View Single Post
      12-29-2023, 07:39 PM   #69
X1BMWR
Registered
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW X1 S-drive
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Transmission fluid drain and fill

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyline2.0 View Post
Thanks much for confirming fluid compatibility, Jack. I called another Parts Dept and they also said the C-SAF-XO 75W90 is appropriate for my XDrive model. Their system did show Synthetic OSP as the proper fluid, but listed the C-SAF-XO part #.

I drained out ~0.4L of transfer case fluid and put in about the same. Fluid was quite nasty. As others noted, drain and fill is straightforward and simple. Most time consuming part was getting the car level and removing one of the bracket/aluminum tube near the passenger/right front CV axle. I spent an inordinate amount of time fussing with 1 bracket due to space restrictions. Pic of the tube removed (separate bracket not shown) and fluid color attached.

Word of caution - There's an electrical component (I believe the starter?) right near the transfer case, which you should not touch with any metal objects. I must've accidentally made contact with my ratchet after cracking the drain plug loose and sparks flew suddenly. Needless to say I was more careful going forward.

Also performed transmission fluid drain and fill twice using Febi Bilstein's ATF 6 fluid (Part # 29934) on my Aisin 8-speed unit. ~3.5L drained out. Color that came out wasn't too dirty. Shifts are definitely smoother and notchiness on inclines seems to be gone.

Checked fluid level @ ~45 Celsius using scan tool. Shifted through each gear twice and held it in position for 2 seconds to get the fluid fully circulated. Took final measure while car was running and waited until only a slow drip came out of the overflow plug.

For transmission service, tips for future members that attempt to DIY this:
1. Get a good 17 mm hex socket and apply a good amount of upward pressure to remove the large overflow plug. The hole is not very deep and there may be a risk of rounding out the overflow plug if you're not careful.
2. Clean off top of transmission before removing fill plug. I had loose particles of dirt and debris that I cleaned off to ensure junk didn't fall into the transmission hole.
3. Get a long extension and long funnel (or fluid extractor syringe pump) to make your life easier when filling with new fluid. The fill hole is fairly deep in the engine bay and a standard funnel will make pouring a bit more difficult.

Thanks to all that contributed to this thread.
Thanks much for sharing this information.

I tried to reach the fill plug as mentioned, but went a different route, which may be a bit easier and without the risk of getting burned.

I removed the intake snorkel and the bottom of the air filter housing. 3 bolts total to acces the fill plug to the right of the TCM?
You will need a long funnel to make pouring easy. Hopefully this will help someone.
Last picture from the fluid that came out of the transmission @100k
Attached Images
   

Last edited by X1BMWR; 12-29-2023 at 07:43 PM.. Reason: -
Appreciate 0