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Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Discuss anything to do with the (E83) BMW X3 here
(Older F25 discussion within will ideally to be moved to F25 Sub section below)
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jagr
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Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by jagr » Tue Jan 12, 2016 6:16 pm

Hi All,

I went to my local indy today too get my fluids changed.

Transfer Case
Automatic gearbox
Both diffs

I was quoted £300 when I made the booking early last month but today was charged £444 due to a mix up with my gearbox being a 'Mechantronic' system.

This has now concerned me as I had an Audi A4 (1.9tdi A4 '54) that had to have it's mechatronic gearbox replaced are the BMW ones more reliable?

Thanks
2011 BMW X3 30d M Sport

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kkx5
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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by kkx5 » Tue Jan 12, 2016 8:04 pm

Audi- multitronic gearbox never used on any BMW... ;)

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X5Sport
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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by X5Sport » Wed Jan 13, 2016 5:06 pm

The 'Mechatronic' unit is the control system fitted to the 6-sp box.  It's what controls the box hydraulics etc.
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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by Big A » Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:01 pm

Was the original price of £300 including the oils?

Was considering getting my transmission oils done, but that seems a hefty price to change them. Got the gearbox and diff oil done on my old 1 series and it was only £50 to do and I provided the oil.

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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by X5Sport » Sat Jan 23, 2016 5:14 pm

I would certainly hope at that price it also included a new filter too!
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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by jagr » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:55 am

[quote="Big A"]
Was the original price of £300 including the oils?

Was considering getting my transmission oils done, but that seems a hefty price to change them. Got the gearbox and diff oil done on my old 1 series and it was only £50 to do and I provided the oil.
[/quote]

Yes

I was quoted:

Gearbox oil change £60.00+ VAT for the oil and £60.00+
VAT for labour and re-sets.

Transfer case oil change £40.00+ VAT for the oil and
£30.00+ VAT for the labour.

Differential oil £30.00+ VAT for the oil and £30.00+ VAT for the labour.

When I went to pay:

Gearbox oil was £120+ VAT and £60+ VAT labour
Transfer case was as quoted £70+ VAT
Diff Oil was x2 £60+ VAT oil and £60+ VAT labour

Total £444

From my receipt and quote it doesn't look like I had the filter changed :o
2011 BMW X3 30d M Sport

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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by X5Sport » Sun Jan 24, 2016 9:09 am

>:(  probably didn't remove the pan!  >:(
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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by Big A » Mon Jan 25, 2016 12:23 pm

Do you know what oil/grade they used in your diff and transfer box?

Mine is a manual box so our gearboxes are different, but I assume the transfer box and diff will be the same throughout the E83's?

Also is the filter located on the diff?

jagr
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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by jagr » Mon Jan 25, 2016 5:18 pm

[quote="Big A"]
Do you know what oil/grade they used in your diff and transfer box?

Mine is a manual box so our gearboxes are different, but I assume the transfer box and diff will be the same throughout the E83's?

Also is the filter located on the diff?
[/quote]

All oils were from BMW.
I believe the filter is in the gearbox.

When they did my old X3 that was manual they did not recommend a gearbox oil change.
2011 BMW X3 30d M Sport

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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by Big A » Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:01 am

I was told the same with my old 1 series about the gearbox not needing done as it was "sealed for life", but after speaking to a couple of mechanics they said that best doing the box at the same time as the diff and the "sealed for life" is a lot of rubbish.  After getting it done, the gearchange was a bit smoother mind you.  I also got my oils from Amazon and saved a fair bit.

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Re: Transfer Case, Automatic and Diff Oil change

Post by X5Sport » Tue Jan 26, 2016 5:12 pm

The 'Sealed for Life' refers to BMWs 'life' as they see it.......which is to the end of the warranty only, or 3 years!  It's a bad joke and not what most owners would interpret it as meaning. >:(
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