I have heard some people getting the transfer case fluid serviced as a preventative measure around 40k miles. Is this something recommended or should I just wait and don’t think about it unless it actually fails and then get it replaced under warranty.
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I have heard some people getting the transfer case fluid serviced as a preventative measure around 40k miles. Is this something recommended or should I just wait and don’t think about it unless it actually fails and then get it replaced under warranty.
masab321 wroteI could be wrong; some 2019 and 2020 had the wrong fluid in the transfer case thus higher rate of failuresI recently bought 2021 CPO X5 40i. The car drives like a new vehicle but I keep reading about transfer case issues. The vehicle has one year of manufacturer warranty and one additional year of CPO warranty. It’s at 39k miles at the moment.
I have heard some people getting the transfer case fluid serviced as a preventative measure around 40k miles. Is this something recommended or should I just wait and don’t think about it unless it actually fails and then get it replaced under warranty.
Based on the sage advice of long time BMW tech guru Mike Miller, owners of BMW automatic transmissions who wish to keep their vehicles well past 100K miles should consider periodic maintenance of drivetrain fluids, which in the case of X drive includes the transfer case (make sure tech resets transfer case adaptation).
I received similar advice from an experienced Atlanta BMW shop, who recommends drain/fill on ATF, transfer case and diffs every 65K - 75K miles. Not cheap service, and not a 100% guarantee of extended life for these components. But an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure.
Have previously run an E53 and F15 over 150K each with a drivetrain fluid change at 75K without any problems.
YMMV.
Cheers.
That said, I don't think it's a bad idea to change out high stress fluids.
The only unit worth touching is the gearbox, and even then it's more for a peace of mind/OCD.
For the record, I change engine oil every 5k.
X5MGuy wroteIt is not recommended to change the fluid in either of them for the non-M.If I'm not mistaken transfer case and rear diff service are recommended maintenance at 50k miles, at least on the M anyway. Only cost me about $400.
F15_SGM wroteIs it easy to perform on the G05?I change my transfer case fluid every engine oil change. So every 5K. I don't do adaptation on ista+ anymore since I change it so frequently. We can all agree the transfer case needs a class action lawsuit sooner or later. My method keeps it fresh all the time as I'm a long term owner + I do have the 50i variant.
maher wroteNo, it is not "easy" to do. There is only a single fill/empty plug. Used fluid must be pumped out and the new fluid pumped in. Changing this fluid every 5k miles is way, way too often, and likely introduces higher risk due to contamination, under/over fill, etc. than simply following BMW's policy.Is it easy to perform on the G05?
Bolt1949 wroteMy friend is a bmw master tech at bmw dealer so he does it for me. I just watch him do it but it's pretty simple. First have to get a hoist to secure the transfer case and remove the transfer case bracket then you just siphon the old fluid with a thin hose and refill with new fluid until it starts to flow out. I don't see how it can be contaminated. Keeps the transfer case fresh and only takes about 30 min extra doing the engine oil change. Only cost associated is the dealer mark up on the dtf1 fluid. Really the procedure is the exact same for the previous gen aswell no difference. You can technically remove the fill plug without dropping the bracket but it's just easier that way if you have the equipment and skills. I do understand why some may think 5K is way to often but it doesn't hurt doing so in my opinion. What I do know is that the factory fluid was defective and I do believe the transfer case unit is just as trash in this car and prone to failure. Previously it was only the 50i guys with failures but as time goes on I have seen countless 40i X7 and X5 guys with transfer case failures. My unit was swapped at dealership at around 25K odo and I don't trust the new unit aswell. I think the solution will be a class action that may take many years before owners start to take action like every other class action bmw occurred. Just takes many years before something is done about it.No, it is not "easy" to do. There is only a single fill/empty plug. Used fluid must be pumped out and the new fluid pumped in. Changing this fluid every 5k miles is way, way too often, and likely introduces higher risk due to contamination, under/over fill, etc. than simply following BMW's policy.
F15_SGM wroteWait, you change transfer case fluid every 5k and still need replacement at 25k?? Does it really prove changing too often isn’t great??My friend is a bmw master tech at bmw dealer so he does it for me. I just watch him do it but it's pretty simple. First have to get a hoist to secure the transfer case and remove the transfer case bracket then you just siphon the old fluid with a thin hose and refill with new fluid until it starts to flow out. I don't see how it can be contaminated. Keeps the transfer case fresh and only takes about 30 min extra doing the engine oil change. Only cost associated is the dealer mark up on the dtf1 fluid. Really the procedure is the exact same for the previous gen aswell no difference. You can technically remove the fill plug without dropping the bracket but it's just easier that way if you have the equipment and skills. I do understand why some may think 5K is way to often but it doesn't hurt doing so in my opinion. What I do know is that the factory fluid was defective and I do believe the transfer case unit is just as trash in this car and prone to failure. Previously it was only the 50i guys with failures but as time goes on I have seen countless 40i X7 and X5 guys with transfer case failures. My unit was swapped at dealership at around 25K odo and I don't trust the new unit aswell. I think the solution will be a class action that may take many years before owners start to take action like every other class action bmw occurred. Just takes many years before something is done about it.
Bolt1949 wroteI'm not gonna disagree that 5k miles is too frequent (unless you're really abusing the 4x4 a LOT)...No, it is not "easy" to do. There is only a single fill/empty plug. Used fluid must be pumped out and the new fluid pumped in. Changing this fluid every 5k miles is way, way too often, and likely introduces higher risk due to contamination, under/over fill, etc. than simply following BMW's policy.
But a single port to drain and fill is SUPER easy. Undo plug, use transfer pump to empty it of fluid. Turn pump around and use it to transfer new fluid in. I haven't checked, but usually those fill ports are designed to also be overflows, so you fill it to the port and then you've got the right amount of fluid in it when it starts to drip out (I would of course, verify this before completing the service). Worst case, you measure the correct amount out and transfer it in. Easy peasy. Heck id probably use my Mityvac extractor and just drain it that way, would be busting out a second tool, but it'd probably make it even faster and easier.
Unless access to the TC is total garbage, this is a job in the minutes range, super easy.
eelnoraa wroteSorry for confusion. The replacement at 25K was with no fluid change and was whatever they had in it from factory. I do the changing fluid on the new unit never did anything on the old unit.Wait, you change transfer case fluid every 5k and still need replacement at 25k?? Does it really prove changing too often isn’t great??
BobsM3Coupe wroteYes you have to use ista+ to put it in service procedure mode. I have ista + if any one needs it.And here I'm reading in newtis that to completely drain the transfer case fluid, a connection to a software program is needed. This allows some valves inside the transfer case to open for completing the drain process.
BobsM3Coupe wrotewhat valves?And here I'm reading in newtis that to completely drain the transfer case fluid, a connection to a software program is needed. This allows some valves inside the transfer case ...
smyles wrotePerhaps someone who has taken it apart can say for sure, the procedures just say it needs to be in the service function for complete draining.what valves?
TurtleBoy wroteTB - where can I find these fluid recommendations? Not in my manual, not where I can find online. If it wasn’t for the damn sunroof leak..hoping to keep it for 10+.It is not recommended to change the fluid in either of them for the non-M.
bandersen wroteThey are in the Maintenance Guide. Unfortunately the resources site doesn't have it for all years. https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/bmw-value/bmw-ultimate-service/service-and-warranty-books.htmlTB - where can I find these fluid recommendations? Not in my manual, not where I can find online. If it wasn’t for the damn sunroof leak..hoping to keep it for 10+.
I have attached the one from MY20 which should also apply to yours.
915M wrote$500 from what I've read hereHow much do dealers charge for transfer case fluid change?
