E70 X5 Auto gearbox oil type.

[martin33100]

Hi, when I have spare time I want to change the auto box oil and pan on our Dec 07 X5 3.0d.
Just wondered what oil is best? as some kits come with Meyle lifeguard 6 and some come with ZF lifeguard 6.

[X5Sport]

The right type should be on a label on the box.  The advice I've seen is only use the same type.

Richard

[martin33100]

[quote="X5Sport"]
The right type should be on a label on the box.  The advice I've seen is only use the same type.

Richard
[/quote]As far as I am aware both the Meyle and ZF lifeguard 6 have the same BMW no. on there bottles.
Meyle kit http://www.incarmotorfactors.co.uk/en/1 ... basic.html
ZF kit http://www.incarmotorfactors.co.uk/en/1 ... basic.html

[kkx5]

I got this:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10L-ROWE-ATF- ... 33775a5c53
same spec, much better price. 10l for dinamic change.

[libra007]

I know its an old thread, didnt want to create another one on same topic.
First what mileage its recommended to change gearbox oil? I know BMW may never recommend it, my car is now above 80K and dont think its ever changed.

Martin what oil you ended up getting? is it a straight job can be done easily?

[shak]

I'm also keen to find out about this too as I suspect mine hasn't been done either

[X5Sport]

Although BMW call their system 'sealed for life' that is their classification of the life of the car - 3 years or 60k miles.

Specialists will tell you that 60k is where you should be looking to change it.

There is a debate raging about whether to do it or not.  Why?  Well if the box is fine then leave it alone because changing the oil could flush out some of the rubbish built up over the miles and that could result in a box failure.  The chances are very low, and it is usually more of a problem on very high mileage boxes or those where a problem already exists and is known about.

The other side of the debate is quite rightly, that it is an engineering system, oil deteriorates and changing it is therefore a good idea.

To date I have not seen an issue reported with the E70 box, but it has certainly happened on the weaker (it seems) E53 boxes.

Always change the oil and filter together, and follow the prescribed procedure (dynamic change with temperature monitored and engine running) to the letter to ensure you get the right level.  There should be a label on the gearbox telling you what the fluid is - get that spec.