was good to get clean oil in there...

Additional info from Mike Miller on the resetting the control unit:

The X-Drive transfer case must be reset electronically at the dealership after the oil is
changed. You can change the transfer case oil yourself or have it done wherever you
want, but the vehicle does have to go back to the dealer to have the transfer case reset.
This “resetting” procedure is only possible on the BMW service computer.

Specifically the “reset” uses the actuator inside the transfer case to gauge the thickness of the remaining clutch material. The transfer case then relearns the end stops of the clutch pack to compensate for wear. The electric motor inside the X-Drive transfer case then knows how much it has to apply the clutch pack in order to transfer power when
necessary.