Is an AT flush possible?
 

My 04 2.5 X3 is at 61,000 miles. I spoke with my SA about having the AT flushed and he said it was not possible because it is a sealed unit. I've searched the board and if I'm not wrong, it can be done.

Also, the mileage counter flashes inspection upon startup. Does this mean that the oil needs to be changed too?

Thanks

I think part of the AT unit is sealed (perhaps the torque converter), so that sealed part cannot be flushed. However, the rest of it can, and if the dealer refuses, then take it to an independent BMW shop.

If your Service Indicator flashes upon startup, then yes, you need to do Inspection II ASAP!

So the transmission definitely needs to be flushed at 60k?

I've heard that ATF and diff fluid are lifetime fluids? But I might be wrong...

that's what BMW claim, I personally will replace both tranny and diff fluid every 20k or 30k miles.

I'm little confused on diff fluid since I'm not sure how many diffs X3 has due to its all wheel drive system (front and rear diff?)

I think you're panicing here. Inspect II is nothing more than alot of checking this and checking that.

Didn't mean to convey a sense of panic, rather mild urgency. I'm already one of those who think 15k intervals are too long.........but waiting 15k and then like, 2000mi on top of that......well.........its your car I guess.

I let my X3 run into the negatives but that's because I change the oil at 7,5k intervals.

In addition to the transmission there is the front and rear differential plus the automatic transfer case. Be sure to use the correct fluids.


None of these are scheduled items. Brake fluid and coolant changes are on the schedules and are often overlooked.

the trans fluid is good for 100k miles the diff and X-drive trans case should be about 60k miles

20-30k seems to be wayyy tooo short......(i know that's what they used to recommend back in the 90s when they use non synthetic fluids) but nowadays almost all of the euro cars (audi, bmw mbz) uses synthetic fluids on tranny etc. and from my experience they will last 60k (under normal driving conditions ie no towing etc.)

i did replace my tans case and diff fluid at 60k but since is a PITA to do the tranny and the fact that you cant get the correct fluid besides from the stealership and you have to get like 25L of it which will cost like $250....i decided to wait till 100k miles (esp when my car is under BMW CPO and service manual dont call for it till 100k)

---cant get the correct fluid besides from the stealership ---

Does anyone has any link/reference/info on fluid type/brand we should use in X3 tranny/diff? Thanks

flush is possible
 

yes do flush it dont wait till 9ok, bg flush machine will to the jog with the proper fittings

Your recommendation is only about 4 years too late...

Yea, I mean, what in the world just happened... and was he drunk?

Lmao! Good thread though!

Just in case this hits a google search:

Tranny is dexron vi
Differentials are 75w90
Transfer case is BMW xdrive fluid

There I did my part...lol...

I'll fine tune that before I drink some fortified wine:

Tranny is Dexron VI (Why does GM confuse us with Roman numerals? Label it Dexron 6)
Differentials are synthetic 75w90
Transfer case is BMW xdrive fluid, Part No. 83 22 0 397 244

BMW specifies Castrol SAF-XO for the differentials which is apparently available in Canada (for about $47) but not in the U.S.
No indication that it is different from any other 100% synthetic 75W90 gear oil.

Originally spec'd. Shell or Esso fluid for the 5 spd. A/T may still also be available at a high price.
Is it better to use that over Dexron 6 in the 5 spd. transmission? Don't know.
Owners that have converted to Dexron 6 don't seem to report any problems.

how much should I expect to pay at an indy to have my tranny done? I am only at 82k miles but I tow a light trailer some (about 1200 pounds) so I want to get it done!

Anywhere from $350 to $600 depending on labor rates and if you also change the filter.

Believe it or not my dealer only charges $350 for this. Since there is no dipstick this is about the only maintenance I do not do myself.

EDIT:
I forgot when I paid to have this done it was $416 at the dealer but it included transmission, both differentials and the transfer case. I did that at both 50k and 75k.

They didn't break out the labor for each desperately on the invoice only the fluid cost.

holy moly! thats alot! The Mercedes dealer only charged $275 for our CLK500's tranny flush/filter change, and they had a awesome (free) espresso bar too!

Yes, but I get a new BMW to drive for the day lol. That's worth a $100. ;). This is the last and only thing I do at the dealer.

Honestly I could do this myself for about $150 in fluid and filter in my garage. I have done it at least 100 times over the years. The issue is three fold why I haven't yet done it:

1) I need a high capacity fluid transfer pump. I only have a small one right now designed for low fluid apps like differential and transfer case. A good one is about $80 to $150.

2) I need a good instant read infrared digital thermometer to measure temps to make sure I filled it full enough...remember no dipstick to check after getting up to operating temp and you went through all gears and sport mode and back to park (5 seconds in each). Another $100 to $150 for a good one...granted second change both would have paid for itself.

3) I had the 100k mile maintenance plan and didn't want any flack from the dealer about not wanting to touch it at 100k miles even though it was recommended. So I paid at 50k and 75k when I was in for inspection 1/2 on BMWs dime. I also see value in using the same fluid each time because its darn near impossible to get a few quarts of fluid out of the torque converter.

I might just do it myself at 125k if the dealer will sell me 8 quarts of the dex 6 they used....heck at that point what's the harm....