discussion 10% discount at ZF with by being a BMW fanatics member?

[MLorgat]

I booked mine in for Thursday.

G01 X3 20d Xdrive (98k)

Going to do Transmission, transfer case and both diffs.
BMW asking +- R4000 for diff oil though.

Differential oil
Rear diff = BMW Hypoid axle oil G3(70W80 GL-5) part number: 83222413512
Front diff = BMW Hypoid axle oil G2(75W-85 GL-5) part number: 83222413511

Can I just buy LiquiMoly of the same spec for 1/4 of the price or do you guys recommend sticking to OEM on this?

same part numbers and specs as mine, you won't get those exact spec fluid from LM. They make a 75w90 which should work for both but I didn't wanna chance it.

From the research I've done, guys who used the ravenol were very happy, with some even choosing it over the OEM without looking at the price. Their engine oils are premium quality stuff and also quite Expensive so it's surprising that the diff oil was so cheap (relatively)

Here's the links:

Rear (70w80): https://shop.ravenol.co.za/product/ravenol-vgl-sae-70w-80/

Front (75w85): https://shop.ravenol.co.za/product/ravenol-dgl-sae-75w-85-gl-5-ls/

These should correspond directly with the BMW part numbers and spec

 

[TurboLlew]

Just buy the OEM oil IMHO. It’s given you long enough service life and it is not that much in the grand scheme of things. 3c per km difference 🤷‍♂️

With lubricants there are other detergents and additives to maintain seals or different kinds of metals or even just to control noise, that have effects as well. For a difference of 3c/km in cost is it worth it to go figure that out either? Or conversely risk having something missing that may lead to a bill later?

Of course you’ll have this view and “oil is oil” or “never had a problem” views. If you have gone into the data sheets and compared go for it but I did this exercise with engine oil recently and the only comparable ones were the same price or more expensive 🫣🤷‍♂️

 

[Stephan22411]

Just buy the OEM oil IMHO. It’s given you long enough service life and it is not that much in the grand scheme of things. 3c per km difference 🤷‍♂️

With lubricants there are other detergents and additives to maintain seals or different kinds of metals or even just to control noise, that have effects as well. For a difference of 3c/km in cost is it worth it to go figure that out either? Or conversely risk having something missing that may lead to a bill later?

Of course you’ll have this view and “oil is oil” or “never had a problem” views. If you have gone into the data sheets and compared go for it but I did this exercise with engine oil recently and the only comparable ones were the same price or more expensive 🫣🤷‍♂️

Yeah, I'll just stick to OEM for peace of mind.

 

[MR_Y]

I booked mine in for Thursday.

G01 X3 20d Xdrive (98k)

Going to do Transmission, transfer case and both diffs.
BMW asking +- R4000 for diff oil though.

Differential oil
Rear diff = BMW Hypoid axle oil G3(70W80 GL-5) part number: 83222413512
Front diff = BMW Hypoid axle oil G2(75W-85 GL-5) part number: 83222413511

Can I just buy LiquiMoly of the same spec for 1/4 of the price or do you guys recommend sticking to OEM on this?

When I went in earlier this year, they told me that they don't have the tool to open the front diff oil port on the G01. I had to return the front diff oil to BMW. Just check with ZF (ask them to check with the technician) before buying the front diff oil.

My story is here:

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

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...

www.bmwfanatics.co.za

 

[Stephan22411]

When I went in earlier this year, they told me that they don't have the tool to open the front diff oil port on the G01. I had to return the front diff oil to BMW. Just check with ZF (ask them to check with the technician) before buying the front diff oil.

My story is here:

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

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...

www.bmwfanatics.co.za

I'll be sure to check with them in the morning, thanks!

 

[AngusCPB]

Will they only do the service if your car is under certain mileage? I'm on 193,000km (I've left it a bit late, I know)

 

[MLorgat]

Will they only do the service if your car is under certain mileage? I'm on 193,000km (I've left it a bit late, I know)

Not mileage restricted, they test the oil pressures in the gearbox and check the wear on the clutches to make sure it's within spec.

1 forum member said he did his at like 164 and was perfectly within spec.

 

[Stephan22411]

When I went in earlier this year, they told me that they don't have the tool to open the front diff oil port on the G01. I had to return the front diff oil to BMW. Just check with ZF (ask them to check with the technician) before buying the front diff oil.

My story is here:

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

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...

www.bmwfanatics.co.za

Just as an update to this. They said they can do the front diff now, its just a bitch and takes a bit longer in order to avoid making a mess.

 

[MLorgat]

Just as an update to this. They said they can do the front diff now, its just a bitch and takes a bit longer in order to avoid making a mess.

I did it on Friday and he took quite a bit of time as the fill plug is in a really awkward position. (I'm guessing it's the same on both the G01 and G05)

He used an electronic pump to fill the front and a malleable rachet to tighten it. Not sure if that's the tool they needed.

 

[Stephan22411]

I did it on Friday and he took quite a bit of time as the fill plug is in a really awkward position. (I'm guessing it's the same on both the G01 and G05)

He used an electronic pump to fill the front and a malleable rachet to tighten it. Not sure if that's the tool they needed.

Correct, they specifically mentioned that it's the same on the G01 and G05.

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

@JosephGrobler​

 

[MR_Y]

Just as an update to this. They said they can do the front diff now, its just a bitch and takes a bit longer in order to avoid making a mess.

Thanks. I did the rear diff, TC and Gearbox oil changes. Will do the front diff when the others are due (170,000km), if I keep the car that long.