thanks alot! This will also save me alot as bmw oem is working out to almost R4k vs with LM 1L bottles are only R400 eachYes 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 fluidx3.xbimmers.com
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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
BMW X Models - Experiences with Differential & Transfer Case Fluid Changes
- Thread starter KPM3_30
- Start date
Bossman
Member
According to Liqui moly you can use 75W140 as an upgrade in the Diffs, and you can use DTF-1 oil for the transfer box from Ravenol.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).
I'm surprised ZF didn't recommend you change your TC oil cos they do it. I did both gearbox and TC at ZF on X5 at 91k. I did the differential oil and coolant flush (every 3 years) same mileage. On my X3 the first gearbox oil change was at 140k and ZF advised the TC oil had metal filings and not advisable to change, so still not changed to this day and now car is at 243k. Second gearbox oil change was at 230k, again with ZF Germiston last year. Differential oil changes on the X3 and 520D done for 1st time at over 200k for both, and not a problem to this day. With differential oil, I enquired the spec from BMW and bought same spec of Liqui Moly cheaper. You drain the oil, then fill it in till it drips. About 1.3L these cars take on average. As for other things to check at 100k, suspension components, control arms, ball joints (separate from control arm on X3 F25), engine mount, gearbox mounts, any rubber is toast after 6 years of exposure to heat/sun (not sure how old your car is). Shock absorbers may not be completely toast but changing them will make a huge difference as their dampening efficiency is heavily reduced at that mileage, I do those every 100k. Dampener pulley on 520D F10 failed at 281k, I see a crack on the dampener pulley on the 243k X3, due for replacement before it goes. Hope it helps.
Devzo
Active member
Hi guys, so my f25 X3 20d is currently sitting on 120k. At my last service at BMW, I chatted to the service advisor about the TC/Gearbox and Diff oil change and was told that they able to do the TC oil change-the price wasn't all that bad. My worry is that they wont assess for metal filings as ZF does or would this be standard procedure?
Who can I use in Durban to do all 3 - TC, Gearbox and diff oil change?. Was told Ricardo has closed shop in dbn?
Who can I use in Durban to do all 3 - TC, Gearbox and diff oil change?. Was told Ricardo has closed shop in dbn?
thanks man, I see the 75w140 is R1060 from LM for 1L but the 'High Performance Gear Oil GL4+ 75W90' is only R404
Is it really worth it for the huge price difference?
yes I know its still much cheaper vs BMW oem oil
MR_Y
Well-known member
Differential oil for X3 G01 20d xDrive - picked up from BMW Midrand. Cost around R700 (ex VAT) per 500ml.
ZF advised that I need 1.5 litres for front and another 1.5 litres for rear differential.
BMW parts said I just need 1 litre per diff.
I called ZF again and they said 1.5, so went with their advice.
ZF said they will provide Transfer Case and Gearbox oils.
ZF service scheduled for next week
(G2 is front, while G3 is for the rear)
ZF advised that I need 1.5 litres for front and another 1.5 litres for rear differential.
BMW parts said I just need 1 litre per diff.
I called ZF again and they said 1.5, so went with their advice.
ZF said they will provide Transfer Case and Gearbox oils.
ZF service scheduled for next week
(G2 is front, while G3 is for the rear)
Last edited:
MLorgat
Member
I went to ZF about 2 months back to do my Transfer Case, I still haven't gotten a chance to book the gearbox in, but I'm planning to do front and back Diffs as well.
This is the oil I've bought in the meantime, after doing quite a bit of research. Same part numbers as BMW's quote and this company seems to have an excellent rep.
Front - https://ravenol.co.za/product/ravenol-dgl-sae-75w-85-gl-5-ls/
Rear - https://ravenol.co.za/product/ravenol-vgl-sae-70w-80/
I only bought 1 litre of each since that is what BMW quoted me, but now I'm not sure as ZF also told me 1.5 but weren't 100% Confident.
Vehicle is a 2019 BMW X5 XDrive30d G05 with 79k on the clock, bought it at 72k last year
@MR_Y Please let me know how much fluid they actually use on the Diffs and if you notice a difference on the Gearbox after servicing
Last edited:
Riaad
Events Organiser
Okay so had my X3 done today...the diff oil quantity is as per BMWs.
The F25 (as per bmw ) is 900ml rear and little less at the front.
So now, I have 1.5 bottles of G2 and about the same for the rear oil.
Luckily the x3 and 330d use the same rear oil, so all isn't wasted.
* did the gearbox, transfer case and both diffs.
The F25 (as per bmw ) is 900ml rear and little less at the front.
So now, I have 1.5 bottles of G2 and about the same for the rear oil.
Luckily the x3 and 330d use the same rear oil, so all isn't wasted.
* did the gearbox, transfer case and both diffs.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Thanks for the feedback.
Will see how it goes on my G01.
Else will be selling some diff oil on this forum soon 😂
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update after going in today for the full ZF services: Front and Rear differentials, transfer case and gearbox oil change.
This is specific to a 2018 G01 X3 20d xDrive. Other models may have different requirements.
1. The rear diff only took 1 litre of G3 oil. Not 1.5 litre as initially requested by them.
2. The technician said they he needs a special tool to open the plug/screw on the front diff. They don't yet have this tool but expect to get it in the near future. Apparently, the F25 has a front diff plug that can be easily accessed, but the G01 has a plug that requires a special tool to access. He said that he will need to move the engine mounts or subframe to access the plug without the tool. My logic is that the xDrive is rear biased, so I assume that the rear diff works harder most of the time, so leaving the front diff oil for now is not a train smash. Anyway, disappointed that they did not tell me about the front diff servicing limitation at the time of booking.
3. The extra diff oil (500ml for rear diff and 1.5 litre for front diff) I returned to the BMW dealership. They will refund me in 3 business days. Still a schlep to have bought oil unnecessarily and now having to return it.
4. The BMW Fanatics discount works. They asked for a membership number but I gave them my user name instead. I don't think they checked it, but still gave me 10% discount on the service.
5. The diff oil service is complimentary for front and rear diffs. No charge. You just need to provide the diff oils. Just double check that you get the right amount actually required.
6. The transfer case service is R450 ex VAT. The oil is included in that service.
7. When I chatted to another technician outside after the service, he told me that these services are needed, in his personal view, only at 150,000km. Obviously this is at odds with ZF's 80,000km-100,000km interval recommendation. I am not too phased. The job is done (besides the front diff). I will bring the car in again at 170,000km (if I decide to keep it that long) and will do the front diff then (they should have the tool by then).
I met a gentleman with a 2011 X5 30d while I was waiting. He had his car from new and has over 350,000km on. His gearbox is on its way out now and he said that he should have serviced it before but instead relied on BMW's lifetime recommendation.
So, the answer to the question of "to service or not to service the gearbox?" is straightforward - you must service it. The question as to "when to service it?" - that can vary depending on who you talk to. ZF may be banking on repeat business with their 80-100k interval recommendation, but it may be prudent to follow that advice if you have the means to get the job done. Otherwise, a longer interval may not be a train smash. Porsche, as an example, stipulate 120,000km intervals for gearbox oil.
The ZF marketing material in the waiting room says 100,000km or 8 years. But the service desk says 80-100k
Random pictures:
On another point, the waiting room has WiFi access and is quiet enough for you to get work done. It also has a view of the workshop so you can see your car. The technician will call you out to see what he has found and explain what is being done. You will need to wear an orange visitor vest if you walk outside. The service takes about 3 hours.
This is specific to a 2018 G01 X3 20d xDrive. Other models may have different requirements.
1. The rear diff only took 1 litre of G3 oil. Not 1.5 litre as initially requested by them.
2. The technician said they he needs a special tool to open the plug/screw on the front diff. They don't yet have this tool but expect to get it in the near future. Apparently, the F25 has a front diff plug that can be easily accessed, but the G01 has a plug that requires a special tool to access. He said that he will need to move the engine mounts or subframe to access the plug without the tool. My logic is that the xDrive is rear biased, so I assume that the rear diff works harder most of the time, so leaving the front diff oil for now is not a train smash. Anyway, disappointed that they did not tell me about the front diff servicing limitation at the time of booking.
3. The extra diff oil (500ml for rear diff and 1.5 litre for front diff) I returned to the BMW dealership. They will refund me in 3 business days. Still a schlep to have bought oil unnecessarily and now having to return it.
4. The BMW Fanatics discount works. They asked for a membership number but I gave them my user name instead. I don't think they checked it, but still gave me 10% discount on the service.
5. The diff oil service is complimentary for front and rear diffs. No charge. You just need to provide the diff oils. Just double check that you get the right amount actually required.
6. The transfer case service is R450 ex VAT. The oil is included in that service.
7. When I chatted to another technician outside after the service, he told me that these services are needed, in his personal view, only at 150,000km. Obviously this is at odds with ZF's 80,000km-100,000km interval recommendation. I am not too phased. The job is done (besides the front diff). I will bring the car in again at 170,000km (if I decide to keep it that long) and will do the front diff then (they should have the tool by then).
I met a gentleman with a 2011 X5 30d while I was waiting. He had his car from new and has over 350,000km on. His gearbox is on its way out now and he said that he should have serviced it before but instead relied on BMW's lifetime recommendation.
So, the answer to the question of "to service or not to service the gearbox?" is straightforward - you must service it. The question as to "when to service it?" - that can vary depending on who you talk to. ZF may be banking on repeat business with their 80-100k interval recommendation, but it may be prudent to follow that advice if you have the means to get the job done. Otherwise, a longer interval may not be a train smash. Porsche, as an example, stipulate 120,000km intervals for gearbox oil.
The ZF marketing material in the waiting room says 100,000km or 8 years. But the service desk says 80-100k
Random pictures:
On another point, the waiting room has WiFi access and is quiet enough for you to get work done. It also has a view of the workshop so you can see your car. The technician will call you out to see what he has found and explain what is being done. You will need to wear an orange visitor vest if you walk outside. The service takes about 3 hours.
Last edited:
Nastaliq
Well-known member
What was the end result? 1 litre or 1.5 litre?
MLorgat
Member
I didn't get a chance to go back to ZF. Mileage currently on 82k, so can probably stretch it a while.
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