This thread is singlehandedly keeping the three pedal X5 alive! Well done...

Brad

I just got a 6-speed X3. Is it the same gearbox? What are the big ideas in this thread?
My gear oil has 100k, and I need to flush it. What do you guys like to use?

Seems to be right in line with KBB
$1800 - $3500

https://www.kbb.com/bmw/x5/2001/30i-...condition=good

For differentials, transfer case and transmissions I only use the original fluid and I change those fluids around every 50,000 miles.

On my new to me 2004 X5 at 130,628 miles I replaced the MT gear oil with Red Line 75W-90 MT90 GL-4. I have no way of knowing though I have a feeling the oil was the factory fill. The first to second shift was not real smooth most of the time. Seems to shift better now. After a few thousand miles now I always start in second gear. First is way to low. Nice though if you are going from a stop up a steep hill.

The Blackstone analysis is below.

BRAD: Universal averages show typical wear levels for a BMW manual transmission after about 27,900 miles on the oil. We're not sure what's aluminum, but it really shouldn't be the dominant wear metal and certainly shouldn't be this high. Iron is from steel parts and copper shows brass/bronze wear. If this is factory oil the combination of wear-in and a long oil run might explain some of the metal, but we're not sure about all of it. Silicon is probably sealer or oil additive, but could show dirt contamination too. Is it shifting okay? Check back in 10,000-15,000 miles.

Aluminium was 192 where the average is 32
Iron was 178 where the average is 53
Copper was 81 where the average is 34

Many of the other categories were below or way below average.

I also replaced the drain and fill plugs at that time.

Brad

Very good odds it was the OEM gear box fluid.

As part of a major refresh I just did, I just did the transmission detents and replaced the fluid with valvoline MTF (supposedly a suitable mtf lt-1 subsitute).

I had notchiness (or slight grinding if I shifted too fast) going from 1st to 2nd gear that I always thought was a worn synchro. The X5 exhibited this behavior since I got it at 100k miles, but now it absolutely feels like a new transmission! Don't know if was the fluid or the detents, but I'm guessing both as I had the 5th gear 'lean' and sort of had to hunt for the gates a bit.

Hi all! First post and checking in here to introduce myself. I’m Kurt from northern NJ, and I just picked up a 2001 X5 with a 5 speed manual. Currently black on gray with about 134k miles. Previous owners let it go a little bit, but I’ve already done a basic paint correction, and seal for the winter.

My wife and I are BMW nuts (primarily ///M nuts), this is our 5th BMW in the driveway (6th vehicle, as we have a Denali for a second daily). Our fleet consists of:
2001 X5 5MT Black
2016 M4 Individual Signal Green 6MT
2003 M3 Jet Black 6MT
1998 M Roadster Estoril Blue 5MT
1995 M3 Cosmos Black 5MT

Looking forward to learning and contributing!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...62b4022223.jpg

Nice addition to the stable! My first X5 was a 2001 with ZSP wheels. Welcome to the family! :thumbup:

Just got my 6MT gearbox fluid changed.
Added Redline MTL.

I stripped the 8mm hex fill plug.
Tip for removal, use some heat, if you have it.