[bimmertt]

Originally Posted by lloyd99

Correct, sorry for the confusion. It was $1050 or $1825, depending on whether I replaced the transmission filter, or not. I updated my original post to be more clear.

I was originally thinking to just do a drain+fill (as I heard a transmission fluid flush could potentially introduce problems). I noticed the SA said "flush" in her message. I just sent her a message back asking about that.

Does $1825 sounds like a reasonable dealership price for changing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter?

Seems like robbery to me. Only thing unique about changing the transmission fluid is that they have to cycle through the gears and get the fluid up to temp before topping off. If you're getting the pan/filter replaced, MSRP for that part is ~$250 but it can be purchased for cheaper ($110 from FCP). So you're paying ~$600-$700 for labor just for them to drop and replace the pan.

[DishoomX2]

Originally Posted by lloyd99

Correct, sorry for the confusion. It was $1050 or $1825, depending on whether I replaced the transmission filter, or not. I updated my original post to be more clear.

I was originally thinking to just do a drain+fill (as I heard a transmission fluid flush could potentially introduce problems). I noticed the SA said "flush" in her message. I just sent her a message back asking about that. She said the "Transmission flush (fluid only)" option is the drain+fill, without replacing the filter.

Does $1050 sounds like a reasonable dealership price for drain+fill the transmission fluid? Does $1825 sounds like a reasonable dealership price for changing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter? Which one would you pick - if you were at 50k miles and were just looking to be proactive to extend the vehicle life?

For reference, the ZF service kit (including fluid) from FCP Euro is $250. I don't think you'd want to do just a drain and fill. You might as well change the pan (inc filter) when you put new fluid in. Although, $1825 is quite steep for what would involve parts and 2-3 hours of labor.

This thread has piqued my interest though because I'm soon approaching 50k miles. Even though it's not a terribly complex procedure, I'd probably leave it to the dealer/indy to do it because (a) I don't have a lift, (b) I don't have a scan tool, and (c) it's a mess of a job.

[admranger]

I'd get the coolant flush done. Maybe the rear diff and then head to the independent.

[wheela]

Originally Posted by lloyd99

Correct, sorry for the confusion. It was $1050 or $1825, depending on whether I replaced the transmission filter, or not. I updated my original post to be more clear.

I was originally thinking to just do a drain+fill (as I heard a transmission fluid flush could potentially introduce problems). I noticed the SA said "flush" in her message. I just sent her a message back asking about that. She said the "Transmission flush (fluid only)" option is the drain+fill, without replacing the filter.

Does $1050 sounds like a reasonable dealership price for drain+fill the transmission fluid? Does $1825 sounds like a reasonable dealership price for changing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter? Which one would you pick - if you were at 50k miles and were just looking to be proactive to extend the vehicle life?

If they don't know the difference between drain and fill and a flush, I'd be concerned. They need a special peice of equipment to pump/recirculate the fluid through for a flush; the two procedures are definately different. I'd assume a flush costs more than a drain/refill, as the set up for it seems more involved. I'd also have them replace the pan/filter while they're in there. On my 6hp, I also had them replace the mechatronic sleeve, as that's a known problem on that transmission. Though I don't know if that's a thing or not on these newer 8 speeds.

I had the dealership do my fluids, I'll dig up the receipt tomorrow and post up what they charged for each

[lloyd99]

Originally Posted by wheela

I had the dealership do my fluids, I'll dig up the receipt tomorrow and post up what they charged for each

Thanks VERY much. I'd love to know what your dealership charged you for each service.

[wheela]

Originally Posted by lloyd99

Thanks VERY much. I'd love to know what your dealership charged you for each service.

Here's is what I paid, looks like I probably over-paid compared to independant mechanic prices:

Front diff:
$431

Transfer case service:
$1432

Transmission drain + flush, + new filter/pan + new mech sleeve:
$1435

Rear Diff:
Don't have a clear price, as they also had to replace the input seal and an output seal.

Edit: please note, this was on a 6hp for my X1. I'd imagine the analogous services on the X7 should be in the same ball park, except I don't know how access to the front diff compares. If access is more challenging on X7, it may cost more.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by wheela

Here's is what I paid, looks like I probably over-paid compared to independant mechanic prices:

Front diff:
$431

Transfer case service:
$1432

Transmission drain + flush, + new filter/pan + new mech sleeve:
$1435

Rear Diff:
Don't have a clear price, as they also had to replace the input seal and an output seal.

Edit: please note, this was on a 6hp for my X1. I'd imagine the analogous services on the X7 should be in the same ball park, except I don't know how access to the front diff compares. If access is more challenging on X7, it may cost more.

Ooof. How is the transfer case ~6 hours of labor? Must be a lot of stuff to remove on an X1 vs. an X3 or X7 (which I've done). Still cheaper than a new transfer case down the road if you intend to keep the vehicle.

[lloyd99]

Originally Posted by wheela

Here's is what I paid, looks like I probably over-paid compared to independant mechanic prices:

Front diff:
$431

Transfer case service:
$1432

Transmission drain + flush, + new filter/pan + new mech sleeve:
$1435

Rear Diff:
Don't have a clear price, as they also had to replace the input seal and an output seal.

Edit: please note, this was on a 6hp for my X1. I'd imagine the analogous services on the X7 should be in the same ball park, except I don't know how access to the front diff compares. If access is more challenging on X7, it may cost more.

Thank you vey much for sharing those numbers. So it looks like you were at $431 + $1432 + $1435 = $3298 for front diff, transfer case and transmission (including new mech sleeve) for your X1. My dealer is quoting me $590 + $600 + $1825 = $3015 (excluding new sleeve). So, line item prices are somewhat different, but total is about the same.

I haven't kept a vehicle beyond 3 years or 50K miles over the last 20 years - so I have never really looked at maintenance to extend life. I am thinking of keeping this one for a few more years and can't make up my mind if I should do these services, or not? Seems expensive. But buying a new vehicle will cost even more :-)

[tkelley86]

Originally Posted by DishoomX2

For reference, the ZF service kit (including fluid) from FCP Euro is $250. I don't think you'd want to do just a drain and fill. You might as well change the pan (inc filter) when you put new fluid in. Although, $1825 is quite steep for what would involve parts and 2-3 hours of labor.

This thread has piqued my interest though because I'm soon approaching 50k miles. Even though it's not a terribly complex procedure, I'd probably leave it to the dealer/indy to do it because (a) I don't have a lift, (b) I don't have a scan tool, and (c) it's a mess of a job.

So this is definitely the right kit? I had FCP verify it's right for my VIN (21' M50i) but one person writing a review said it was the wrong filter/pan combo for an X7 specifically.

My dealer also quoted 8 bottles versus 7. They're letting me get my own parts thank God because I can't find an independent near me in Coventry RI who will tackle the job and they wanted $1600 for parts and $600 for labor (BMW of Warwick).

I'm fine with the labor bill but the parts markup was insane...

[drbumwine]

Originally Posted by lloyd99

Thank you vey much for sharing those numbers. So it looks like you were at $431 + $1432 + $1435 = $3298 for front diff, transfer case and transmission (including new mech sleeve) for your X1. My dealer is quoting me $590 + $600 + $1825 = $3015 (excluding new sleeve). So, line item prices are somewhat different, but total is about the same.

I haven't kept a vehicle beyond 3 years or 50K miles over the last 20 years - so I have never really looked at maintenance to extend life. I am thinking of keeping this one for a few more years and can't make up my mind if I should do these services, or not? Seems expensive. But buying a new vehicle will cost even more :-)

Rear diff is remarkable easy to do. Front takes a little more effort since you gotta take off the cover plate.

[Testforce]

I just did front diff fluid, Trans fluid on my 2020 X7 M50i ( I have a new TC @50k miles). I bought the parts from FCP Euro and have my BMW indy do the job. Price is for a Socal small Indy who only works on BMW.

Front Diff fluids $150 labor, I bought Redline from FCP Euro for $23 so roughly $173 together. BMW fluid would have been about $70/bottle, you’ll nedd two bottles as BMW fluid comes in 500ml. ISTA calls for 600ml. I ask my mechanic to stick with 600ml.

Trans fluid
Pan/fluid change : labor $250 + ZF trans fluid kit from FCP is about $250 so $500. BMW pan has magnets and I did not see magnets in the ZF pan from FCP. I did not check prices for BMW pan.

We could only change 5 bottles of fluid. I still have 2 more from the kit. This was the same as my F15 x5 that I could only replace 5 bottles.

If I were to do Trans fluid without the pan, my Indy charges $150 labor. I would always do this service with the pan as it contains new filter.

TC fluid, I plan to do every 20k miles for my peace of mind. My indy charges $150 labor. I already have DTF1 fluid from my X5 (STec). I paid around $42 for the fluid previously.

Rear diff my indy also charge $150 labor. I may try to do this mysel as it looks easy.

Hope this gives another reference point for Indy BMW mechanic.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Testforce

I just did front diff fluid, Trans fluid on my 2020 X7 M50i ( I have a new TC @50k miles). I bought the parts from FCP Euro and have my BMW indy do the job. Price is for a Socal small Indy who only works on BMW.

Front Diff fluids $150 labor, I bought Redline from FCP Euro for $23 so roughly $173 together. BMW fluid would have been about $70/bottle, you’ll nedd two bottles as BMW fluid comes in 500ml. ISTA calls for 600ml. I ask my mechanic to stick with 600ml.

Trans fluid
Pan/fluid change : labor $250 + ZF trans fluid kit from FCP is about $250 so $500. BMW pan has magnets and I did not see magnets in the ZF pan from FCP. I did not check prices for BMW pan.

We could only change 5 bottles of fluid. I still have 2 more from the kit. This was the same as my F15 x5 that I could only replace 5 bottles.

If I were to do Trans fluid without the pan, my Indy charges $150 labor. I would always do this service with the pan as it contains new filter.

TC fluid, I plan to do every 20k miles for my peace of mind. My indy charges $150 labor. I already have DTF1 fluid from my X5 (STec). I paid around $42 for the fluid previously.

Rear diff my indy also charge $150 labor. I may try to do this mysel as it looks easy.

Hope thjs give another reference point for Indy BMW mechanic.

Very reasonable labor rates especially since they let you bring in your own fluids and parts. Did you forget the fill and drain plugs for the diffs and TC (as appropriate)?

[Testforce]

Originally Posted by admranger

Very reasonable labor rates especially since they let you bring in your own fluids and parts. Did you forget the fill and drain plugs for the diffs and TC (as appropriate)?

Forgot to mention the drain plugs. They are all the same. About $6 each from FCP. You need two for front diff (drain and fill. One for TC and one for rear diff.

[Astone23]

Just paid $299 each for front and rear diff and transfer case on x4 m40 at dealership

[Chartmann]

Changing the front and rear differential fluids is important not because the fluid wears out. My lab tests from Blackstone labs showed that both the FD and RD fluids remained chemically stable at 33k miles. My FD still failed at 43k miles even with a fluid change at 33k miles.

HOWEVER, The reasons you want to change the fluids in both the front and rear diffs early on in their life:

• Break-in-period metals from the gears setting. The initial wear in the first 5k to 10k miles produces excess metals that are suspended in the fluids. These excess metals cause future excess wear on the gears of both the FD and RD.
• Silicon also builds up in the fluids, particularly in the FD and TC. Silicon is also an abrasive which can cause future gear wear. What I haven’t yet been able to determine is,… if the high silicon content in the used fluids at 33k miles is from: 1) the initial manufacturing casting of the aluminum housings or 2) continued breakdown of sealants in the housing. The first suggests an early fluid change is necessary, the second suggests ongoing annual fluid changes are required.
• The virgin oem fluids in the front and rear diffs are very thin (5.0 and 8.4 cSt at 100C). This is the equivalent of Automatic Transmission Fluid. Normal 75w85 and 75w90 fluids have an 11.5 and 16 cSt measurement at 100C suggesting that BMW runs fluids that are at least half as viscous as traditional FD and RD fluids. The question however is why? Is it because of BMW merely trying to achieve MPG efficiency goals, or is there an engineering design requirement? My guess is the former. If so, this would lead one to change out to a RedLine 75W85 or 75w90 fluid.

I believe my SA told me that the new X7 M60i’s now have a new maintenance schedule for their FD and RD. ‘Wonder why?

My SA also strongly advised against changing the Automatic Transmission Fluid. So, I did not.

[srican]

BMW Dealership in Northern VA charged me $500 for transfer case and $250 each for front and rear differential fluid. They are quoting $350 for spark plugs replacement (at 48K miles for a 2024 x7 40i) which does not seem bad at all. Seems like prices are all over the place

[tkelley86]

Originally Posted by srican

BMW Dealership in Northern VA charged me $500 for transfer case and $250 each for front and rear differential fluid. They are quoting $350 for spark plugs replacement (at 48K miles for a 2024 x7 40i) which does not seem bad at all. Seems like prices are all over the place

These are great prices, it's double that in Rhode Island. And the indie shops are more expensive than the dealer if you can even find one that'll return your call. I'm not commuting 30 minutes for car maintenance so BMW of Warwick it is. At least they do a great job albeit a bit pricey...

[TurtleBoy]

I just had mine done yesterday at my dealer. Their pricing was:

• Transfer Case $350
• Front Diff $480
• Rear Diff $325

They gave me a 15% discount off that pricing so they ended up being about $100 more than an independent so went with the dealer for the free loaner.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Chartmann

Changing the front and rear differential fluids is important not because the fluid wears out. My lab tests from Blackstone labs showed that both the FD and RD fluids remained chemically stable at 33k miles. My FD still failed at 43k miles even with a fluid change at 33k miles.

HOWEVER, The reasons you want to change the fluids in both the front and rear diffs early on in their life:[LIST][*]Break-in-period metals from the gears setting. The initial wear in the first 5k to 10k miles produces excess metals that are suspended in the fluids. These excess metals cause future excess wear on the gears of both the FD and RD. [*]Silicon also builds up in the fluids, particularly in the FD and TC. Silicon is also an abrasive which can cause future gear wear. What I haven’t yet been able to determine is,… if the high silicon content in the used fluids at 33k miles is from: 1) the initial manufacturing casting of the aluminum housings or 2) continued breakdown of sealants in the housing. The first suggests an early fluid change is necessary, the second suggests ongoing annual fluid changes are required. [*]The virgin oem fluids in the front and rear diffs are very thin (5.0 and 8.4 cSt at 100C). This is the equivalent of Automatic Transmission Fluid. Normal 75w85 and 75w90 fluids have an 11.5 and 16 cSt measurement at 100C suggesting that BMW runs fluids that are at least half as viscous as traditional FR and RD fluids. The question however is why? Is it because of BMW merely trying to achieve MPG efficiency goals, or is there an engineering design requirement? My guess [...]

Oh boy. Can’t wait to hear why he “strongly advised” not to change your ZF transmission fluid…..is it because it’s a “lifetime” fluid (according to bmw)?
Please for the love of God find a new SA or just stop taking maintenance advice from him.

Oh and go change your fluid/filter. BMW is lazy AF and won’t service differentials or transmissions. They just replace them. They don’t train their techs in the field. They fought my warranty company over a “noise” in my transmission at 40k miles and wanted to just replace the whole thing much to my warranty’s dismay.

Long story short they ultimately did and replaced my transmission and my front diff to the tune of $25k 99.9% paid for my by my warranty company of then 4 months. lol

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Oh boy. Can’t wait to hear why he “strongly advised” not to change your ZF transmission fluid…..is it because it’s a “lifetime” fluid (according to bmw)?
Please for the love of God find a new SA or just stop taking maintenance advice from him.

Besides BMW saying it is lifetime, he is probably well below the change interval recommended by ZF.

[Chartmann]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Besides BMW saying it is lifetime, he is probably well below the change interval recommended by ZF.

What is the change interval on the X7 ATF recommended by ZF? Historically I remember the old adage on non BMW automatic transmissions that unless you change the ATF regularly, changing it for the first time at high mileage could blow the seals. Not true?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Chartmann

What is the change interval on the X7 ATF recommended by ZF? Historically I remember the old adage on non BMW automatic transmissions that unless you change the ATF regularly, changing it for the first time at high mileage could blow the seals. Not true?

ZF recommends 93k miles.