First oil change. Yuk
 

So, I picked up this 2009 xdrive30 in October and got around to changing the oil yesterday. Picked her up at 98000 miles, sitting at a out 101350. Grabbed a couple 5qt jugs of Castrol edge 0w40 from walmart and a Mann filter from advanced auto.

The oil was black and thin, probably explains the noisy engine. Found a damn Carquest filter in it that was crusty and disgusting. Makes me wonder what else was done on the cheap. I'm betting the oil was some bargain basement brand not suited for this car. Castrol quieted down the engine immensely.

Next is the transmission service and transfer case. Going zf pan and zf lifeguard 6 since it does tend to slam into gear from a stop about half the time.

Trying to figure out why anyone would put a pos filter in a car like this.

Was 5 quarts enough? I thought it took more.

Does your transmission slam in to 1st when shifting manually between 1 -2 2 - 1 while stopped? I just fixed this on our 325i by resetting the adaptions w/ ISTA.

Some people like having a nice car but not taking care of it. You see it all the time. I would shorten the oil change intervals for a few changes to help clear out gunk that has built up and remove any traces of the "bargain" oil that you stated is likely in there. Congratulation on the X and welcome to the club!

I always did 7500 mile changes. From my e32, to both E39's, and the E60. But your right, I'll probably do another at 3500 for good measure. Only 50 bucks and a filter.

Bought TWO 5qt jugs. Put in the exact capacity as stated in the book. 2.1 gallons or 8 Litres.

I don't typically shift manually. It slams sometimes into first when coming off a light. All I have to do is take my foot off the brake and BAM! Then other times, it's just fine.

Just ordered this. It will be here Friday.

oem ZF Transmission Oil Pan Filter Kit & 6-Liter's ZF Lifeguard 6 Trans Fluid | eBay

Also ordered a valve cover gasket set from Bavauto. Wanted to know if you guys had also done the rest of the gaskets and seals in there? Valve cover gasket, eccentric shaft sensor gasket, and VANOS solenoid gaskets and Spark Plug Tube seal?

Oil pan and oil cooler/ filter housing gaskets are common on this as well. The car doesnt really have any vanos issues that I know of, they are most likely triggered by another issue.

Yep, oil filter housing gasket is next. Had to do it on both E39's, my wife's E60. Not a massive job, just a pita. Never had to do an oil cooler (none in that spot on the M54 or M52/TU), so this will be a first.

Sorry. Did not notice the TWO jugs :). When you have your valve cover off, check your timing chain cover bolts. I was surprised to find 2 of mine broken. N52 broken timing chain cover bolt under chain guide - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

If you are doing the valve covers I would replace everything else while you are in there. Dont want something to leak shortly down the road and have to tear into it again. All of the gaskets/seals you stated above should be replaced. They are fairly cheap and easy to do.

You are probably right. I also might go ahead and replace the eccentric shaft sensor while I'm at it. I've heard a few stories of it's failure.