[e30 4 life!]

note m50i takes G2 for front and G4 for rear diff

[Madsen203]

Originally Posted by e30 4 life!

note m50i takes G2 for front and G4 for rear diff

And G3 for the 40i.
Quantity: 700ml front, 1000ml rear, and TC is approx 700ml. However, the TC you won’t get all fluid and rear may have a little left in it.

The front diff is easy if you remove wheel and plastic piece. The stabilizer plate was a B to work with.

TC is accessible without removing mount with a longer straw going over the top. Not easy but doable. Having ISTA to reset calibration after is ideal.

Rear diff is stupid easy as you would expect.

[messfong]

Offering my experiences with the three different fluids on my x40i

Front Differential

Oil - 83222413511 x2 G2 75W85
Takes two bottles, about 700ml
Drain plugs - x2 33117525064 - 60 Nm torque spec

Has two differential drain plugs (fill and drain) - very nice!
You'll need to undo the reinforcement brace to get access to the front diff, as well as a plastic cover under the driver's side wheel to get easier access to the fill plug for your torque wrench.

The oil in my 31k miles 2021 was very dark and filthy, I can't imagine this oil going longer or being lifetime at all. The diff surface itself is very clean. Probably will change this oil again after 20k miles.



Transfer Case

DTF1 oil 83222409710 x1
Drain plug 33117525064 x1 60Nm torque
Optional Capri Tools diff/oil wrench 14mm

With the capri tool wrench, I could take off the drain plug without having to brace the transmission after removing brace structure.
I used a compressor driven vacuum extractor with a 90 degree attachment and pulled out most of the oil, didn't measure how much. Also used ISTA to open up the fluid reservoir and do a recalibration after. Was able to put about 700+ml back in so I think I did pretty good. Oil looked decent, less concerning than the front diff. The STEC/Shell version of this oil is the exact same as the one used in a porsche cayenne 92a.

Rear Diff

Oil 83222413512 x2
Drain plug 33117525064 x1 60Nm torque

Also used a compressor driven vacuum extractor, removed all the fluid pretty easily. Fluid was dark but still has some color. This one is the easiest to access and do. I don't have DHP or rear steer so for those you might have a tighter working space.

Overall, pretty glad I changed all the fluids and removed the "break in" oils, especially the front one. Everyone seems to say that is the darkest fluid, can confirm that it was nasty.

[Guest4now]

Saving for future use

[cavalierx7]

Indy shop to change all 3 was a little over $900. Got the shutter and out of warranty. Hard to believe a mfr like BMW is having this many issues with a TC and not covering down for the folks buying their cars. It seems to be a pervasive issue.

[john_wick]

Glad to see so much traction in this thread. I still haven't done mine but plan on it soon. I am a big fan of Red Line oil and will probably go that route. Will report back when I finally get around to doing this.

[john_wick]

Just for reference if anyone else is interested in using another brand of oil, here are the red line part numbers. FWIW, this is for a 40i w/o dhp. Not sure if the 50/60 is different.

Transfer Case

MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4
SKU: 50604 (Per Red Line meets OEM Compatibility with BMW 83 22 2 409 710)

Front Diff
75W85 GL-5 Gear Oil
SKU: 50104 (Meets OEM compatibility with BMW/Mini 83 22 2 413 511)


Rear Diff
I reached out directly to Red Line about this one. BMW calls for 70w-80 gl-5 for the rear diff which redline doesn't have. But they recommend the same product for the rear as the front.

75W85 GL-5 Gear Oil
SKU: 50104 (BMW oem compatible BMW/Mini 83 22 2 413 512)

[cavalierx7]

I neglected to mention, my TC issue popped up after i changed all 4 tires. Still had some decent tread left on my old ones, decided to make the change due to noise on one of them.

Soon as i got it back from my Indy installer, this issue seemed to appear. At first i thought maybe they did some fuckery and were driving like a'holes after the install, but from previous expierence i don't think that would be the case. Kind of odd new tread would do this, but saw others say the same thing after new tires.

[Bankerbry]

Hey everyone 😊 I just thought I'd reach out on this thread as I was just made aware that my wife's X7 is now included in this issue.
We have a 2019 50i with 67k miles and have been noticing the dreaded shudder at low speed acceleration and tight corners for a little bit now. After replacing the front differential and now realizing that the problem persists the dealer is telling us that the transfer case needs to be replaced for $6k.
I just wanted to reach out for some help here to see if those who have changed the fluid, if that was able to resolve the problem? I did inquire with the dealer about just changing the fluid and they informed me that usually the problem will come back within 150 miles after the fluid change. They said they could start with the fluid change for $1,000.00.
Any help would be appreciated. The vehicle is not a CPO or under any warranty. The dealer is Sioux Falls Luxury Auto and unfortunately the only BMW dealer within 200 miles.
Thank you for the help

[e30 4 life!]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Hey everyone 😊 I just thought I'd reach out on this thread as I was just made aware that my wife's X7 is now included in this issue.
We have a 2019 50i with 67k miles and have been noticing the dreaded shudder at low speed acceleration and tight corners for a little bit now. After replacing the front differential and now realizing that the problem persists the dealer is telling us that the transfer case needs to be replaced for $6k.
I just wanted to reach out for some help here to see if those who have changed the fluid, if that was able to resolve the problem? I did inquire with the dealer about just changing the fluid and they informed me that usually the problem will come back within 150 miles after the fluid change. They said they could start with the fluid change for $1,000.00.
Any help would be appreciated. The vehicle is not a CPO or under any warranty. The dealer is Sioux Falls Luxury Auto and unfortunately the only BMW dealer within 200 miles.
Thank you for the help

Try to find a good independent BMW shop for another opinion and competitive quote. Doesn't sound like your dealer is doing any favors.

[cavalierx7]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Hey everyone 😊 I just thought I'd reach out on this thread as I was just made aware that my wife's X7 is now included in this issue.
We have a 2019 50i with 67k miles and have been noticing the dreaded shudder at low speed acceleration and tight corners for a little bit now. After replacing the front differential and now realizing that the problem persists the dealer is telling us that the transfer case needs to be replaced for $6k.
I just wanted to reach out for some help here to see if those who have changed the fluid, if that was able to resolve the problem? I did inquire with the dealer about just changing the fluid and they informed me that usually the problem will come back within 150 miles after the fluid change. They said they could start with the fluid change for $1,000.00.
Any help would be appreciated. The vehicle is not a CPO or under any warranty. The dealer is Sioux Falls Luxury Auto and unfortunately the only BMW dealer within 200 miles.
Thank you for the help

Nah, i had all 3 done by an indy shop for $100 less than that. Don't patronize them any longer unless you have to.

[X7Oatmeal]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Hey everyone 😊 I just thought I'd reach out on this thread as I was just made aware that my wife's X7 is now included in this issue.
We have a 2019 50i with 67k miles and have been noticing the dreaded shudder at low speed acceleration and tight corners for a little bit now. After replacing the front differential and now realizing that the problem persists the dealer is telling us that the transfer case needs to be replaced for $6k.
I just wanted to reach out for some help here to see if those who have changed the fluid, if that was able to resolve the problem? I did inquire with the dealer about just changing the fluid and they informed me that usually the problem will come back within 150 miles after the fluid change. They said they could start with the fluid change for $1,000.00.
Any help would be appreciated. The vehicle is not a CPO or under any warranty. The dealer is Sioux Falls Luxury Auto and unfortunately the only BMW dealer within 200 miles.
Thank you for the help

I had the same issue. Went to the dealer and they wanted $7.5k to replace. They didn’t want to replace the fluid for whatever reason. So went to an BMW indy shop and got the fluid replaced for $450. Haven’t had the shuddering issue since.

So yea Indy shops are the way to go unless u absolutely have to go to a dealer

[Guest4now]

2019 50i with 40k miles

I purchased about a month ago and was getting some choppiness in parking lots. Sounds like changing the fluid would be first step

Today I got a service drivetrain warning and it’s limited to half speed.

60 day drivetrain warranty should hopefully cover it.

[Kostyan]

Does anyone has a number for that TSB ?

Just bought a 2021 xdrive40 with 35k mi and 2 more months of factory wtty. Experience shudder when pulling away from parking spot and turning right. Brought the car to the dealer. Dealer told me to start with replacing front tires. One of the front tires has outer edge worn and the second tire has full thread. The car has just passed state safety inspection however. I feel like dealer is coming up with excuses to avoid addressing the problem

[DishoomX2]

Originally Posted by Kostyan

Does anyone has a number for that TSB ?

Just bought a 2021 xdrive40 with 35k mi and 2 more months of factory wtty. Experience shudder when pulling away from parking spot and turning right. Brought the car to the dealer. Dealer told me to start with replacing front tires. One of the front tires has outer edge worn and the second tire has full thread. The car has just passed state safety inspection however. I feel like dealer is coming up with excuses to avoid addressing the problem

If you haven't replaced your original tires yet, do it. With little time left in your warranty, it's probably a small price to pay to get any issue covered. Tires are the first things the dealership will check as part of service bulletin SIB 27 02 20. Once you've had new tires fitted, take it back and mention the issue again and reference the SIB. The dealer should then change your transfer case fluid, and have you drive at least 125mi to see if it's resolved the shuddering.

[Bankerbry]

Just an update: I took mine to an Indy dealer and was quoted $395.00 for the transfer case fluid change and $750.00 for a right front thrust arm.
It's absolutely crazy that the BMW dealer is nearly 70% more for the same service!
Thank you to this forum and the members for sharing valuable information and recommendations!
Now I just hope that this resolves the shudder.

[Sat Pat]

Beautiful car!

[Kostyan]

Originally Posted by DishoomX2

If you haven't replaced your original tires yet, do it. With little time left in your warranty, it's probably a small price to pay to get any issue covered. Tires are the first things the dealership will check as part of service bulletin SIB 27 02 20. Once you've had new tires fitted, take it back and mention the issue again and reference the SIB. The dealer should then change your transfer case fluid, and have you drive at least 125mi to see if it's resolved the shuddering.

Here's the thing. I bought this thing with nearly new rear tires, right front has somewhere 6/32-8/32 thread. It is the left front that has outside worn but on the middle and inside there is plenty of thread. I did not want to throw away perfectly good right front tire so got a used one with 8/32 (same size and thread, rft Alenza) for the front left and thinking it should do the trick. How sensitive is the awd system to having all 4 tires worn to exact the same 32nd?

[e30 4 life!]

Originally Posted by Kostyan

Here's the thing. I bought this thing with nearly new rear tires, right front has somewhere 6/32-8/32 thread. It is the left front that has outside worn but on the middle and inside there is plenty of thread. I did not want to throw away perfectly good right front tire so got a used one with 8/32 (same size and thread, rft Alenza) for the front left and thinking it should do the trick. How sensitive is the awd system to having all 4 tires worn to exact the same 32nd?

Outside wear is indicitive of a bad alignment or torn bushing causing out of spec toe wear

[DishoomX2]

Originally Posted by e30 4 life!

Outside wear is indicitive of a bad alignment or torn bushing causing out of spec toe wear

This. Sounds like OP definitely has an alignment issue.

@Kostyan, I believe tread can have up to 3/32 difference on AWD vehicles. In fact, a week before my service appointment for the shuddering issue, I had to replace one rear tire due to sidewall damage and was worried that the dealership would point out the difference (other tires were fairly new and had about 8/32 tread). They didn't mention anything about the tread difference.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Kostyan

Here's the thing. I bought this thing with nearly new rear tires, right front has somewhere 6/32-8/32 thread. It is the left front that has outside worn but on the middle and inside there is plenty of thread. I did not want to throw away perfectly good right front tire so got a used one with 8/32 (same size and thread, rft Alenza) for the front left and thinking it should do the trick. How sensitive is the awd system to having all 4 tires worn to exact the same 32nd?

You should look for a good used tire on eBay with similar tread depth. The transfer case wants to be close with all tire's circumference.

I found one (with the help of a forum member) when I had a puncture on one of mine so they are out there from time to time.

[zippytank49]

Hi all, just some thoughts: I have heard many theories about why the transfer cases on our X7/X5 are failing, but in my mind, they can't all be correct, and why don't I hear that maybe BMW just undersized the TC/Differentials for the amount of power these new engines make?

I have a hard time believing that with all the brilliant engineers at BMW, they accidentally spec'd the wrong fluid, or they didn't account for uneven tire tread wear, or if that can even greatly affect the drivetrain at all?? These are great little excuses the dealers can use to keep us hoping all will be well with our vehicles, instead of the elephant in the room that is the real culprit. I love our '21 X7 40i, but we need a concrete answer/reason for these infrequent TC failures.