XI front diff fluid change

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Nov 9, 2009 | 09:57 AM

jay bimma

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From: Connecticut

i went to see my friend who works for a BMW dealer here on the east coast. anyways i was buying some parts with his discount and found that BMW no longer uses differential fluid in the front diff of the XI E60 (all years). the fluid has been superceeded and you are now to use the transfer case fluid in the front diff if you want to do a fluid change. however the rear diff is still the same. his parts department has no idea on the reasoning for the change.

anyone got any ideas?????

Nov 9, 2009 | 10:20 AM

JW-BENZ

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From: Toronto, Canada

Strange, I'd like to know. Why would you be changing the fluid anyways? Doesn't BMW say it's maintenance free?

Nov 10, 2009 | 02:05 PM

jay bimma

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by JW-BENZ' post='1050866' date='Nov 9 2009, 02:20 PM

Strange, I'd like to know. Why would you be changing the fluid anyways? Doesn't BMW say it's maintenance free?

that maintance free claim is a bunch of bull. i always change all my fluids as with pretty much every other person on here!

Nov 10, 2009 | 03:07 PM

porsche911targa

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From: Massachusetts, USA

My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny. 2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter. Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay bimma' post='1051926' date='Nov 10 2009, 06:05 PM

that maintance free claim is a bunch of bull. i always change all my fluids as with pretty much every other person on here!

I agree with you. So called "lifetime" fluids should be changed every 30-40K if you plan on keeping the car past the 100K miles point. I'm not sure about this change. I just ask my dealer to change the fluids and let them decide what to put in.