2011 35i xdrive driveline fluid change

[Scott_S]

Hi, I'm looking for some input on what fluid and how much to use when changing the fluid in the front and rear diff and transfer case. Also are there any guides on how to or is it pretty straight forward?
Thanks.

[JDAURIA]

hit the search button, a lot of threads on this.

OEM fluid is just fine for both F/R Diffs and TC. Both services are very straightforward: Rear diff being the easiest and can be done on the ground without lifting the vehicle. Front differential the front driver wheel and some fender plastic needs to be removed to gain access to the bolt. Transfer case would be the hardest (but again very straight forward), just limited space. Buy 4-5 new OEM bolts (I forget the exact amount), they are cheap and come with a green washer seal. Don't forget to reset adaptations with the TC service

[Scott_S]

Originally Posted by JDNY516

hit the search button, a lot of threads on this.

OEM fluid is just fine for both F/R Diffs and TC. Both services are very straightforward: Rear diff being the easiest and can be done on the ground without lifting the vehicle. Front differential the front driver wheel and some fender plastic needs to be removed to gain access to the bolt. Transfer case would be the hardest (but again very straight forward), just limited space. Buy 4-5 new OEM bolts (I forget the exact amount), they are cheap and come with a green washer seal. Don't forget to reset adaptations with the TC service

Thanks for the info. What is involved with resetting the adaptations?

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by Scott_S

Thanks for the info. What is involved with resetting the adaptations?

Need software to reset.

[Thecastle]

I will point out if your car has adaptive drive, changing the front diff fluid is a pia. There is a steel hydraulic line that blocks access to the fill port on the front diff and you need special tools to access. Not stuff most people will have. Anyway I would highly recommend having someone do the front diff on your car if you have adaptive drive. No adaptive drive no problem.

Also I would recommend the xfer case only use the oem fluid. The diffs use anything that meets the specs. Unless you have an active rear diff, then you’ll need to use a different fluid with friction modifiers. I don’t believe the active rear diff came on any car other than the M.

[Scott_S]

Originally Posted by Thecastle

I will point out if your car has adaptive drive, changing the front diff fluid is a pia. There is a steel hydraulic line that blocks access to the fill port on the front diff and you need special tools to access. Not stuff most people will have. Anyway I would highly recommend having someone do the front diff on your car if you have adaptive drive. No adaptive drive no problem.

Also I would recommend the xfer case only use the oem fluid. The diffs use anything that meets the specs. Unless you have an active rear diff, then you’ll need to use a different fluid with friction modifiers. I don’t believe the active rear diff came on any car other than the M.

Cool, thanks. I don't have adaptive drive so it should be pretty straight forward. I ordered all OEM fluid and new plugs. Fingers crossed it helps with the driving, otherwise it might be time for a new xfer case and I am not sure its worth doing that.

[JDAURIA]

Wasn’t there a driveshaft recall? May want to check if yours has been replaced