Anyone DIY Change their transfer case fluid - Page 2 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

pits200 · 02-22-2012, 07:48 PM

I already tackled the front and rear diffs. Rear is like a 2 of 10 for difficulty, being a 2 because you need a transfer pump to get the fluid into the fill hole.

The front diff is about a 3.5 of 10 because of the location and the angle of the fill hole.

I have yet to get around to the transfer case yet but I hope its as simple.

UltraRacer13 · 02-22-2012, 09:28 PM

I have 49k Mi on the car AFAIK none of them have been changed. I have done about 7 track days in the last 2 years, so I figure they need done. Suggestions on fluid?

nomile · 03-02-2012, 09:12 AM

Just to echo what some have said:
- replacing fluids is likely a good idea if you plan to keep the car for a while. I did diffs & Mtransmission at 70k, xfer case at 85k
- Using an open wrench and piece of 14mm allen-key (from socket or other) allows you to remove the fill plug without removing the crossmember. Just have to move the plug a bit, flip over the wrench, move some more. Repeat. You only get 10-20degrees of movement each time, but still very easy.
- Will need a transfer pump. I used a cheap screw-in pump like you would have on ketchup/soap. Harbor Freight sells something that fits the bill. The big syringe suction pump would also work well
- Use the BMW fluid unless you feel like experimenting with an expensive piece of hardware.
- I had to reset my xfer case control using BT cable. Initially I didn't, but after I drove about 1 mile, the dash lit up like a christmas tree with warning lights, I felt the transfer case clutch open up (subtle jerk under acceleration), and my heart did a backflip. Turned around, reset, no problems since. I think that there is a method of measuring (electrochemically) the state of the fluid, and that this has to be reset, but not certain.

All in all, this job is not much harder than the rear diff, but smaller motion required, and need to reset. Using PITS200 scale, I'd say a 2.5/10

I thought the front diff was a bigger PITA b/c of the plate that covers the diff. I guess I never tried to do the front diff without removing the plate... is that possible?

Willspr · 03-05-2012, 01:11 PM

What kind of cable did you use to reset the xdrive ?
Could you detail what we have to do ?

nomile · 03-06-2012, 12:55 AM

I used a Bavarian Technic cable - my understanding is that the coding cables can do the same, but I have not had a chance to delve into that yet. So for now, I can only comment on:
- Bav Technic cable
- dealer (though they would likely charge you ~$120 for hour of "service"

I wonder if there is a hidden menu way to reset these types of items.

I need to do my wife's car soon, and will try to photo/video/document the whole thing.

aleckzandr · 03-06-2012, 08:51 PM

This kind of thread is why I keep coming back to this forum. Thanks to all for your posts. You guys rock.

Willspr · 03-08-2012, 07:45 AM

Thanks !
I am interested in having such details.
I will look also how it could be done with kcan cable.

ska325xi · 03-11-2012, 03:48 PM

so we need front and back diff flush, auto trans flush, transfer case flush....what else is needed? I'm almost at 50k (6.5 years) and want to keep the car till the wheels fall off

jacobsed · 03-11-2012, 06:29 PM

I did this last week. Cutting off the L hex wrench worked great. I bought one off eBay delivered for $6. Changed the fluid at 106k and it was dark. The tranny fluid was dark also. The diff fluid still looked new.

TonyPolo · 04-01-2012, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo

I got the oils on order, I WILL make a complete DIY when I do the entire drive train. Front, transfer case, rear, 6mt. Expect it next week depending on ECS.

I'm planning to do a refresh on all of the fluids in my 08 335xi soon as well. What fluids did you end up purchasing for each of the drive train components and what quantity?

Is this the route you ended up going?
Front and rear diff: Red Line Synthetic Differential Fluid - 75W90 - 3 Quarts
Trans Case: ECS XDrive Transfer Case Service Kit
Manual Trans: MTF-LT3? Redline D6 ATF?

Thanks

ska325xi · 04-11-2012, 06:12 PM

Capacity 0.52 Ltr (0.55 US QTs)

BMW part # 83 22 0 397 244

Torque specs: Drain/Fill plug
60 Nm (44 ft Lbs)

Alpineweiss e90 · 04-12-2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomile

I used a Bavarian Technic cable - my understanding is that the coding cables can do the same, but I have not had a chance to delve into that yet. So for now, I can only comment on:
- Bav Technic cable
- dealer (though they would likely charge you ~$120 for hour of "service"

I wonder if there is a hidden menu way to reset these types of items.

I need to do my wife's car soon, and will try to photo/video/document the whole thing.

What did you reset? What was it called? Was it an adaptaption? I'm assuming you went into the transmission module to reset it ?

TonyPolo · 04-29-2012, 04:48 PM

How do you access the front differential plug? It seems as though you would have to remove the center stiffening plate. Once removed is the plug accessible? Does anyone have any pictures of this?

I threw my car up on the lift and located all of the plugs on each of the other drive train components. Also doubled checked what transmission fluid i need (MTF-LT-3 according to the sticker). Would I be okay using a 75W90 GEAR OIL such as Redline's for my front and rear diffs? I would get the BMW fluid but i cant get it from the dealer.

Thanks

Wayne's World · 05-02-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyPolo

How do you access the front differential plug? It seems as though you would have to remove the center stiffening plate. Once removed is the plug accessible? Does anyone have any pictures of this?

I threw my car up on the lift and located all of the plugs on each of the other drive train components. Also doubled checked what transmission fluid i need (MTF-LT-3 according to the sticker). Would I be okay using a 75W90 GEAR OIL such as Redline's for my front and rear diffs? I would get the BMW fluid but i cant get it from the dealer.

Thanks

I just did mine this past weekend. Yes the stiffening plate has to be removed and the drain and fill bolts will be easily visible. 14mm hex i believe. I used 75w90 in mine - most others do.

ska325xi · 06-02-2012, 11:34 PM

whats the stiffening plate? the plastic undercover?

would a regular 14mm (L shape) hex key work? or is it too wide

nomile · 06-09-2012, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpineweiss e90

What did you reset? What was it called? Was it an adaptaption? I'm assuming you went into the transmission module to reset it ?

Haven't been back to this page in a while - sorry.

In the BavTech tool there is a section on "transfer case" (not transmission module). I tried a few things, but there was a cryptic item named "OH" somethingoranother. Just reset everything in that section... not too much help - sorry.

nomile · 06-09-2012, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ska325xi

whats the stiffening plate? the plastic undercover?

would a regular 14mm (L shape) hex key work? or is it too wide

The thing I pulled off is a big metal plate that ...

hang on...

Number 6 in the image http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...40&hg=31&fg=05

Oh, and L-shaped key is too wide.

Don't drive the car w/o this plate installed, according to Bentley

nomile · 09-03-2012, 11:31 AM

In the DIY section.

02-22-2012, 09:28 PM	#24
UltraRacer13 Wannabe Track Rat Drives: 08 335xi e92 MT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 903 iTrader: (1)	I have 49k Mi on the car AFAIK none of them have been changed. I have done about 7 track days in the last 2 years, so I figure they need done. Suggestions on fluid? __________________ XI \| COBB \| AST \| Vorshlag \| PFC \| STETT \| StopTech \| Apex \| DCI

03-06-2012, 08:51 PM	#28
aleckzandr Major Drives: 2009 n54 e92 xi, 6mt, kw v3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,176 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335xi [4.22]	This kind of thread is why I keep coming back to this forum. Thanks to all for your posts. You guys rock. __________________ KWs - Vorshlags - APEX EC-7s - "My garage" has suspension install pictures. _____________________

03-11-2012, 03:48 PM	#30
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,852 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 2006 325xi [0.00]	so we need front and back diff flush, auto trans flush, transfer case flush....what else is needed? I'm almost at 50k (6.5 years) and want to keep the car till the wheels fall off __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals

04-11-2012, 06:12 PM	#33
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,852 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 2006 325xi [0.00]	more info Capacity 0.52 Ltr (0.55 US QTs) BMW part # 83 22 0 397 244 Torque specs: Drain/Fill plug 60 Nm (44 ft Lbs) Attached Images __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals Last edited by ska325xi; 04-11-2012 at 06:18 PM.

06-02-2012, 11:34 PM	#37
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,852 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 2006 325xi [0.00]	whats the stiffening plate? the plastic undercover? would a regular 14mm (L shape) hex key work? or is it too wide __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals Last edited by ska325xi; 06-03-2012 at 12:07 AM.

02-22-2012, 07:48 PM	#23
pits200 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 09 335i X-Drive Black Sapphire Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 1,582 iTrader: (0)	I already tackled the front and rear diffs. Rear is like a 2 of 10 for difficulty, being a 2 because you need a transfer pump to get the fluid into the fill hole. The front diff is about a 3.5 of 10 because of the location and the angle of the fill hole. I have yet to get around to the transfer case yet but I hope its as simple.

03-02-2012, 09:12 AM	#25
nomile Second Lieutenant Drives: 328xi; 318ti Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lyons, CO Posts: 233 iTrader: (0)	Just to echo what some have said: - replacing fluids is likely a good idea if you plan to keep the car for a while. I did diffs & Mtransmission at 70k, xfer case at 85k - Using an open wrench and piece of 14mm allen-key (from socket or other) allows you to remove the fill plug without removing the crossmember. Just have to move the plug a bit, flip over the wrench, move some more. Repeat. You only get 10-20degrees of movement each time, but still very easy. - Will need a transfer pump. I used a cheap screw-in pump like you would have on ketchup/soap. Harbor Freight sells something that fits the bill. The big syringe suction pump would also work well - Use the BMW fluid unless you feel like experimenting with an expensive piece of hardware. - I had to reset my xfer case control using BT cable. Initially I didn't, but after I drove about 1 mile, the dash lit up like a christmas tree with warning lights, I felt the transfer case clutch open up (subtle jerk under acceleration), and my heart did a backflip. Turned around, reset, no problems since. I think that there is a method of measuring (electrochemically) the state of the fluid, and that this has to be reset, but not certain. All in all, this job is not much harder than the rear diff, but smaller motion required, and need to reset. Using PITS200 scale, I'd say a 2.5/10 I thought the front diff was a bigger PITA b/c of the plate that covers the diff. I guess I never tried to do the front diff without removing the plate... is that possible?

03-05-2012, 01:11 PM	#26
Willspr Registered Drives: E90 330xd Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: France Posts: 2 iTrader: (0)	What kind of cable did you use to reset the xdrive ? Could you detail what we have to do ?

03-06-2012, 12:55 AM	#27
nomile Second Lieutenant Drives: 328xi; 318ti Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lyons, CO Posts: 233 iTrader: (0)	I used a Bavarian Technic cable - my understanding is that the coding cables can do the same, but I have not had a chance to delve into that yet. So for now, I can only comment on: - Bav Technic cable - dealer (though they would likely charge you ~$120 for hour of "service" I wonder if there is a hidden menu way to reset these types of items. I need to do my wife's car soon, and will try to photo/video/document the whole thing.

03-08-2012, 07:45 AM	#29
Willspr Registered Drives: E90 330xd Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: France Posts: 2 iTrader: (0)	Thanks ! I am interested in having such details. I will look also how it could be done with kcan cable.

03-11-2012, 06:29 PM	#31
jacobsed Lieutenant Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United States Posts: 410 iTrader: (2)	I did this last week. Cutting off the L hex wrench worked great. I bought one off eBay delivered for $6. Changed the fluid at 106k and it was dark. The tranny fluid was dark also. The diff fluid still looked new.

04-29-2012, 04:48 PM	#35
TonyPolo New Member Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe TiAg Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	How do you access the front differential plug? It seems as though you would have to remove the center stiffening plate. Once removed is the plug accessible? Does anyone have any pictures of this? I threw my car up on the lift and located all of the plugs on each of the other drive train components. Also doubled checked what transmission fluid i need (MTF-LT-3 according to the sticker). Would I be okay using a 75W90 GEAR OIL such as Redline's for my front and rear diffs? I would get the BMW fluid but i cant get it from the dealer. Thanks

09-03-2012, 11:31 AM	#40
nomile Second Lieutenant Drives: 328xi; 318ti Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lyons, CO Posts: 233 iTrader: (0)	New DIY with images In the DIY section.

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