Trans and diff fluid - How much is needed?

[onedaymyfriend]

Hi guys,

How much fluid will I need for the transmission and both diffs on my 2003 auto 4.6is e53?

I'm planning on using Motul Dexron 6.

Thanks guys.

[ttr]

Eh up,

I did a transfer and diff changes on my 2005, think it’s the same process.

If you do a search on my tag it should bring up the write up and pictures.

HTH

Cheers

[sleepyfolk]

You can get a discount from Cotswold bmw if you message them on here, part numbers below from when I did mine:

TRANSFER CASE
OIL BMW ATF DIII 83229407858 1 Litre
Screw Plug x 2 27111226467
Gasket Ring x2 07119963308

REAR DIFFERENTIAL
Oil BMW Synthetik OSP 83222365987 2 Litre

Screw Plug x2 33117525064
Gasket Ring x2 07119963355

FRONT DIFFERENTIAL
Oil BMW Synthetik OSP 83222365987
Screw Plug x2 33117525064
Gasket Ring x2 07119963355

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticl ... cement.htm

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticl ... lacing.htm

[onedaymyfriend]

Thanks guys, I'm going to go the whole hog and get the timing chain guides and tensioner replaced while I'm at it.

Any advice?

Thanks.

[henrym3]

If your getting the guides done ask them to check the tension of the oil pump chain, it’s adjustable so if it needs doing do it as your hopefully not going to be in there again for 100k. When the sump is off check the oil pick up point/strainer has no debris on it. If it has change it

[henrym3]

As for transmission I recommend you stick with BMW ATF 2 or use ZF nothing else, it’s expensive but a rarely carried out job. An oil and filter change will require you get 6 ltrs.

[dazzasgotav8]

i am just curious why the need to change the filler and drain plugs not just fresh copper seal washers .

[henrym3]

I’ve done 2 trans oil changes and various other things and never changed the plugs, if it has a washer I change that, if no washer just make sure the mating surfaces are clean. Of course everybody has an opinion. If you stick to the correct torque settings there’s unlikely to be a problem

[sleepyfolk]

I did mine because they were rusty and I was replacing that much under there it seemed a waste not to!

[Nick_Stone]

With 136k miles on the clock, and no evidence of my newly purchased X5 3.0d, i'm also looking at having the transmission fluid changed as there are a few gearbox issues going on.

Can the Diff and transmission not be filled with the bog standard red ATF?

[henrym3]

No No No. Use BMW ATF or ZF. Likewise with the filter. Expensive, but it’s not like you’ll be doing it again soon. Unfortunately you’ve waited till you got problems before changing. If your lucky new oil will cure but don’t hold your breath. Sorry to be blunt. Of course mine is one several opinions you will get/read about.

[henrym3]

Also read sleepyfolks thread in "problems" as to what was found or not in his gearbox when stripped.

[Nick_Stone]

Also read sleepyfolks thread in "problems" as to what was found or not in his gearbox when stripped.

I'll have a look

I'm prepared for a recon box soon, but was rather hoping oil/filter change on it would prolong its life a little longer.

[Nick_Stone]

No No No. Use BMW ATF or ZF. Likewise with the filter. Expensive, but it’s not like you’ll be doing it again soon. Unfortunately you’ve waited till you got problems before changing. If your lucky new oil will cure but don’t hold your breath. Sorry to be blunt. Of course mine is one several opinions you will get/read about.

Cheers for you reply.

I've only had the X5 a few weeks. Nothing in the documentation that indicates any form of servicing on the gearbox.

Blunt is the best way!

[henrym3]

Be careful who you get to do the g/b oil change if not doing it yourself. There’s a thread going at the moment on the e70 forum of someone getting an indie to do his oil change and it came back with not enough oil in it. A clear indication that they didn’t follow the correct procedure. Choose carefully and ask questions, if they get the hump at being questioned, go elsewhere.