Differential and transfer case fluid changes?

Two4me · 08-10-2023, 12:48 PM

I tried asking our dealer and they insisted it was "good for life" but we all know that means life of the warranty.

I can't find any useful guides or videos on how to change the fluid for the differentials and transfer case. I did the transmission. And I do mean differentials, for some reason AMSOIL lists 4 differentials!

Two4me · 08-10-2023, 12:52 PM

I should add, I'm at 65k miles and the transfer case has already failed and been covered under an extended warranty, so I'm surprised this maintenance is not more common. Ya'll need to get out there and change your fluids!

Two4me · 08-10-2023, 12:58 PM

I answered my own question on the transfer case. This TSB gives the details on how to do it: https://www.tsbsearch.com/BMW/SI-B27-02-20

Now I'm just curious about these multiple differentials...

Pito11213 · 08-16-2023, 01:15 PM

Detailed may be a little hasty.

I’m having issues getting any kind of a tube into the hole and into the fluid.

Seems like BMW just wants to make it damn near impossible to service your own car.

2019 40

Tanzanite_M50i · 08-24-2023, 09:27 AM

Been reading a lot lately about the transfer case issues that seem to plague the x5 and more particularly the v8 versions. I personally have a 2022 x5 m50i so the TSB listed above does not list my vehicle but I ASSUME that 2021+ models would have the same issue too right? Or did BMW do a update for newer models to avoid this issue?

With that said, does anyone know if its recommended to change this fluid every 10K or 20K miles to prevent wear and tear? I haven't found anything indicating regular changes but also don't want to have my transfer case go out anytime soon as I LOVE my m50i.

2heeldrive · 08-24-2023, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pito11213

Detailed may be a little hasty.

I’m having issues getting any kind of a tube into the hole and into the fluid.

Seems like BMW just wants to make it damn near impossible to service your own car.

2019 40

Lubed for life! Well, not so much. How hard would it have been to add a drain plug? What were they thinking?!

Gene Horr · 08-24-2023, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2heeldrive

Lubed for life! Well, not so much. How hard would it have been to add a drain plug? What were they thinking?!

Well, they are technically correct. If by "lifetime" you mean 20k miles...

Tejas1836 · 08-24-2023, 08:04 PM

I have always changed my differentials, PTUs, transfer cases, etc every 30K miles limited slip or not.

gfeiner97 · 08-28-2023, 06:54 PM

See attached for rear diff on G05

X5CB · 09-19-2023, 07:14 PM

https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...ver_042220.pdf

Maintenance schedule for all BMWs.

08-10-2023, 12:48 PM	#1
Two4me Private 26 Rep 59 Posts Drives: M240i, X5 xDrive50i, MX-5 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Differential and transfer case fluid changes? I tried asking our dealer and they insisted it was "good for life" but we all know that means life of the warranty. I can't find any useful guides or videos on how to change the fluid for the differentials and transfer case. I did the transmission. And I do mean differentials, for some reason AMSOIL lists 4 differentials! Attached Images
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08-10-2023, 12:52 PM	#2
Two4me Private 26 Rep 59 Posts Drives: M240i, X5 xDrive50i, MX-5 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	I should add, I'm at 65k miles and the transfer case has already failed and been covered under an extended warranty, so I'm surprised this maintenance is not more common. Ya'll need to get out there and change your fluids!
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08-10-2023, 12:58 PM	#3
Two4me Private 26 Rep 59 Posts Drives: M240i, X5 xDrive50i, MX-5 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	I answered my own question on the transfer case. This TSB gives the details on how to do it: https://www.tsbsearch.com/BMW/SI-B27-02-20 Now I'm just curious about these multiple differentials...
	Appreciate 3 slilley45.50 swiego29382125.00 2heeldrive57.00 Quote

08-16-2023, 01:15 PM	#4
Pito11213 Private 8 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2013 alpine white 528 xdrive Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Va iTrader: (2)	Detailed may be a little hasty. I’m having issues getting any kind of a tube into the hole and into the fluid. Seems like BMW just wants to make it damn near impossible to service your own car. 2019 40
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08-24-2023, 09:27 AM	#5
Tanzanite_M50i Registered 3 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW X5 M50i, 2020 GT500 Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (0)	Been reading a lot lately about the transfer case issues that seem to plague the x5 and more particularly the v8 versions. I personally have a 2022 x5 m50i so the TSB listed above does not list my vehicle but I ASSUME that 2021+ models would have the same issue too right? Or did BMW do a update for newer models to avoid this issue? With that said, does anyone know if its recommended to change this fluid every 10K or 20K miles to prevent wear and tear? I haven't found anything indicating regular changes but also don't want to have my transfer case go out anytime soon as I LOVE my m50i.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-24-2023, 08:04 PM	#8
Tejas1836 Captain 996 Rep 825 Posts Drives: 2023 X5MC Workmaster 75 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Tejas iTrader: (0)	I have always changed my differentials, PTUs, transfer cases, etc every 30K miles limited slip or not. __________________ Two is One and One is None
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09-19-2023, 07:14 PM	#10
X5CB Private First Class 25 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 2013 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Philadelphia Area iTrader: (0)	https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...ver_042220.pdf Maintenance schedule for all BMWs.
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