Transmission and Diff fluid change questions

[BobBeau]

I'm turning 57k miles and am curious as to when some of you guys are changing fluids. I think BMW recommends changing fluids at 80k but they also recommend changing engine oil every 10 - 15k which is somewhat baffling. I was roughly quoted around $900 for just the tranny service from an Indy shop. Does that sound right?

[Mr.47]

ZF (transmission manufacture) recommends at 60k miles or 8 years which ever comes first.
For $900 is not great but not terrible either, however you need to find out what they’re doing for that price. Typically you would be replacing the transmission fluid (about ~5L), pan/filter (drain plug and filter, integrated into transmission pan) 13x pan bolts, and your fill plug.

For engine oil, I’m not a n63 expert (ie 50i, I have 35d) but you want to change at 10k miles and no higher with quality oil (at least LL01 spec oil can be found at Walmart motor oil section), of course lesser is better ie 7500-8500 miles but each to their own opinion, my reasons are that these engines “stock” runs really hot (up to 230F for coolant temp and up to 250F for oil temp considers normal) with these temps you need good quality oil to remain stable and able to protect engine until it’s next oil change, and changing earlier wouldn’t be a bad practice just don’t change too early (ie 3000-5000mi or every 6mo) that’s just wasting money.

Another key aspect to consider is to keep and eye on your oil level check every you fill up your tank or at least once a month, they consume oil and is considered normal for 1qt per 1000 miles most consume less, some close or even more then usual.

[BobBeau]

The $900 did include the pan. I've been changing the oil every 5k and... I hear you on the oil consumption. With the tune... I'm having to add about 2 quarts between oil changes.

Thanks for the reply

[turboawd]

If it's 57k highway miles, you could probably wait a while. If it's all city miles, then I'd probably change it.
You can buy the fluid and filter pan for under 300.

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by turboawd

If it's 57k highway miles, you could probably wait a while. If it's all city miles, then I'd probably change it.
You can buy the fluid and filter pan for under 300.

It's mostly highway miles. Would this be a difficult DIY?

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

It's mostly highway miles. Would this be a difficult DIY?

If you have a lift its fairly easy. Otherwise you have to jack up the x5 at all 4 corners so it's level. And you'll be doing this on your back. I believe there is a diy on here.

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by turboawd

If you have a lift its fairly easy. Otherwise you have to jack up the x5 at all 4 corners so it's level. And you'll be doing this on your back. I believe there is a diy on here.

My neighbor has a lift in his garage so maybe I can tackle this myself. I'll look again for that DIY. Thanks for the info