Let's make N63TU great again: transmission oil change tips

[DuSh]

It came to my attention that:

1. X5M oil pan is direct fit to our 50i the reason it's much better is that it's made from Aluminum - which has several times better heat exchange properties compared to stock steel oil pan. Thermal Conductivity [BTU/(hr·ft⋅°F)] of Aluminum is 118, while Steel is 17. Huge difference.

Part # for X5M aluminum oil pan is 24117855261 https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...117855261.html


2. Some may argue, but I think transmission oil should be changed every 40-50k miles (almost same as spark plugs). Yes, I know BMW says it's lifetime - but we all know it's marketing green peace BS.

Attached a photo of oil changed at 60k miles: the person who did it (photos not mine) put 1qt of oil more than he drained meaning that about 1qt of oil was "used" since car left factory and was converted to either gunk or else. Both color and smell was horrible.

Moral of story: IMHO yes, BMW is right - transmission oil is lifetime - only "lifetime" means 3-4 years until free maintenance is up. Then it's going to be your headache. ZF - the manufacturer of our ZF8 transmission recommends to change oil every 40k miles by partial draining from the drain plug and refilling. However, if possible taking oil pan and changing it's corresponding filter - is a lot better. Filter comes with oil pan (and gaskets and new bolts) and you can't change it without taking oil pan off.

The person used a ZF transmission oil, but there are couple other choices available including OEM BMW ATF 3+ Automatic Transmission Fluid.

P.S. I haven't done this myself yet, as I'm only at 30k miles, but I will update it with pics and DIY when I'll do. If anyone wants to contribute - you are more than welcome.

[DuSh]

Here's a post reference of Mr.47 who did change his oil and he has some useful tips: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...0&postcount=27

[Maverik259]

Dude you're on a role and I love it!

[perry8912]

Agreed,
At 60k miles, spark plug, transmission oil, transfer case oil, and f/r differtial oil, they all need to be changed if you want to drive it to 100k miles. No such thing as lifetime fluid...

[Maverik259]

Anyone actually do this? Confused by the photos. The filter is supposed to be attached to the pan but in that one photo of the aluminum pan and bolts I don't see a filter…

Also every picture I've seen has a plastic pan and not steel for the tranny. I also Find this odd.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Anyone actually do this? Confused by the photos. The filter is supposed to be attached to the pan but in that one photo of the aluminum pan and bolts I don't see a filter…

Also every picture I've seen has a plastic pan and not steel for the tranny. I also Find this odd.

The F15 pans are plastic and have an integrated filter. It looks like the M pans are metal and the filter is separate.

X5–

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...zf-24118612901

X5M–

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...503407#fitment

[Dasky_spas]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

The F15 pans are plastic and have an integrated filter. It looks like the M pans are metal and the filter is separate.

X5–

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...zf-24118612901

X5M–

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...503407#fitment

I'm assuming this mod will apply to any n63tu upgrade to their respective platform. I'm running a m850 and am thinking to put in the m8 pan, same part 2411785526.

[Djhumvee]

They make an aftermarket aluminum pan for the ZF8

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ppe-part...AaAhzQEALw_wcB

[Dasky_spas]

Originally Posted by Djhumvee

They make an aftermarket aluminum pan for the ZF8

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ppe-part...AaAhzQEALw_wcB

Yep, know that one and the Inpower. The PPE would seem like a poor design given the extra fluid in the same size pan. The extra fluid would logically hold heat longer given no extra space to disperse heat. The oem unit has much longer heat fins, ie a much better design. For the 8 series and other n63tu3 motors, it looks like both trans pan types are interchangeable.

https://www.advantagebmwparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-trans-pan-24119503407?c=cT0yNC0xMS03LTg1NS0yNjE%3D