What oil for X3 Transfer case and diffs?
 

Hi ALL

I have been a longtime reader but didnt post much and had to renew my registration

I have E83 2006 X3 3.0l Diesel 6s AUTO. It just ticked over 100,000kms. Ive had the car 2 yrs and had 80000kms when i got it. The previous owner towed a 1 horse float with it and i now use it for a 1.1 ton boat.
Id like to change the oils that never get looked at

Ive been reading up on changing oils in the auto and tranferr case. Ive narrowed down the Transmission oil and will go with castrol transmax multi-vehicle.

I need recommendations for what Transfer case oil to use - ive read i need only .6Ltr

Also would like to know what diff oils others have used and if the rear is A LSD?

thanks

Two years ago I replaced all of my fluids after massive amounts of research and I couldn't be happier. Granted my car is a 2004, bavauto states the same part numbers for yours.

Transmission fluid - BMW Genuine Transfer Case Fluid - Part number 83 22 0 397 244

Differentials - Red Line 75W90, the 75W140 is not for LSD so don't get confused. You'll need 1.06 for each diff so get 3.

All accurate.

The x-drive fluid is BMW proprietary so you should get it from them AND THEM ONLY. Warning: It is a bit pricey. One quarts is worth about $55 dollars

Differential wise, you can buy it at a car shop OR get it at the dealer as well. I don't think there's a big price difference though.

Question: What made you go with the Castrol Transmax Multi-Vehicle? I chose to get the Dex VI fluid but haven't bought it yet. Still pondering the choices but that's prob what I will buy... it is what BMW and GM recommends which is why I am giving them deference

Not my question to answer, but I did mine with LiquiMoly TopTec 1200 because I got no definitive answers after months of reading. Everyone had their own opinion. I called Bavauto and spoke with a rep for quite a while. Obviously he recommended the stuff they sell, but I felt comfortable with it. On two years now, 120K miles, did a filter and fluid change, absolutely love it. Car shifts like silk, and I can't feel the upshifts anymore like I could prior to the change.

Right so BavAuto has LM TopTec 1200 but I can't see myself to get it just yet. I explained my reasoning here...

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...4&postcount=85

That being said, I have not gotten it yet. I did notice that the Valvoline Multi-ATF has the Texaco spec included in its recommendations.... we'll see though. Still leaning towards my reasoning.

Question: What made you go with the Castrol Transmax Multi-Vehicle? I chose to get the Dex VI fluid but haven't bought it yet. Still pondering the choices but that's prob what I will buy... it is what BMW and GM recommends which is why I am giving them deference[/QUOTE]

after reading a post or two on here - being in Australia out of all the recommendations castrol transmax multivehicle is one of the few im able to source. Note i have not change the auto fluid yet. And after reading the rating online ive now worked out its not dex VI! Looks like im still on the hunt - my local bmw dealer only have 20l drums of dex VI at close to $600:cry:

ive just found a place that supplies redline oil - might try them

Differentials - Red Line 75W90, the 75W140 is not for LSD so don't get confused. You'll need 1.06 for each diff so get 3.[/QUOTE]

thanks for this.

sorry im a little confused - which one are you saying you used the 75w90 or the 75w140?

I was told MY06 X3`s are not LSD - so which one have you gone with?

Ive just foundout i can sourc Redline 75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil or Redline 75W-90 NS GL-5+&6 Gear
which one is correct?

thanks

I used 75W90 GL-5 for all of my BMWS, its also recommended for yours.

perfect - sounds like i now a have the diff oils nailed down

Just buy the transfer case fluid from BMW, IMHO BMW simply didnt put enough of this fluid in the transfer case to begin with at .6 litre and it will safely take around .9 of a litre.

Yes Bmw will supply me their oil TF0870 AT $62.35 for 1 ltr.

Appreciate the volume confirmation
PS apart from the colour my car is identical to yours

cheers

No worries, If your feeling cheeky ask for trade price and you may get it a bit cheaper BTW. :thumbup:

thanks for this.

sorry im a little confused - which one are you saying you used the 75w90 or the 75w140?

I was told MY06 X3`s are not LSD - so which one have you gone with?

Ive just foundout i can sourc Redline 75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil or Redline 75W-90 NS GL-5+&6 Gear
which one is correct?

thanks[/QUOTE]

None of the X3s have a limited slip differential. Either weight is ok to use. Most use 75w 90 with good results. I used redline 75w 90 when I changed mine.
75w 140 is more for racing applications or if you beat the snot out of your x3.

I know this has nothing to do with the fluid/oil but has anyone reversed onto ramps and done the DIY for this? Or is a jack stand needed?

**NEVERMIND, i answered my own question - it should be level so all fluid comes out...Duh

To get to the rear diff you don't even have to jack the car up.

1) remove the spare tire carrier (3 bolts and a screw that holds the wire)

2) put pan underneath the fill/drain plug (there's only one)

3) open plug and let fluid come out. When it stops jack the front of the car up to get more out. When that's done use a pump to get the rest out.

4) lower front and refill.

It's that easy....

As a side I use redline 75w90. That one comes with LSD friction modifiers that the NS version doesn't have. It isn't necessary,but doesn't hurt a thing.

Not being a DIY guy, last week I took my car into my indie shop to have all the oils changed. I've adopted a 30K schedule (except for the engine oil where I'm doing 5K). Because I'm still under warranty I thought it best to get all official BMW fluids.

So FYI, here are part #'s:

Engine oil: 07510017954
Oil filter kit (N52): 11427566327
Manual transmission oil: 83220309031
Transfer case oil: 83220397244
Differential oil: 83220002094
Differential drain plugs: 33117525064

Also, as a reminder, apparently the computer needs to be told when the transfer case fluid has been changed. The shop did that, didn't charge me separately for hooking up to the computer. I don't know how essential this is, because if it's really necessary then any transfer case fluid change will require going to a shop with a computer link unless you have your own.

Also, the best online prices I've found have been with ebmwparts.com, good service too. Didn't use them this time, though, since the shop ordered everything.

wow yea transfer fluid for $38 a bottle is the best i've seen

Hi Hottuna,
were did you buy the 14mm Hex to remove the differential drain plug?
I also live and Sydney and unfortunately none of the hardware stores I've been to, have the hex allen key I need.
I got my transmission fluid changed last year (at 100,000km) and I made an improvement.

I was actually wondering the same, all I found so far was this:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Hex_Wrench/ES2221248/

Or check out Harbor Freight, they are my friends

Just bought transfer case fluid for $30 shipped. I win :D

I used the 75w140 based on BavAuto's recommendation. Works great in my 2007.

I don't race or beat the snot out of my X3! Just drive it a lot and at a brisk pace!

Doh, I may have been wrong about that statement. I use redline 75w 90 which says its appropriate for "racing and street driven" vehicles.
Maybe I'll try the 75w 140 next time. I need to change the fluid in the springtime.

The 75w90 is the standard weight. The 75w140 is just a little heavier which I have liked so far. A little more dampening.

I did the same on my Harley to help my "clunk" when shifting into 1st!

Hi all,
so finally I got together all the materials & tools. I will be performing the fluid changes hopefully this weekend. FYI I went to BMW North Shore and they gave me Repsol oil for the differential 75W90.

i havent purchased the 14mm allen key as yet. Im planning on taking it to my mechanic soon once he`s back from the states racing top fuellers:rofl: and im sure he has one

Im getting everything i need so i can drop it off with the car. He suggested we flush all the oil in the transmision including lines and cooler as he doesnt like the idea of just draining it and topping up - something out doing half a job.:thumbdwn:He is fussy which is good:thumbup: I know this will use about 18ltrs of oil.