oil grades please.......X5 3.0d

[the shreksta]

Hey guys

I've just bought a 2004 face lift x5 3.0d and I would like to know which oils I should change and what grades of oil

Transfer box-
Front diff-
Rear diff-
Auto Gearbox oil-
Engine oil-

Does it matter what make? I used to buy all my fluids from opie oils so if they stock everything then great,if not where is the best place to buy them from?

Many thanks

[X5Sport]

Engine oil is 100% synthetic and should be 0w30 or 5w30 depending upon your preference.  As long as it meets BMW LL04 and ACEA 'C' spec it's fine.  BMW use Castrol GTX FST 5w30 by default.

For the Gearbox oil it is essential you use the right grade/type oil!  Get this wrong and it's goodnight gearbox.  There is a specific procedure that MUST be followed when re-filling.  It involves having the engine at a specific temperature, and how the lever is cycled through the gears to ensure correct levels before a final top up. It needs to be changed 'warm' not cold.  There is a manufacturers label on the box telling you the right oil spec.  You should also remove the oil pan and change the filter at the same time (so you'll need a new gasket too).  The correct numbers are on the forum somewhere too.  You will have a ZF 6HP 6-speed transmission.

The other oils are less sensitive, and details should be in here somewhere from those who have done it.

[the shreksta]

Thanks

Should I get bmw sytner to change the oil in the gearbox? I'm a bit wary of main dealers. Unless you know of a specialist in the midlands you can point me in the direction of

[X5Sport]

Only let someone with the right knowledge play with the gearbox.  A ZF specialist could do it, or a main dealer - and yes it goes against the grain. 

Some of the folks who are in the right area will no doubt chip in with recommendations.

[Horizon]

I had mine done at an automatic gearbox specialists. These guys are rebuilding these boxes day in and day out.so a service is not a dark art to them.
Often cheaper than indie BMW specialists.
BMW say sealed for life , so their techs probably don't do too many gearbox services.

[the shreksta]

Forgot to say that the car has covered 108k

[X5Sport]

In that case carefully read the various threads on whether or not to change the gearbox oil.  There is a lot of debate around this on 'older' boxes.

In engineering terms it makes perfect sense to change it and get new improved performance in the overall system.

But, and this is important.  If there is any sign of a problem in the transmission in terms of changing gear, or of a 'lurch' then you need to be aware that there is a risk.  It is a small, but significant one.  The risk is that as the new fluids circulate they clean out all of the galleries and feeds and remove sludge from the system.  That sludge may be masking an unknown issue which could cause the box to fail and need rebuilding.

It doesn't happen every time but it can and has happened to owners of high mileage cars.  If have already had a rebuild then the risk is reduced.  As long as you are aware, and have done some research then you can make an informed decision.

[the shreksta]

The box seems absolutely fine, no lurching, when stationery switching gears etc there is no movement it's just a nice smooth change.kick down works perfectly etc so I think (touch wood) I've bought a good one so I will have the oil changed,if it goes belly up then I will just have to get the box rebuilt.

Any idea on the quantity needed for the gearbox?

Thx mate your advice is 2nd to none so far lol

[X5Sport]

This ZF Official Manual might have what you need, including the refill procedure.

If I remember correctly the box is a ZF 6HP26 variant.

[the shreksta]

Thank again buddy, I'm gonna ring around a few places 2moro

[the shreksta]

Hey guys I've decided to leave the box well alone, I don't cover many miles  (4.5k per year) and that's split between 2 cars so I'm gonna leave it.

I would how ever like to change the difference oils front and rear and the transfer box oil but can't find alot of info about which oils to use.

Anybody help with that please?

I usually buy my oils from opie oils and use my old subaru forum code for discount so it would be ideal if he stocked the correct goods

Thanks

[Horizon]

[quote="the shreksta"]
Hey guys I've decided to leave the box well alone, I don't cover many miles  (4.5k per year) and that's split between 2 cars so I'm gonna leave it.

I would how ever like to change the difference oils front and rear and the transfer box oil but can't find alot of info about which oils to use.

Anybody help with that please?

I usually buy my oils from opie oils and use my old subaru forum code for discount so it would be ideal if he stocked the correct goods

Thanks
[/quote]
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,5462.0.html

[the shreksta]

Lol I found that link just after I wrote my previous post.

Is it 1L per diff or 2L?

[the shreksta]

hey guys

look at this diagram, there is 2 descriptions of transfer oil for the atc 500 box...............which one do i buy

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=27_0020

[X5Sport]

The first one stopped being used in 2015 and was replaced by the second.  At least that's how I read it.