I've booked the X5 into Benstens to get the gearbox oil and filter changed cos although I got a full service history when I bought it, I'd feel more comfortable if I know where I am on the major fluid changes now it's at 97K.
Is it worth getting the transfer box fluid changed as well? Benstens (who are awesomely good) say it's not something they'd normally do. Anyone got any experience?
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Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
It shouldn't do any harm......and as most know there's a massive debate about 'do you, don't you?' change the transmission fluids - with no clear winner.
Richard
Richard
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
Do it !
When I brought mine last year it had a full BMW service history, even though it didn't need a service I booked it into a well recommended BMW specialist for an Oil service and all the fluids changed just as a precaution based on the "prevention is better than cure" thinking.
The oil filter was glued into the housing by thick deposits and though the car had had oil changes it looked as though the filter hadn't been changed for some considerable time. The Specialist rang the last service dealer who's response was basically "we don't believe it"!! All up with several other bits I wanted done it cost me £650
I think that's money well spent as now both I and the Specialist know where we stand going forward. The car by the way hasn't missed a beat and a year on I am still really pleased with my first BMW let alone X5.
When I brought mine last year it had a full BMW service history, even though it didn't need a service I booked it into a well recommended BMW specialist for an Oil service and all the fluids changed just as a precaution based on the "prevention is better than cure" thinking.
The oil filter was glued into the housing by thick deposits and though the car had had oil changes it looked as though the filter hadn't been changed for some considerable time. The Specialist rang the last service dealer who's response was basically "we don't believe it"!! All up with several other bits I wanted done it cost me £650
I think that's money well spent as now both I and the Specialist know where we stand going forward. The car by the way hasn't missed a beat and a year on I am still really pleased with my first BMW let alone X5.
4.6is X5 Estoril Blue (current)
4.4 X5 Sport Topaz Blue LPG (now gone squashed by a tree)
Subaru Outback 3.0 Rn Star Silver (current)
AMG 6.3 CLS Obsidian Black (sold)
4.4 X5 Sport Topaz Blue LPG (now gone squashed by a tree)
Subaru Outback 3.0 Rn Star Silver (current)
AMG 6.3 CLS Obsidian Black (sold)
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
I recently sold my 2004 4.8IS. Mileage was 64 k from memory. It was still under full BMW warranty.
I was told that transfer box oil change was due. Cost £125 @ main agent . I had it done because if it failed and I needed to claim they could have said , no claim as you didn't have the oil change. However given the car had been to said main agent 3/4 times previously within the last 2months I said to them , why didn't you do it then , and they couldn't answer that. I said because you fkg missed it. They were bloody useless. However, there was nothing in any service book/manual /official literature about age/time related oil change. Bottom line it is a good idea to have it done as we all know, but these things are supposed to be sealed for life. Speak to anyone who has seen it done, what comes out is black , like treacle and not the lovely rasperry pink colour it should be.
get it done, better safe than sorry.
Regards,
Nat.
I was told that transfer box oil change was due. Cost £125 @ main agent . I had it done because if it failed and I needed to claim they could have said , no claim as you didn't have the oil change. However given the car had been to said main agent 3/4 times previously within the last 2months I said to them , why didn't you do it then , and they couldn't answer that. I said because you fkg missed it. They were bloody useless. However, there was nothing in any service book/manual /official literature about age/time related oil change. Bottom line it is a good idea to have it done as we all know, but these things are supposed to be sealed for life. Speak to anyone who has seen it done, what comes out is black , like treacle and not the lovely rasperry pink colour it should be.
get it done, better safe than sorry.
Regards,
Nat.
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
So, I just picked the car up from Benstens. £235 for the gearbox fluid and filter change, transfer box oil change and an MOT. The very slight lurching at slow speed, both starting and stopping when cold has gone and I know where I am with the oil now. I don't feel comfortable with the 'sealed for life gearbox' label.
The handbrake needs a bit of adjusting/cleaning, but I'm upgrading the discs soon anyway, so that'll be done then.
The handbrake needs a bit of adjusting/cleaning, but I'm upgrading the discs soon anyway, so that'll be done then.
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
'Sealed for Life' is not what it sounds like anyway. A Dealer told me the 'life' bit is the useful life of the vehicle, and for BMW that is 60k miles. Not very reassuring, and I would expect it's useful life to be nearer 250,000 miles these days.
Richard
Richard
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
Many manufacturers are stating "sealed for life" units these days as X5Sport has said it's scary when you find out just what their interpretation of "life" is.
As a very old engineer I know there is no such thing as a "for life" lubricant, they all break down due to pressure, contaminants, heat etc etc. As engines now produce far more power and torque these days the transmission, transfer boxes and diff's take far more stick than ever before.
When I ran my business I had several service engineers on the road we had quite a few catastrophic breakdowns, engines and gearboxes. So as a matter of course we used to carry out our own oil and filter changes every 3 months (all oils) and repack wheel bearings every year, this was a Saturday job for the lads and for the business time and money well spent. We never had another major mechanical failure, loads of ECU, ECM issues instead as cars became reliant on electronics hey ho.
As a very old engineer I know there is no such thing as a "for life" lubricant, they all break down due to pressure, contaminants, heat etc etc. As engines now produce far more power and torque these days the transmission, transfer boxes and diff's take far more stick than ever before.
When I ran my business I had several service engineers on the road we had quite a few catastrophic breakdowns, engines and gearboxes. So as a matter of course we used to carry out our own oil and filter changes every 3 months (all oils) and repack wheel bearings every year, this was a Saturday job for the lads and for the business time and money well spent. We never had another major mechanical failure, loads of ECU, ECM issues instead as cars became reliant on electronics hey ho.
4.6is X5 Estoril Blue (current)
4.4 X5 Sport Topaz Blue LPG (now gone squashed by a tree)
Subaru Outback 3.0 Rn Star Silver (current)
AMG 6.3 CLS Obsidian Black (sold)
4.4 X5 Sport Topaz Blue LPG (now gone squashed by a tree)
Subaru Outback 3.0 Rn Star Silver (current)
AMG 6.3 CLS Obsidian Black (sold)
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
I specifically asked BMW warranty (mondial) what their interpretation of serviceable life was in terms of wear and tear and their reply was "the engine and gearbox should last 250K miles"
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
I had mine done at Easter .
The Indy I used said to me gearbox and transfer box are recommended , but the differentials
it's not normally necessary .
The Indy I used said to me gearbox and transfer box are recommended , but the differentials
it's not normally necessary .
'18 F25 Alpina XD3 Bi-turbo, Sapphire Schwarz
‘97 E36 B8 4.6 Touring (19/27) , Individual Tannen Grun
'02 E39 ACS5 3.0d Touring , Individual Velvet Blau - sold
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Freude am Fahren - Sheer Driving Pleasure
‘97 E36 B8 4.6 Touring (19/27) , Individual Tannen Grun
'02 E39 ACS5 3.0d Touring , Individual Velvet Blau - sold
'05 E53 X5 3.0d , Sapphire Schwartz - sold
Freude am Fahren - Sheer Driving Pleasure
Re: Gearbox and transfer box fluid change
Yep, I got the same answer.