Changed transfer case fluid on my X3

sibhusz06 · 02-01-2019, 08:54 PM

Just changed my transfer case fluid, thought Id pass along the abbreviated steps in case anyone tackles this. Took me about 2 hours but I took my time and im sure next time will be about an hour.

1. Jackup/use ramps to get all 4 wheels off the ground. Remove the main belly under tray, about 15 8mm screws and 2 10mm nuts(optional- I think only needed if your doing front diff).
2. Remove transmission cover felt (5 8mm screws).
3. Remove driver side under tray. About 12 8mm screws and 4 10mm nuts.
4. Use a jack with a 1x6x6 piece of wood and line up under the transfer case, to hold the back of the tranny.
5. Remove the 18mm nut from the bushing bolt at the top of the tranny brace. This is a long 6 inch bolt and you'll need a 17mm or 18mm socket for the other side.
6. Remove the 3 13mm screws on the passenger side of the brace, and then two 16mm screws from the drivers side. Brace will slide out.
7. Now you have a clear shot with a 14mm hex wrench (bought one from amazon) and remove the fill/drain plug.
8. Insert a mity vac or suction device into the transfer case and I was able to extract 0.5quarts. Measure this amount.
9. Use a fluid pump and pump in BMW DTF1 75w. I pumped in 0.6quarts. Clean the fill plug and tighten back in place.
10. Reverse steps to reinstall everything back in place.
11. So the consensus is to reset the VTG transfer case, if you have the tool. My Nt410 doesn't do this but am not sure if I will go through with it....

tracer bullet · 02-03-2019, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the time for the write up. Jeez I didn't expect this to be as easy as it was on my old Ranger, but still, what a mess. BMW did not design "easy maintenance" into these cars.

BIG_KID · 02-03-2019, 01:31 PM

It's pretty easy. Just have to be smarter than the engineers

sibhusz06 · 02-03-2019, 11:01 PM

I saw this approach, unfortunately I don't see how you can articulate your suction hose to get in the hole and reach down into the bottom most portion to extract all the fluid out. Its a nightmare to try to drain and fill using a hose to go over the tranny brace or through this opening...

tracer bullet · 02-04-2019, 09:27 AM

I think there's a drain plug, in this picture it's behind the wrench handle? That's what is indicated in the online manuals anyhow for the F25.

BIG_KID · 02-04-2019, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I think there's a drain plug, in this picture it's behind the wrench handle? That's what is indicated in the online manuals anyhow for the F25.

Yes, the drain plug is perfectly hidden by the wrench. LOL

sibhusz06 · 02-04-2019, 07:22 PM

Interesting you guys must have a different transfer case as I only had just one 14mm cap on my transfer case and the rest were just T40 housing screws.

Bilbofraggins · 02-04-2019, 08:03 PM

I'm still 40,000km from doing this but the ATC 450 on a 2015 F25 seems to have a drain plug...

OldenburgerM3 · 04-24-2020, 04:32 PM

I just did this job, too. Great quick-and-dirty DIY up there, i'll add a few notes and photos for transfer case fluid only:
(I've modified a few things, this is for my 2015 X3 35i)

1. Jackup/use ramps to get all 4 wheels off the ground.
2. Remove transmission cover felt (5 8mm screws).
3. Remove driver side under tray. About 6 8mm screws and 2 10mm nuts and five plastic fasteners along the car's left side (pull the "pin top" out with a screwdriver and the remaining bit will come out -hopefully reusable).
4. Use a jack with a 1x6x6 piece of wood and line up under the transfer case, to hold the back of the transmission up.
5. Remove the 17mm nut from the bushing bolt at the top of the transmission brace towards the vehicle front. This is a long 6 inch bolt and you'll need a 16mm socket for the bolt-side, vehicle's rear. This bolt will slide out easily if you have the right height on your support jack, so fiddle with that a bit - it should slide out easily.
6. Remove the 3 13mm screws on the passenger side of the brace, and then two 16mm screws from the drivers side. Brace will slide out unless you blocked it with the support infrastructure you built like I did :-(
7. Now you have a clear shot with a 14mm hex wrench (bought one from amazon) and remove the fill/drain plug.
8. Insert a mity vac or suction device into the transfer case and I was able to extract 0.5quarts. Measure this amount.
9. Use a fluid pump and pump in BMW DTF1 75w. I pumped in 0.6quarts. Clean the fill plug and tighten back in place.
10. Reverse steps to reinstall everything back in place.
11. So the consensus is to reset the VTG transfer case, if you have the tool. My Nt410 doesn't do this but am not sure if I will go through with it....

My local shop did the computer reset for me, good to go!

I've attached a few pictures.

wxm · 06-26-2020, 05:57 AM

I am thinking to do this service for my 2017 F25 as I am getting over 50k. Just want to confirm that the fluid mfr part but very is 83222409710.

Also do you guys know the drain/fill plug pitch size? Try to replace the gasket and possibly the plugs.

wxm · 06-26-2020, 06:01 AM

Anyone knows torque spec for both drain and fill plugs? Also looks like I will have to remove a mounting bracket for clearance. About about the torques for the mounting bracket bolts?

evilchargerfan · 06-26-2020, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wxm

I am thinking to do this service for my 2017 F25 as I am getting over 50k. Just want to confirm that the fluid mfr part but very is 83222409710.

Also do you guys know the drain/fill plug pitch size? Try to replace the gasket and possibly the plugs.

not sure on the thread pitch, but here is a sweet place to buy the drain plug:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...83222409710kt2

(that same link sells an OE equiv fluid, and it seems 83222409710 is the correct pn)

evilchargerfan · 06-26-2020, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wxm

Anyone knows torque spec for both drain and fill plugs? Also looks like I will have to remove a mounting bracket for clearance. About about the torques for the mounting bracket bolts?

this is the best I could dig up

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...r-box/GTiTtjg7

hardparker · 06-26-2020, 12:27 PM

Thanks! So, 44.25 foot-pounds for the drain and fill plugs.

FranzX3M · 07-01-2020, 11:10 AM

Instead of spending big bucks on BMW branded fluid you can buy an alternate for a lot less money. I used Motul DCTF. The spec you want to look for in aftermarket fluid is TF 0870. BTW, BMW does not make oils, they buy them from an oil company that make the aftermarket fluids as well.

ez311 · 12-29-2022, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I think there's a drain plug, in this picture it's behind the wrench handle? That's what is indicated in the online manuals anyhow for the F25.

Reviving an old thread. Has anyone use a stubby 14mm hex bit, similar to this?

https://ctatools.com/products/1136?v...gn=sag_organic

It seems like it should work on the X3 as the manufacturer mentions the X5/X6 transfer case in the listing

pungo · 12-29-2022, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ez311

Reviving an old thread. Has anyone use a stubby 14mm hex bit, similar to this?

https://ctatools.com/products/1136?v...gn=sag_organic
It seems like it should work on the X3 as the manufacturer mentions the X5/X6 transfer case in the listing

It looks like that should work. I cut off a short section from a 14mm hex(Allen) wrench and turned it with a 14mm wrench. Worked perfectly to remove the fill plug without needing to remove the transfer case support.

Dekero · 12-30-2022, 01:26 PM

You most definitely need to reset the transfer case after changing the fluid get rid of that Foxwell scanner and get beamergeeks pro tools it has pretty much every possible setting you would ever need and also allows you to adjust the transfer case

Dekero · 12-30-2022, 01:27 PM

And why would you not just remove the crossmember... It's like 4 bolts.... Smh

pungo · 12-31-2022, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dekero

And why would you not just remove the crossmember... It's like 4 bolts.... Smh

Actually, there are 6 bolts and the need to support the TC up with a floor jack

Takes less than a minute to remove the fill plug with the right tool, so why would one bother with removing the support if you don't have to? Work smart

Dekero · 12-31-2022, 04:31 PM

Maybe because mine only has a single fill/drain plug and I want to make sure my vacuum extraction tool gets to the bottom of the case... And for others who are doing this for the first time in 100k they need to be replacing the mount anyway.

gk_bimmer · 03-23-2024, 11:05 AM

I also removed the support bracket to "drain" fluid. Made an adaptor on the spot to suck out the dirty old oil with a fluid extractor/syringe. The following video captures everything:

It could have been a very simple job if one didn't have to remove the crossmember but, given the tight space and no drain plug, don't think you have a choice. Also, my latest scanner (Kingbolen K6 Pro) has the VTG calibration feature for BMW and it runs smoothly after VTG reset according to my teenage driver.

Hope this helps.

02-01-2019, 08:54 PM	#1
sibhusz06 Second Lieutenant 109 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2011 M3, 2012 X35I, 2007 911 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Changed transfer case fluid on my X3 Just changed my transfer case fluid, thought Id pass along the abbreviated steps in case anyone tackles this. Took me about 2 hours but I took my time and im sure next time will be about an hour. 1. Jackup/use ramps to get all 4 wheels off the ground. Remove the main belly under tray, about 15 8mm screws and 2 10mm nuts(optional- I think only needed if your doing front diff). 2. Remove transmission cover felt (5 8mm screws). 3. Remove driver side under tray. About 12 8mm screws and 4 10mm nuts. 4. Use a jack with a 1x6x6 piece of wood and line up under the transfer case, to hold the back of the tranny. 5. Remove the 18mm nut from the bushing bolt at the top of the tranny brace. This is a long 6 inch bolt and you'll need a 17mm or 18mm socket for the other side. 6. Remove the 3 13mm screws on the passenger side of the brace, and then two 16mm screws from the drivers side. Brace will slide out. 7. Now you have a clear shot with a 14mm hex wrench (bought one from amazon) and remove the fill/drain plug. 8. Insert a mity vac or suction device into the transfer case and I was able to extract 0.5quarts. Measure this amount. 9. Use a fluid pump and pump in BMW DTF1 75w. I pumped in 0.6quarts. Clean the fill plug and tighten back in place. 10. Reverse steps to reinstall everything back in place. 11. So the consensus is to reset the VTG transfer case, if you have the tool. My Nt410 doesn't do this but am not sure if I will go through with it.... Last edited by sibhusz06; 02-01-2019 at 10:09 PM..
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02-03-2019, 09:37 AM	#2
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2388 Rep 3,531 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the time for the write up. Jeez I didn't expect this to be as easy as it was on my old Ranger, but still, what a mess. BMW did not design "easy maintenance" into these cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2019, 01:31 PM	#3
BIG_KID Second Lieutenant 68 Rep 287 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 28i Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Northern indiana iTrader: (0)	It's pretty easy. Just have to be smarter than the engineers Attached Images
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02-03-2019, 11:01 PM	#4
sibhusz06 Second Lieutenant 109 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2011 M3, 2012 X35I, 2007 911 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	I saw this approach, unfortunately I don't see how you can articulate your suction hose to get in the hole and reach down into the bottom most portion to extract all the fluid out. Its a nightmare to try to drain and fill using a hose to go over the tranny brace or through this opening...
	Appreciate 1 Wgosma806.00 Quote

02-04-2019, 09:27 AM	#5
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2388 Rep 3,531 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	I think there's a drain plug, in this picture it's behind the wrench handle? That's what is indicated in the online manuals anyhow for the F25. Attached Images
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02-04-2019, 07:22 PM	#7
sibhusz06 Second Lieutenant 109 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2011 M3, 2012 X35I, 2007 911 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Interesting you guys must have a different transfer case as I only had just one 14mm cap on my transfer case and the rest were just T40 housing screws. Attached Images
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02-04-2019, 08:03 PM	#8
Bilbofraggins Captain 284 Rep 907 Posts Drives: 2013 X6M, 2019 X3 M40I Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: North of the Wall iTrader: (0)	I'm still 40,000km from doing this but the ATC 450 on a 2015 F25 seems to have a drain plug...
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04-24-2020, 04:32 PM	#9
OldenburgerM3 Private First Class 72 Rep 183 Posts Drives: 2011 Jet Black M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	I just did this job, too. Great quick-and-dirty DIY up there, i'll add a few notes and photos for transfer case fluid only: (I've modified a few things, this is for my 2015 X3 35i) 1. Jackup/use ramps to get all 4 wheels off the ground. 2. Remove transmission cover felt (5 8mm screws). 3. Remove driver side under tray. About 6 8mm screws and 2 10mm nuts and five plastic fasteners along the car's left side (pull the "pin top" out with a screwdriver and the remaining bit will come out -hopefully reusable). 4. Use a jack with a 1x6x6 piece of wood and line up under the transfer case, to hold the back of the transmission up. 5. Remove the 17mm nut from the bushing bolt at the top of the transmission brace towards the vehicle front. This is a long 6 inch bolt and you'll need a 16mm socket for the bolt-side, vehicle's rear. This bolt will slide out easily if you have the right height on your support jack, so fiddle with that a bit - it should slide out easily. 6. Remove the 3 13mm screws on the passenger side of the brace, and then two 16mm screws from the drivers side. Brace will slide out unless you blocked it with the support infrastructure you built like I did :-( 7. Now you have a clear shot with a 14mm hex wrench (bought one from amazon) and remove the fill/drain plug. 8. Insert a mity vac or suction device into the transfer case and I was able to extract 0.5quarts. Measure this amount. 9. Use a fluid pump and pump in BMW DTF1 75w. I pumped in 0.6quarts. Clean the fill plug and tighten back in place. 10. Reverse steps to reinstall everything back in place. 11. So the consensus is to reset the VTG transfer case, if you have the tool. My Nt410 doesn't do this but am not sure if I will go through with it.... My local shop did the computer reset for me, good to go! I've attached a few pictures. Attached Images
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06-26-2020, 05:57 AM	#10
wxm Enlisted Member 38 Rep 35 Posts Drives: BMW 2017 X3 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I am thinking to do this service for my 2017 F25 as I am getting over 50k. Just want to confirm that the fluid mfr part but very is 83222409710. Also do you guys know the drain/fill plug pitch size? Try to replace the gasket and possibly the plugs.
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06-26-2020, 06:01 AM	#11
wxm Enlisted Member 38 Rep 35 Posts Drives: BMW 2017 X3 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Anyone knows torque spec for both drain and fill plugs? Also looks like I will have to remove a mounting bracket for clearance. About about the torques for the mounting bracket bolts? Last edited by wxm; 06-26-2020 at 06:09 AM..
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06-26-2020, 12:27 PM	#14
hardparker Father of Frankenfold 299 Rep 531 Posts Drives: Yo daddy's 2014 X3 M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Albuquerque iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW X1 [0.00] 2014 BMW X3 [0.00]	Thanks! So, 44.25 foot-pounds for the drain and fill plugs. __________________ F25 X3 35i M Sport \| Frankenfold 6662 \| VRSF Race IC \| FTP CP \| BM3 tuned \| XDI-35 HPFP \| Stage 2 LPFP \| Ethanol mixed \| WMI \| Oil cooler \| xHP \| X5/550i brakes
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07-01-2020, 11:10 AM	#15
FranzX3M Private 17 Rep 80 Posts Drives: '13 X3M Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Instead of spending big bucks on BMW branded fluid you can buy an alternate for a lot less money. I used Motul DCTF. The spec you want to look for in aftermarket fluid is TF 0870. BTW, BMW does not make oils, they buy them from an oil company that make the aftermarket fluids as well.
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12-30-2022, 01:26 PM	#18
Dekero Private First Class 36 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X5 35I Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Memphis TN iTrader: (0)	You most definitely need to reset the transfer case after changing the fluid get rid of that Foxwell scanner and get beamergeeks pro tools it has pretty much every possible setting you would ever need and also allows you to adjust the transfer case
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12-30-2022, 01:27 PM	#19
Dekero Private First Class 36 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X5 35I Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Memphis TN iTrader: (0)	And why would you not just remove the crossmember... It's like 4 bolts.... Smh
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12-31-2022, 04:31 PM	#21
Dekero Private First Class 36 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X5 35I Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Memphis TN iTrader: (0)	Maybe because mine only has a single fill/drain plug and I want to make sure my vacuum extraction tool gets to the bottom of the case... And for others who are doing this for the first time in 100k they need to be replacing the mount anyway.
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03-23-2024, 11:05 AM	#22
gk_bimmer New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW X3 Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Transfer case oil change with support bracket removed I also removed the support bracket to "drain" fluid. Made an adaptor on the spot to suck out the dirty old oil with a fluid extractor/syringe. The following video captures everything: It could have been a very simple job if one didn't have to remove the crossmember but, given the tight space and no drain plug, don't think you have a choice. Also, my latest scanner (Kingbolen K6 Pro) has the VTG calibration feature for BMW and it runs smoothly after VTG reset according to my teenage driver. Hope this helps.
	Appreciate 0 Quote