Gear Oil for E70 X5M

[jandref321]

Gents,

Wondering if any of you have swapped your own fluid and what you used. All the fluids in my truck were swapped at 30k miles and I'm due for another as I'm at 60k now.

REALOEM lists 75W-85 oil with two different part numbers for the rear diff. The first part number "Hypoid Axle Oil G1 3 X 0,5L X 07/2011 83222295532" is the only part number listed for the front diff. The other part number for the rear is "Final-drive unit gear oil SAF Carbon Mod 0,5L X 83120445832." I'm unsure what the "Carbon Mod" means. Both are BMW and both are $50 per bottle with 3 bottles needed for each diff. I can't imagine that the front diff would take that much oil but I expected the massive rear diff would take more.

I know you need to get OE tranny fluid 100% with these auto transmissions but I've never used OE diff fluid on any of my cars, usually redline. ECStuning lists about every gear oil available as being applicable to the X5M no matter the weight, but I've found that redline does sell 75W-85.

OE fluid is $300 to swap both diffs
Redline is $60 to swap both diffs

Recommendations on other brands or recommended weights for our trucks? I'm planning on swapping the t-case also but understand that you have to code the fluid swap and neither carly nor NCSexpert have the option...so indy I guess. I'm still debating on doing the transmission fluid drain and fill with filter swap myself.

[socale39]

I've used redline in the past for all my BMWs without issue. I'm about to do fluid changes on my 35d and plan to continue using Redline.

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by socale39

I've used redline in the past for all my BMWs without issue. I'm about to do fluid changes on my 35d and plan to continue using Redline.

Yeah, if I can I'll keep going with redline also. I put 75W90 in the wife's 3.0si recently but still unsure about the viscosity for the M. Real OEM states 75W85 for the front and rear, which is probably what I should follow, but ECStuning and pelican parts list 75W90 for the front and 75W140 for the rear. The assumption there I believe is that the X5M has a standard LSD like other M cars and not the torque vectoring diff?

Just called BMW and confirmed the oil is 75W85 in both and there appears to just be an extra bottle of 75W85 in the rear with the "carbon mod" maybe just an antifriction additive?

[philly42]

Did you end up replacing all your fluids? It appears that the rear diff has 3 compartments that use fluid and two different fluids are needed.

Any issues replacing the transmission fluid with the filter?

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by philly42

Did you end up replacing all your fluids? It appears that the rear diff has 3 compartments that use fluid and two different fluids are needed.

Any issues replacing the transmission fluid with the filter?

I haven't done any of the fluids yet. I just placed an order for a Foxwell NT510 scanner which does coding and can actuate/reset systems. Hoping to use this device to reset the transfer case when I swap the fluids and also use it to activate ABS for brake bleeding.

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by jandref321

I haven't done any of the fluids yet. I just placed an order for a Foxwell NT510 scanner which does coding and can actuate/reset systems. Hoping to use this device to reset the transfer case when I swap the fluids and also use it to activate ABS for brake bleeding.

Yes, I'm looking to buy one as well. Looks promising! Here's a list of functions:

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by DeeO

Yes, I'm looking to buy one as well. Looks promising! Here's a list of functions:

Yep, I got it Friday and did my brake lines over the weekend. The scanner is kind of complicated to get setup since you have to install the BMW software yourself from home, but it’s a great system. I ran the brake bleeding routine and got all the extra air out of my lines. It’s very easy to use and paid for itself immediately since the Indy shop was going to charge $300 to bleed the brakes with INPA.

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by jandref321

Yep, I got it Friday and did my brake lines over the weekend. The scanner is kind of complicated to get setup since you have to install the BMW software yourself from home, but it’s a great system. I ran the brake bleeding routine and got all the extra air out of my lines. It’s very easy to use and paid for itself immediately since the Indy shop was going to charge $300 to bleed the brakes with INPA.

That's great news to hear! I did plan on using it for the bleeding procedure also. Any info on the transfer case function?

[philly42]

It took me a while to get used to using rheingold/ISTA. It's really worth it if you plan to service and diagnose issues yourself.

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by philly42

It took me a while to get used to using rheingold/ISTA. It's really worth it if you plan to service and diagnose issues yourself.

Good to know. I'll have to look into that & make a comparison of the two. Although you can load up to 5 apps for different makes into the Foxwell NT510...

[philly42]

Originally Posted by DeeO

Good to know. I'll have to look into that & make a comparison of the two. Although you can load up to 5 apps for different makes into the Foxwell NT510...

I'm not familiar with other programs but ISTA is what the dealer uses. It's a lot more user friendly than INPA. What I've used the program the most so far is to diagnose CEL. When there is a fault code, the program will give you a few tests that can be run to help figure out the true faulty item.

For example one of the tests I did was for a misfire. It build up pressure in the fuel line and measured within a time frame if there was a pressure drop. If so then the fault could be with a leaking fuel injector.