[gokcan]

Hello, I encountered a problem while working on my 2019 X5 40i transfer case fluid change. The car is shaking while doing tight turns, slow speed turns.

After opening the drain plug, I tried to drain the old fluid but, the hose cannot pass some gears/obstacles. When I checked it with my hand, it does not let you pass inside where oil stays.

So, I decided to change the old fluid by adding some new into the case cause I couldn’t drain any.

This failed and all the new fluid could not be added to the case and new fluid directly drops to the drain pan.

What am I missing here to drain the old fluid and adding the new one? Should I follow any other procedure to open that hole?

Cause whatever I watched on Youtube, for transfer case oil change, they all can place the drain pipe inside the transfer case very easily.

Thanks in advance.

[BobsM3Coupe]

I believe along with removing an underbody protection panel, the transmission cross member needs to be removed to gain access to the oil fill plug.

[gokcan]

That part is done. It is hard to reach but I believe it is not required to remove those. I can reach out to plug and can open it. The problem is, the hole itself is going nowhere. There is an obstacle inside I believe some gears. So, I can not send the extractor hose(even a smallest one) inside to extract/fill up fluid.

[bloom]

Inside the transfer case are two oil chambers that are electronically controlled. You need ISTA to put the transfer case into service mode (opens the gates). This will let you remove all the fluid from the case. The software will then set the transfer case to recalibrate.

[gtx2010]

Originally Posted by bloom

Inside the transfer case are two oil chambers that are electronically controlled. You need ISTA to put the transfer case into service mode (opens the gates). This will let you remove all the fluid from the case. The software will then set the transfer case to recalibrate.

Where about in ISTA? Could you please let us know a bit more details. Than you

[gtx2010]

Found this under ISTA. Run service function transfer box VTG - oil change - ABL transfer box VTG : oil change. Once steps are followed as per instructions on every screen was able to get about 600ml oil out from transfer case.

[boostin1004]

does anyone know if this service can be performed without ista? Is there another 3rd party app that can control the vtg service mode?

[gokcan]

Without ISTA it didn’t work. I couldn’t drain the oil (maximum you can drain is around 50-100ml)

I also tried with Foxwell BMW scanner but the operation has been cancelled by indicating the temperature of the oil was 0 degrees celcius. (It was 15 degrees celcius reported on ISTA. I believe below 20 degrees celcius there is a threshold in that device and does not allow you to continue below that temperature. Just because of that message I didn’t try it again and continue with ISTA either)

I recommend warming up the oil a little bit before the procedure. (ISTA also recommends that too) In my case, I warmed up the car for about 10-15min. but it didn’t heat up the oil inside of the transfer case and I continue draining the oil at 16 degrees celcius. I think putting the car into gear would help on that one rather than idling. I could only drain about 500ml instead of 600ml. Maybe low temperature is the reason (not sure) and I hope this information helps.

[aerof16]

Originally Posted by gokcan

Without ISTA it didn’t work. I couldn’t drain the oil (maximum you can drain is around 50-100ml)

I also tried with Foxwell BMW scanner but the operation has been cancelled by indicating the temperature of the oil was 0 degrees celcius. (It was 15 degrees celcius reported on ISTA. I believe below 20 degrees celcius there is a threshold in that device and does not allow you to continue below that temperature. Just because of that message I didn’t try it again and continue with ISTA either)

I recommend warming up the oil a little bit before the procedure. (ISTA also recommends that too) In my case, I warmed up the car for about 10-15min. but it didn’t heat up the oil inside of the transfer case and I continue draining the oil at 16 degrees celcius. I think putting the car into gear would help on that one rather than idling. I could only drain about 500ml instead of 600ml. Maybe low temperature is the reason (not sure) and I hope this information helps.

I had the same issues with the temp, so I went and drove the car for 20 minutes. The oils definitely should’ve been up to temp by the time I got back and tossed the car in the air, but I also only got about 550ml out. Not too worried about it.