Fluid change in Transmission,Front,Rear differential and Transfer case

[alexvej1]

Hi.I have 2017 X5 40E with 52k .
I'm not towing and driving nomaly.
After watching youtube video from FCPEuro I'm thinking to change fluid in
front,rear differential and transfer case also I'm thinking to change oil in transmission.
Any suggestions?
Thank you.

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

That may be a bit early at 52k miles.

Personally, I would wait another 20k miles and then do those fluid changes.

[beattiecj]

Front and Rear diffs are relatively easy, get the 17mm (maybe 14mm) hex tool to open the diff plugs. You can get a 200cc fluid extractor off amazon for $10.

The fluid for each is pricey, I went with BMW. Others may debate fluid brand etc. Had to get them off FCP and ECS (G3 rear and G2 front - 2 bottles of each)

Transfer case did not do because I didn't have the scan tool to re-calibrate the clutch plates, but otherwise should be the same as the diffs. Will do this soon.

Transmission - Put off, but planning to do soon.

Oil change is easy - get an Oil filter removal cap tool - FCP has this for $10 and the Oil change kit with filter has everything you need.

Do the cabin filter too another $15 mine was absolutely filthy

I do tow up to 5k lbs, found the front diff to be nasty at 65k miles rear diff fluid was fine.

[tlow98]

You’re at the mileage to responsibly do them. ZF recommends the trans fluid at 60-80k Kms. You’re right there.

The transfer case and front diff are the most important. They have less fluid and this get dirtier fastest.

I did them all at 70k. The transfer case was likely overdue. All the rest were pretty clean.

[alexvej1]

Thank you very much .Quick question .
What do you guys think to change the oil in transmission and don't change the filter.I was looking on the pen and filter.
And to change the filter it much more consume job and filter only can get very big objects.
Does anybody knows how many quarters do I need to change oil in transmission per ZF recommendations?
Also I have all tools as well as ISTA
Any suggestions

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

Originally Posted by alexvej1

ZF recommendations?

It is a false economy to not replace the filter.

6 Litres of Lifeguard8 or Top Tec 1800.

ZF_8HP_Fill_Procedure.pdf

[MH20jy]

I knew most folks here change their fluid around 80k. I did that too, turns out my rear diff and transmission fluid are still in good color. I would not bother to do it until at 100k.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by MH20jy

I knew most folks here change their fluid around 80k. I did that too, turns out my rear diff and transmission fluid are still in good color. I would not bother to do it until at 100k.

Depends on age and heat cycles too. These cars are nearly a decade old. If they were 5 years old with 100k for sure, but 10 years is a lot more moisture exposure. Need an oil analysis to know for sure.

As they age, erring on the side of caution is prudent, especially with large mechanical pieces that could possibly total the car from a value perspective. Fluid is mega cheap if you’re DIY’ing

[Clifton]

I agree with tlow98 - At a minimum, do a transfer case fluid change followed by VTG calibration. The Xfer case doesn't hold a lot of fluid to begin with (< 1 Liter).

Several DIY guides on this form (Click here) and you don't even need a lift.

Attached is an image of my Xfer case oil @ 33K.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Clifton

I agree with tlow98 - At a minimum, do a transfer case fluid change followed by VTG calibration. The Xfer case doesn't hold a lot of fluid to begin with (< 1 Liter).

Several DIY guides on this form (Click here) and you don't even need a lift.

Attached is an image of my Xfer case oil @ 33K.

I’m about to do my second transfer case change and this is a good heads up, thanks. I don’t think I’ll wait for 50k now…

Fwiw, mine looked quite a bit worse at 70k, but I suppose that’s to be expected!

[RED_Y_]

I got my tranny serviced today (83K miles) and its mind blowing how well it shifts now, never felt like it is shifting rough or anything but after it was serviced I keep looking at RPM since I can't feel it shifting.

[srybicki]

2017 x5 40e here as well. I did everything at 60k and glad that I did

[jfandl]

Originally Posted by beattiecj

Front and Rear diffs are relatively easy, get the 17mm (maybe 14mm) hex tool to open the diff plugs. You can get a 200cc fluid extractor off amazon for $10.

The fluid for each is pricey, I went with BMW. Others may debate fluid brand etc. Had to get them off FCP and ECS (G3 rear and G2 front - 2 bottles of each)

Transfer case did not do because I didn't have the scan tool to re-calibrate the clutch plates, but otherwise should be the same as the diffs. Will do this soon.

Transmission - Put off, but planning to do soon.

Oil change is easy - get an Oil filter removal cap tool - FCP has this for $10 and the Oil change kit with filter has everything you need.

Do the cabin filter too another $15 mine was absolutely filthy

I do tow up to 5k lbs, found the front diff to be nasty at 65k miles rear diff fluid was fine.

Don't waste your time on the 200cc fluid extractors, more fluid will leak out and cost you money or more oil than you need because they leak like a sieve. After loosing almost a liter of fluid, I threw that junk in the trash and bought a real "Mighty vac" fluid extractor. It was around $100. It was a fantastic investment and I added the 45* bend transfer case adapter which works great on the transmission, front, rear diff, transfer case.

[alexvej1]

Thank you very much for your help.
I just did change transfer case and differential fluid.
Also bought and use Transmission Fluid Pump .
It actually very good if you have a compressor.
https://www.vevor.com/fluid-evacuato...02-23-01:37:01

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by jfandl

Don't waste your time on the 200cc fluid extractors, more fluid will leak out and cost you money or more oil than you need because they leak like a sieve. After loosing almost a liter of fluid, I threw that junk in the trash and bought a real "Mighty vac" fluid extractor. It was around $100. It was a fantastic investment and I added the 45* bend transfer case adapter which works great on the transmission, front, rear diff, transfer case.

I'm cheap and the 200ml pump worked, would much rather have used what you are recommending and will eventually upgrade.

[1004ron]

Thanks for all the tech help here.

I have a few questions that I hope you can answer for me.

We bought a 2015 X5 for my wife with 111185 miles on and I plan on replacing all fluids, coolant, brake, front diff, rear diff and transfer case. Did the engine oil and filter this weekend.

Fluids I have on hand: BWM coolant, Brembo brake fluid, Amsoil severe gear 75w-90, Amsoil severe gear 75w-140.

I also have the BimmerCode and BimmerLink apss - only really used BimmerCode so far.

Do I need to get any special fluids for the transfer case and diff's?

What reasonably priced coding tool do you recommend - I have viewed the below ones on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BMW+Scann...ref=nb_sb_noss

I use Forscan on my Ford - is there anything free like this available for the BMW?

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by 1004ron

Thanks for all the tech help here.

I have a few questions that I hope you can answer for me.

We bought a 2015 X5 for my wife with 111185 miles on and I plan on replacing all fluids, coolant, brake, front diff, rear diff and transfer case. Did the engine oil and filter this weekend.

Fluids I have on hand: BWM coolant, Brembo brake fluid, Amsoil severe gear 75w-90, Amsoil severe gear 75w-140.

I also have the BimmerCode and BimmerLink apss - only really used BimmerCode so far.

Do I need to get any special fluids for the transfer case and diff's?

What reasonably priced coding tool do you recommend - I have viewed the below ones on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BMW+Scann...ref=nb_sb_noss

I use Forscan on my Ford - is there anything free like this available for the BMW?

I use the fox well 530 (?) scanner and it’s pretty great for BMWs. Does 95% of anything you’ll ever need and you can take it anywhere anytime with you.

For the transfer case I stuck with BMW fluid bc there is such a tiny amount (0.5 liter only capacity) and it’s so critical to the system.

For the trans and diffs I used whatever met the spec that’s high quality but not OE prices.

[srybicki]

Amsoil 75w90 will be fine in front and rear diff. Need special fluid for transfer case. Fcp euro carries shell version that is same as OEM fluid but cheaper

[1004ron]

Originally Posted by tlow98

I use the fox well 530 (?) scanner and it’s pretty great for BMWs. Does 95% of anything you’ll ever need and you can take it anywhere anytime with you.

For the transfer case I stuck with BMW fluid bc there is such a tiny amount (0.5 liter only capacity) and it’s so critical to the system.

For the trans and diffs I used whatever met the spec that’s high quality but not OE prices.

Last weekend I did the engine oil and filter.

Today I did transmission with ZF 8 fluid, transfer case with BMW fluid and calibration, front and rear diff oil with Amsoil.

Was a bit of a learning curve with the new Foxwell 530 doing the transmission temperature check and the transfer case calibration.

Tomorrow or next weekend I'll do the coolant, brake fluid, and spark plugs, then the X5's maintenance will be up to date.

The fluids didn't look or smell bad and it was running real smooth before and after all the fluids changed - it has high miles with a good service history listed in the CarFax report.

This tool worked great with a ratcheting wrench - highly recommend it.
1136 - Jeep / BMW - Transmission Fill Plug Socket - 14MM Stubby

[m4forum]

Never used Foxwell as have BMW ISTA ... but seems very capable. I used bimmerlink which is great to show transmission temp and can be connected directly via OBD.
Front diff oil was pretty dark most likely due the fact shafts go through the engine oil pan.

[1004ron]

Originally Posted by m4forum

Never used Foxwell as have BMW ISTA ... but seems very capable. I used bimmerlink which is great to show transmission temp and can be connected directly via OBD.
Front diff oil was pretty dark most likely due the fact shafts go through the engine oil pan.

I find the Foxwell a little cumbersome and will probably use BimmerLink to display the transmission oil temp next time I change fluid.
It takes a few long waits and steps to get to perform the transfer case calibration.

For my BMW K1600 motorcycle I use the OBDLink MX+ with an android tablet running an app called Motoscan which cost $45, and its far superior to Foxwell and BimmerLink, way faster and more capable.

[Chilled]

Originally Posted by 1004ron

I find the Foxwell a little cumbersome and will probably use BimmerLink to display the transmission oil temp next time I change fluid.
It takes a few long waits and steps to get to perform the transfer case calibration.

For my BMW K1600 motorcycle I use the OBDLink MX+ with an android tablet running an app called Motoscan which cost $45, and its far superior to Foxwell and BimmerLink, way faster and more capable.

IMHO, the NF530 is a waist of money. There is a better way of doing what it does for allot less and with much more ease.

Have a look into Torque or DeepODB, both are free and will give you the raw metrics (not sure if work with MX+). Also look into setting up an ISTA VM as it makes diagnosis allot easier.
For my oil change, I used bimmerlink via WIFI dongle, and it was simple as plugin in the dongle, hitting connect, picking trans oil temp and waiting. Was playing with pup and checking phone whilst car was idling up.


Don't over look the freedom and the convenience of been able to use an app on you phone or ISTA via a WIFI dongle. Especially when you get 46 errors from almost every single module, because you forgot to install 1 ground strap.

BTW, scan tool discussion thread.
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...highlight=ISTA