XSeries-forum

Wanting to change all the transmission oils. How do you tell if the x5 has xdrive or not? Mine is a December 2003 facelift model and the dealer has just told me in need dexton 3 for the transfer box. I thought that was for cars without xdrive. Don't all facelift cars have xdrive? Must surly be a definate quick way to find out

Jamie, I'm in your court, I thought XDrive was introduced with the E53 facelift model.  The only thing I would say, is I received the second facelift model in Northern Ireland. This was in mid January 04 and was under the impression that this was the first release of face lifted models in the UK.

Don

The xDrive system still has a transfer box (called the ATC500 Transfer Case), or at least my 2005 3.0D did.

Put the last 7 characters of your VIN into the 'Serial Number section of  RealOEM.com and you will find what parts are fitted.

Richard

I think the easiest option is to get under the car and look for a lead connecting to the transfer box.

It looks like the Xdrive have an actuator (looks similar to a windscreen wiper motor apparently)  on the rear of the case where as the non xdrive dont

No cable or connection then no XDrive.

I haven't got it but that is from quick research.

Look on Realoem for your car  might help

Regards

The Actuator you're looking for is part 12 on this diagram.  As said, it looks like a wiper motor on the transfer box which looks like this diagram.

Richard

Been onto the dealer again and they have told me that xdrive did not come in until feb 05?!

Been on real oem. With my chassis number in it shows it as atc 500 with the little wiper motor type actuator. Does this mean it has Xdrive? Bmw said they changed fluid type in feb 05

I am suprised to read this, as I thought the X5, was so named because it had Xdrive.

2004 Facelift
2003–2006 BMW X5 (E53) 3.0d (Australia)
2003–2006 BMW X5 (E53) 3.0d (Australia)In 2003 for the 2004 model year the X5 was face-lifted with new headlights, a few new exterior colors, a new four-wheel drive system and upgraded engines. The grilles were enlarged, as well as their actual slats being modified in a 'flame surfaced' style. In keeping with the E39 facelift of 2001, the 2004 X5's headlights got "angel-eyes" (rings or halos around all front headlamps). The tail-lights also received a facelift similar to the BMW E39, and the exterior glass went from a "dotted" pattern to a cleaner "line" pattern. BMW invented a new four-wheel drive system dubbed xDrive shared both in the X5 and X3 in 2004. Instead of using the previous X5 system which consisted of power being split 62-38 (rear wheels-front wheels) and DSC to brake wheels losing traction, xDrive could vary power to the front or rear axles in milliseconds, transferring up to 100% of engine power to either axle, thus allowing the vehicle to regain traction quickly.
The X5 got the new 4.4i engine which debuted in the 2002 7-Series; power output rose from 290 to 315 hp (242 kW). Also from April onwards, a new X5 4.8is was offered (see below), giving the driver 355 hp (265 kW) and making it the third fastest SUV

Been reading on BMW spaghetti and if you use Real oem to find out the number of your transfer case then you can find out if has xdrive or not. Mine is ATC 500 which IS the Xdrive unit. Dealer is adament it is dexron3 oil but BMW service bulliten number 270107 says the transfer box oil part number is 83220397244TF0870. I believe this is the later Xdrive fluid as the other stuff possibly dexron 3 could cause a problem?

Do you think the parts guys just don't know about the service bulliten?

Sounds to me like the Dealer hasn't got a clue!  A number of us have found that we know more than them and often pointing them in the right direction reveals all sorts of data.  Service might know, but Parts are usually pretty hopeless.

[quote="Horizon"]
I am suprised to read this, as I thought the X5, was so named because it had Xdrive.
[/quote]

I think the 'X' might have come from the earlier BMW naming convention that called all their 4WD car variants a number then an X.  Such as a 520iX - not available in the UK - and it got used for the first letter in the SAV/SUV type cars.  It's only my theory though......

Richard

[quote="X5Sport"]
Sounds to me like the Dealer hasn't got a clue!  A number of us have found that we know more than them and often pointing them in the right direction reveals all sorts of data.  Service might know, but Parts are usually pretty hopeless.
[/quote]
Tend to agree with you there. Im just going to order the Xdrive fluid and go from there.

E53 facelift rolled of line late 2003 9/03 iirc and 2003 built E53 facelifts known as the 2004 MY (manufacture year). All facelift cars have Xdrive. Afaik most 2003 E53's registered to BMW as 1st keepers either staff, press demo's etc. Not seen one 2003 facelift registered otherwise. 

One or two prefacelift cars out there ( i have heard of 2 from recollection), and cosmetically converted to look like facelift by 3rd parties............few and far between though and usually cconverted after a significant accident repair.

Different Cc & HP outputs on paperwork should be the giveaway  between old & new 3.0d (2926cc vs 2933cc & 184HP vs 218 HP. Obviously all facelift 3.0d autos will have 6-speed auto.

There may be genuine reason for misunderstanding but I'd be tempted to steer clear of that source of info & parts.

I own a prefacelift 4.4i so stand to be corrected, though it's fair to say that like others here I have spent a little time looking at details of these cars.

[quote="JamieX5"]
Been reading on BMW spaghetti and if you use Real oem to find out the number of your transfer case then you can find out if has xdrive or not. Mine is ATC 500 which IS the Xdrive unit. Dealer is adament it is dexron3 oil but BMW service bulliten number 270107 says the transfer box oil part number is 83220397244TF0870. I believe this is the later Xdrive fluid as the other stuff possibly dexron 3 could cause a problem?

Do you think the parts guys just don't know about the service bulliten?
[/quote]

Anyone ever get to the bottom of this?  I too have the dealers adamant that the correct fluid is the Dextron 3.  I talked to them about service bulletins (quoting the number above).  He went away to investigate and just called me back saying for my vehicle it's 100% Dextron 3 (I have an 07/2004 with ATC500).

So, now going by the parts list here:

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/access ... logue.html

Which is official BMW, it shows the DIII oil for the transfer case but then a quantity of X.  There is also a note attached which specifies DIII is for E53 up to 09/03 'without xDrive'.  Weird that it shows the xDrive transfer box (ATC500 is xDrive right?) and then an oil which is NOT for that transfer case.

Anyway I have explained all of this to the dealer parts guy.  He is going to check on their service system again as apparently when he looked it up last time it asked whether or not the car had xDrive and he said no.  He said he doesn't know if my car has xDrive (he asked if it has an xDrive badge on it) so I told him I'm pretty sure the ATC500 is an xDrive unit.

Let's see what he comes back with.  They stock both fluids anyway so either way I can get what I need on Saturday.

What a colossal mess.