BMW X Models - Experiences with Differential & Transfer Case Fluid Changes

[KPM3_30]

Hi Gents,

Compliments of the New Year to all.

Just wanted to pick the brain of X model drivers (and anyone else that has a POV), as my X3 20dX is coming up to 100k. As part of the 100k service regime, I want to change all filters (air, cabin/micro, fuel), as well as have a coolant flush done (brake fluid service was done last year). The gearbox oil was changed at 85k via ZF and I was curious about the differential/transfer case fluids, as this wasn't done at the same time.

Has anyone changed the Diff/TC oils on these cars? Keen to know what mileage it was done at and what product/s were used. BMW has the diff oil at R583 (3 units needed) for front and rear differentials, which isn't bad (the TC oil is roughly the same cost). My only concern is these fluids should be changed every 60k and since it was not done prior, worried about any negative effects as a result of changing these.

Anyone have any experiences to share or some feedback on what else should be looked at as part of the 100k service? Dampener pulley and belt will be changed at 120k as the current one on the vehicle is still fine.

 

[m0lt3n]

My first day back after a long BMW break and I instantly see the perfect thread to follow!
(I am looking at buying a high miler 2.0D X3)

 

[FILV]

Shortly after i bought my X3 F25 20D, i took it to ZF to do the gear box oil, as well as transfer case oil, and front and rear diff oil.

In terms of the oil, i purchased the following:
I went to Bmw and bought the transfer case oil.
upon doing research for the correct grade of oil for the front and rear diffs, i bought the liqui Moly oil.

At ZF they analyzed the gearbox oil, as well as the transfer case oil.
They recommended using their own oil for the transfer case, which they did, and then they used the Liqui Moly oil for the front and rear diff.
If i remember correctly they used about 1.3 litres for both diffs, so i came home with a lot left over.

In terms of how the car felt after, i cant say i noticed a difference, perhaps because the gent assisting said all fluid were in amzing condition ( which i was very happy with, as my car was on 163 000km) but the peace of mind is worth it.

 

[KPM3_30]

@FILV appreciate the reply bud, thank you!

Puts me a little at ease knowing you've done your fluid changes at 163k and had no issues. I've already spoken to Ricardo (Ex ZF Durban, as the ZF branch here has closed the workshop) and he will supply the Transfer Case oil. He asked me to get the Differential oils from BMW, the front and rear differentials seem to take different oils as 2 different PN's. Interested to know what LM oil you chose to go for?

83222295532 - Rear Differential Oil (takes 1L, sold as 500ml)

83222413511 - Front Differential Oil (takes 1L, sold as 1L)

 

[FILV]

For the Diffs i used the same for the front and rear.
The Technician at ZF Jhb assured me it is perfect for both.

This what i purchased:
Oil GL4+ 75W90

High Performance Gear Oil GL4+ SAE 75W-90 - Liqui Moly

www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za

As it is rated GL4 and GL5, i was confident to use it on both.

For peace of mind, ask Ricardo to show you or mention the parameters read from the transfer case, to know the condition of it. Same as they do with the gearbox.

I was very happy to know to that my gearbox/clutches as well as Transfer case values were all well within spec, especially considering my Cars Milleage. The ZF technician even got excited with the transfer case figures lol.

Let us know how it goes, as well as any other Maintenance you do.

My Car has been absolutely bullet proof, and i have been loving every minute of owning it. Great cars, and great balance beetween an Suv and sedan (i used to own 2 E90's 2.0D's).

 

[Nooooob]

Hi,

I also want to do the diff oils, need to decide between two oils for my diff ( 3.0D Xdrive X5 E70 2013)

Not sure though, any one of the two would probably work.... Is option 2 the one you used?

1. https://www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za/product/fully-synthetic-hypoid-gear-oil-gl4-5-75w-90/
2. https://www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za/product/high-performance-gear-oil-gl4-sae-75w-90/

BMW quoted me R 4500 for the diff oils,,,,, so leaning towards LM....

Also doing my transmission and transfer case at ZF. (100k km), lets see how it turns out

 

[Devzo]

Hi guys, recently took ownership of a 2015 X3 20dX msport. Mileage is currently around 72000kms. Is there a recommended mileage/year to have the diff and tc fluids changed?. Should it be changed when the gearbox oil is being changed?.

 

[tman]

Hi guys, recently took ownership of a 2015 X3 20dX msport. Mileage is currently around 72000kms. Is there a recommended mileage/year to have the diff and tc fluids changed?. Should it be changed when the gearbox oil is being changed?.

On a 7 year old vehicle it wont do any harm to have it checked out when you have a chance.

make a booking at ZF and let them guide you

Edit: recently completed a gearbox service on a 2012 X3 @ 80 000km

 

[FILV]

Hi guys, recently took ownership of a 2015 X3 20dX msport. Mileage is currently around 72000kms. Is there a recommended mileage/year to have the diff and tc fluids changed?. Should it be changed when the gearbox oil is being changed?.

I was told and read that every 5 years or 80 000km's

 

[Nooooob]

Hi,

I also want to do the diff oils, need to decide between two oils for my diff ( 3.0D Xdrive X5 E70 2013)

Not sure though, any one of the two would probably work.... Is option 2 the one you used?

1. https://www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za/product/fully-synthetic-hypoid-gear-oil-gl4-5-75w-90/
2. https://www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za/product/high-performance-gear-oil-gl4-sae-75w-90/

BMW quoted me R 4500 for the diff oils,,,,, so leaning towards LM....

Also doing my transmission and transfer case at ZF. (100k km), lets see how it turns out

I found this useful:

Transmission and Differential Fluid for BMW

www.bimmerworld.com

So for the front I think I will use : https://www.castrol.com/en_za/south...RFgaApWYEALw_wcB#tab_syntrax-long-life-75w-90

For the rear I think I will use: https://www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za/product/fully-synthetic-hypoid-gear-oil-gl4-5-75w-90/

So many oils, so little knowledge on the best way forward.... Will try BMW Midrand for a cost also, if they are reasonable I will just let them do it...

 

[KPM3_30]

I found this useful:

Transmission and Differential Fluid for BMW

www.bimmerworld.com

So for the front I think I will use : https://www.castrol.com/en_za/south...RFgaApWYEALw_wcB#tab_syntrax-long-life-75w-90

For the rear I think I will use: https://www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za/product/fully-synthetic-hypoid-gear-oil-gl4-5-75w-90/

So many oils, so little knowledge on the best way forward.... Will try BMW Midrand for a cost also, if they are reasonable I will just let them do it...

I've done a lot of searching and read so many threads on the topic, no real consensus.. Some guys have used Redline, LM, Motul, etc. The spec oil is 75w-85 from BMW (not sure if this is a marketing gimmick), all the other ones I've seen are 75w-90.

It's R583.3 per 500ml at BMW Midrand. The X3 will take 1.5L, for the peace of mind I'm inclined to go OEM. Its going to be in the car for another 5 years at least..

 

[Nooooob]

I've done a lot of searching and read so many threads on the topic, no real consensus.. Some guys have used Redline, LM, Motul, etc. The spec oil is 75w-85 from BMW (not sure if this is a marketing gimmick), all the other ones I've seen are 75w-90.

It's R583.3 per 500ml at BMW Midrand. The X3 will take 1.5L, for the peace of mind I'm inclined to go OEM. Its going to be in the car for another 5 years at least..

Well that's not a bad price, BMW in Boksburg wanted to charge me a ridiculous amount.

Thank you, will chat to the guys at Midrand.

 

[m0lt3n]

getting my X3 with 160k km on this monday...so guessing I will soon be reading this thread again.


Following!

 

[Nooooob]

getting my X3 with 160k km on this monday...so guessing I will soon be reading this thread again.


Following!

Fun and games, but nice not to stress over the car when it's done.

 

[shark111]

So I just did this on my X3 F25 35i, my mileage was 138k when I did it @ ZF germiston. Bought the transfer case oil from ZF, and the diff oils from Dean@ABM, its pricey but he gave me a good deal. If I remember correctly it was the G2 oil for the front and G3 for the rear. The information online is confusing but this is what real oem showed and Dean had it the same, no issues my side after the change, driven about 5000km since. ZF provided great service.

To add, I would definitely do it, I noticed a difference in the way the car drove. I also asked ZF to reset the clutch adaptions on the transfer case after the oil change.

 

[ZiyBMW]

Hi guys
Im struggling to find the correct Liqui Moly diff oil for my 2015 X3 F25 20d (B47 engine). LM is also not sure. Per the LM oil guide tool on their website, it notes "No matching products found" when I punch in my vehicle details

I need for both front and rear diff oils.
BMW quoted me almost R4000 in total for 1.5L for rear and 1L for front. Im pretty sure LM would be cheaper but not sure which one to buy?
see bmw oem diff oil pics

 

[ZiyBMW]

For the Diffs i used the same for the front and rear.
The Technician at ZF Jhb assured me it is perfect for both.

This what i purchased:
Oil GL4+ 75W90

High Performance Gear Oil GL4+ SAE 75W-90 - Liqui Moly

www.shop.liqui-moly.co.za

As it is rated GL4 and GL5, i was confident to use it on both.

For peace of mind, ask Ricardo to show you or mention the parameters read from the transfer case, to know the condition of it. Same as they do with the gearbox.

I was very happy to know to that my gearbox/clutches as well as Transfer case values were all well within spec, especially considering my Cars Milleage. The ZF technician even got excited with the transfer case figures lol.

Let us know how it goes, as well as any other Maintenance you do.

My Car has been absolutely bullet proof, and i have been loving every minute of owning it. Great cars, and great balance beetween an Suv and sedan (i used to own 2 E90's 2.0D's).

and has it ben fine ever since? having using the 75w-90 LM for both front and rear diffs? I have the same 2015 F25 20D

 

[FILV]

and has it ben fine ever since? having using the 75w-90 LM for both front and rear diffs? I have the same 2015 F25 20D

No issues until now. Nice and smooth and silent.

 

[ZiyBMW]

No issues until now. Nice and smooth and silent.

thanks alot I see they still keep that one so I will buy it from LM for both diffs. Did you mean they used 1.3L for each diff or total?

 

[FILV]

Yes for both.
when researching i see Bmw recommended 75w-90 until 2011, then after 2011 it changed to 75w-85. Not sure why
But i have peace of mind that it is Liqui Moli and what they recommend for our vehicle.

Helpful threads on the matter:

DIY: Let's change our rear differential fluid

DIY: Let's change our rear differential fluid

x3.xbimmers.com

Differential front and Rear Oil spec.

Differential front and Rear Oil spec.

x3.xbimmers.com