4.6is - trans fluid filter change, diff and transfer case fluid change
 

Hello all,

I will be taking the x on its longest trip of my ownership (approx. 350 miles round trip) and I want to be covered completely. I just dropped $3100 in maintenance (valley pan, vcg, osv, pcv/ccv, hoses, vacuum lines, motor mounts, etc). Also had a fresh oil and filter change and flushed the coolant.

I'm sitting at just shy of 98k and as far as I know, my fluids are original. CarFax says that my trans was replaced at 48k by BMW (although I have no confirmation of this) so I want to change my drive line fluids but I want to ensure I'm using the right stuff. I have done some research and read that a flush is ultimately the death of the trans but fluid and filter change is good maintenance.

So what I'm looking for is some people to chime in to make sure I'm getting everything I need and that it is correct. I leave 2/27 so I will need to order everything as soon as possible to have it completed prior to the trip.

Transmission:
Filter kit: Bav Auto Part number B2400001

Fluid: LIFEGUARD5 ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid - For 5 speed automatic transmissions - 6 liters

I think the only thing I'm missing is the filter O ring which I can just order at the dealer. Do the bolts holding the pan need to be replaced as well?

Front / Rear Diff:

Redline 75w-90 - BMW E53 X5 M62 4.6L Drivetrain Differential - 8352257904 - Manual Transmission / Differential Fluid 75w90 - 1 Quart - ES#10752 3 quarts or is 2 enough?

Drain / fill plug - BMW E53 X5 M62 4.6L Drivetrain Differential - 33117525064 - Differential Oil Drain / Check Plug - Priced Each - ES#205597 Is this the same for the front?

Transfer Case:
Transfer case service kit: BMW E53 X5 M62 4.6L Drivetrain Transfer Case - 27111226467KT - Pre-XDrive Transfer Case Service Kit - ES#2528669 , I just want to confirm I'm getting everything I need at one full shot since time is limited. If theres anything I missed, please post it up!

One thing of note: if you take your key into a BMW dealership along with your title or registration, they should be able to print out a history of all maintenance done at a BMW dealership for you.

Lenny, as i mentioned, Transfer case kit you linked is perfect.

Get 4 of those diff drain/fill plugs (I always like to put fresh ones on at a fluid change)

I'd say for the diffs get 3 quarts, I think one takes just about a quart, the other takes just under 2. Better to have more than less.

Agreed. I just did the diff fluid F&R in my 2005 X5 and 2 quarts won't do it. Get three. :thumbup:

I picked up the following:

Transfer case service kit from ECS
3 quarts Mobil 1 75w-90LS from Autozone
4 diff fill / drain plug (front and rear diff)
7 liters ZF Lifegaurd 5 trans fluid
OEM filter, pan gasket, fill and drain plugs and rubber o ring for filter

Very nervous to do the trans fluid change with all the horror stories I've heard but my trans has 48k on it so I'll give it a go.

LENNY WHY DID YOU GET LIMITED SLIP FLUID WHEN YOU DONT HAVE LIMITED SLIP DIFFS

I told you this yesterday on text

All the fluids at autozone were plus LS modifiers. I didn't put it in yet so I'll return it tomorrow over lunch.

edit: this is what I bought

Mobil/Synthetic gear oil SAE 75W-90 1 qt. 104361 at AutoZone.com - 4 reviews

From the quick research I did, it appear that this is not Limited Slip fluid just that its a marketing strategy that this fluid can be used in limited slips?

If you ordered transfer case service kit from ECS why not just add 3 quarts of Redline 75w-90? Lol

Idk about the Mobil 1, but I wouldn't buy a fluid that says LS for a non-LS diff

Is this what you would get? Not sure why I didn't just throw it in the cart at the time.

BMW E53 X5 M62 4.6L Drivetrain Differential - 8352257904 - Manual Transmission / Differential Fluid 75w90 - 1 Quart - ES#10752

Well this is awkward. I have exactly the same milage and the trans was also replaced at the exact same milage on my 4.6. Thanks for starting this thread as I'm looking to do the same to my drive train. Been getting awkward shifts lately and wanted to do the fluids. Thanks for posting the links as I'll be getting the same though I might go with Amsoil since I have their "dealer" price program.