F15 X5 Differential Fluid

[alphaod]

Originally Posted by happydude

I have not done the job yet. But here are instructions from NewTIS for my 35d.

Front Differential:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ial/1VnXbUhqQ9

Rear Differential:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ive/1VnXfHavLC

That looks pretty simple. I think I can do in that in driveway without making a mess!

[happydude]

Just an update. I did this job last weekend while changing out the engine oil. It was pretty straight forward. I didn't remove the steering gear cover for the front differential as I was able to reach the fill plug with just removing the reinforcement plate. I also bought a few of these transfer pumps at Harbor Freight (Coupon attached) for filling/draining the differentials (rear differential has no drain plug). Also don't forget to replace the drain and fill plugs this will require 3 (2 for front and 1 for rear) BMW Part #: 33117525064. Hope this helps.

[Rightlanedriver]

Originally Posted by happydude

Just an update. I did this job last weekend while changing out the engine oil. It was pretty straight forward. I didn't remove the steering gear cover for the front differential as I was able to reach the fill plug with just removing the reinforcement plate. I also bought a few of these transfer pumps at Harbor Freight (Coupon attached) for filling/draining the differentials (rear differential has no drain plug). Also don't forget to replace the drain and fill plugs this will require 3 (2 for front and 1 for rear) BMW Part #: 33117525064. Hope this helps.

Sorry to raise a old thread. Just wanted to ask, when you changed those diff fluids - how was fluid in them, was it still good do you think? I have 2014, but only 50k so far, so I'm debating if it's worth changing diffs?

I will change trans and x-case soon.

[turboawd]

The diff fluids didn't look bad. Trans and transfer case did look dark though.
I'd at least check the fluid level in the diffs.

[Rightlanedriver]

Originally Posted by turboawd

The diff fluids didn't look bad. Trans and transfer case did look dark though.
I'd at least check the fluid level in the diffs.

Thank you! Worst of them all is transmission oil change cost. One member posted invoice receipt for about $1000 for transmission oil change. Labor was about $375 and the rest was oil and pan kit.

I'm thinking of buying this one and then maybe I'll find some indy shop that will do the change.

1. $284 - Transmission oil change kit: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt

2. I can't find yet a kit for transfer case

[Bilbofraggins]

I changed all fluids at 100,000km on my X6M....where I could I used Ravenol product but stayed with ZF 6 for the tranny....

Next time around, not bothering with ZF...the attached doc is a good read...

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...truth-2882676/

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Rightlanedriver

Thank you! Worst of them all is transmission oil change cost. One member posted invoice receipt for about $1000 for transmission oil change. Labor was about $375 and the rest was oil and pan kit.

I'm thinking of buying this one and then maybe I'll find some indy shop that will do the change.

1. $284 - Transmission oil change kit: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt

2. I can't find yet a kit for transfer case

You only need one bottle of transfer case lube from bmw. Optional if you want to change drain plug.

[Rightlanedriver]

Originally Posted by turboawd

You only need one bottle of transfer case lube from bmw. Optional if you want to change drain plug.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...id-83220397244

Is that the one?

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Rightlanedriver

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...id-83220397244

Is that the one?

Yeah. Priced like liquid gold. I wondered if its just standard gl4 gear lube.

[NERO X]

I need to do all my fluid service soon; was quoted $3k at dealer,$1600 at indy. shop; thinking of doing it myself, but dont have a lift. Are these easy enough to do with the vehicle 1.5ft off the ground on 3 ton jack stands? Enough room to work is what I'm wondering? Does the vehicle need to be flat/level, so wondering do I need 4 jack stands?

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by NERO X

I need to do all my fluid service soon; was quoted $3k at dealer,$1600 at indy. shop; thinking of doing it myself, but dont have a lift. Are these easy enough to do with the vehicle 1.5ft off the ground on 3 ton jack stands? Enough room to work is what I'm wondering? Does the vehicle need to be flat/level, so wondering do I need 4 jack stands?

That's how I did it. Yes you need 4 jack stands. And have vehicle roughly level so that trans fluid level is accurate when filling.

[Rightlanedriver]

Originally Posted by turboawd

That's how I did it. Yes you need 4 jack stands. And have vehicle roughly level so that trans fluid level is accurate when filling.

No adaptation or calibration is required for trans or xcase correct? Basically it's just matter of having good access to be able to work wrenches and to have some filling transfer pumps?

[Rightlanedriver]

I found this video for E70 X5 xcase oil change: youtube.com/watch?v=-vCUNQSOI_M
Granted some mounting points and locations of covers might be different, but is this about right for xcase oil change procedure? I'm thinking to reuse drain plug and just buy 1L of oil for $50. Looks like it has 14mm hex if I'm not mistaken. I might try to do it myself when weather gets a bit warmer. I don't have stands, so I'm thinking to just move x5 on some amazon ramps - they are 8.5 inch height, so should be enough hopefully to work under the car.

[Bilbofraggins]

I reversed onto my “Rhino Ramps” which have a 16,000 lb capacity and a 7 inch lift.... I then raise the front via the lift point and place front on jack stands...

I lower the Jack but then raise so its snug under the same front lift point...

I didn’t bother with rear jack stands but next time may jack the rear a bit more to place a 2x6 on-top of the ramp for a little extra clearance. I have two jacks... and safety is paramount.

[pwrdbym]

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1639922

[Rightlanedriver]

Originally Posted by pwrdbym

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1639922

Thank you very much! So basically both front and rear diff fluids weren't as bad as one can expect at 98k miles. It's transfer case and transmission that is of concern, not only due to worse fluid conditions seen in your thread in both xcase and trans, but also due to higher wear and tear particles from clutch plates and such in them (unlike in diffs) and also the price of trans and xcase (compared to diffs). Besides we see a lot of xcase failures, but very rarely we see diff going out. So all I'm trying to say to myself is that I can probably wait with diffs (I'm at 50k miles), but I need to change oil in trans and xcase.

[smyles]

Originally Posted by Rightlanedriver

...Besides we see a lot of xcase failures...

Really? Where?

[NERO X]

Tons of time in forum searches and still don't feel like I have a clear answer on my rear DHP diff. fluid needed. The PN's and description at suppliers(FCP, ECS...ect)don't seem to match what is shown in the service manual. Anybody with a DHP diff. have any clarity on this?

[Bilbofraggins]

Nero x... take a look at spec chart.com...http://www.specchart.com/automotive/

Or pull up your vehicle on germanparts.ca

As mentioned, I used appropriate Ravenol fluids on my X6m on my diffs and transfer case...

Spent hours crosschecking part numbers and specifications also.

Good luck...

[EdgyE36]

For future research.

[Mpeters79]

Hi all, new to the forum, new BMW owner. Love driving the X5 and am honestly looking forward to working on this beast. While we’re talking about the diff fluids I got a call from the wife and she sent me a picture of a reddish fluid where the left probably driver side door would be in the garage after I of course left for the airport. Just doing a little research I discovered that the tranny fluid in these is either blue or green correct? Would you all have any idea what this reddish fluid could be? She indicated that it was not oily in nature and didn’t have a smell and it’s winter and the AC hasn’t been on and the ground is dry currently where I live. Thank you.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Mpeters79

Hi all, new to the forum, new BMW owner. Love driving the X5 and am honestly looking forward to working on this beast. While we’re talking about the diff fluids I got a call from the wife and she sent me a picture of a reddish fluid where the left probably driver side door would be in the garage after I of course left for the airport. Just doing a little research I discovered that the tranny fluid in these is either blue or green correct? Would you all have any idea what this reddish fluid could be? She indicated that it was not oily in nature and didn’t have a smell and it’s winter and the AC hasn’t been on and the ground is dry currently where I live. Thank you.

Trans fluid is clear when new. Brown and burnt when used. There's no red fluids. Are you using a red windshield washer fluid?