[CTinline-six]

My friend owns a 2006 E90 325XI with 104k miles. Her car has the N52 and auto transmission. I have been doing the oil changes on it, but I think it is time for a transmission fluid change. I'd also like to change the diffs and X-drive transfer case as well.

What fluids are recommended for the diffs/T-case?

What fluid is recommended for the transmission, and how do I find what transmission this car has? From my research it seems the 325's can have either the GM or the ZF transmission. We put the VIN into an online decoder and the transmission was listed as "unknown".



Anything else that should be done as preventative at this mileage? So far the car has had the water pump, T-stat, and starter replaced.

I'm new to BMWs. I come from the Jeep world and have more mechanical experience with those (cylinder head swaps, lifts, drive train mods, etc). Another friend owns an e46 330i ZHP. Both of these cars have impressed me with their build quality. I might be looking for one soon as a daily.

Thanks for any help!

[rockflageagle]

Just replaced the following at 100k:

Engine Oil: BMW 5W-30
Front and Rear Diff: Redline 75W-90
Transfer Case: BMW transfer case fluid (no exceptions. also the long bolt mounting the transfer case was a huge PITA to get out and put back in. have fun.)
Brake Fluid: ATE 200
Power Steering Fluid: CHF 11S (may vary based on your year)
Power steering reservoir: OEM (was leaking)
Coolant: BMW OEM

[BKV122]

On the transmission there should be a sticker i believe that will tell you the kind it is. The color of the sticker means something. You'll need to get under the car and take a look at the transmission.

[Efthreeoh]

I suggest you buy a Bentley service manual, it will answer any service question you have. At 104,000 miles the transmission(s) lube, diffs lube, coolant, and spark plugs need to be refreshed.

[Efthreeoh]

I suggest you buy a Bentley service manual, it will answer any service question you have. At 104,000 miles the transmission(s) lube, diffs lube, coolant, and spark plugs need to be refreshed.

A website called realOEM.com will help you get the correct part numbers.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I suggest you buy a Bentley service manual, it will answer any service question you have. At 104,000 miles the transmission(s) lube, diffs lube, coolant, and spark plugs need to be refreshed.

A website called realOEM.com will help you get the correct part numbers.

Thanks, I plan on doing all of that as well as the belt and tensioner on this car.

The coolant is fairly new since the car recently had the waterpump and t-stat done.