X-drive transfer case fluid alternatives?
 

What are my options for x-drive transfer case fluids? Dealer says their bulk stock is low and won't sell me any, and ECS says it's on national backorder. So I can't get the BMW fluid. Alternatives? Other than letting the dealer do a drain and fill for $350.

TowX, i don't think you mean transfer case fluids, it's front and rear differentials fluids? F/R differentials fluid sold by dealer and in order to buy differentials fluid, you should bring a gallon bottom to dealer and they pump from their bulk barrel.
Which fluid you need? if you need differentials fluid, you should do what i just mentioned above.
If you need transfer case fluid for your xdrive, they will need axpensive fluid ($49.00 per quart) from dealer and i am sure they will have it there.

I did mean the transfer case fluid. Yup, $50 per liter. And currently unobtanium. None to be had anywhere around here. I've got my Motul gear oil for the front and rear diffs, and the trans was just replaced so it's got fresh fluid. And I bled my brakes this past summer. So I'm just missing transfer case lube.

I still have one bottom for xdrive transfer case.

None. Try other dealers.

Bimmerspecialist.com, AutoHausAz.com (where I got mine), BavAuto.com, Bimmerparts.com. Or of course, check other local BMW dealers. CircleBMW and PacificBMW are two with online catalogs and an ordering system if i'm not mistaken.

Looks like Bimmerspecialist.com has it in stock.

Thanks all. I tried two other local dealers, one said they've never seen it, the other said they've never changed trans or transfer case fluids (obviously I don't use that dealer for my warranty work.) I was hoping to find a local supply or support mail order places I've used in the past, but guess I'll need to try new sources. Boy, trying to find a source for this oil is as hard as getting Brad Penn semi-synthetic for old 911's.

Found it in stock at my favorite Porsche parts supplier. I keep forgetting about Pelican Parts for BMW parts. ordered the lube, a new windshield gasket for my 528 and a whole bunch of parts for the 964 race engine I'm building. Great place to shop, outstanding customer service, and owned by a diehard enthusiast (Wayne) who also hosts one of the best Porsche forum sites around.

TowX, i think you can get the TC fluid in any dealer here in Eastcoast (NJ/PA/DE/VA/NY) - My local dealer here offer me everything i need. I don't know why you're having trouble to buy a quart of transfer case fluid from dealer.