Transfer Case Oil Change - Advice Please

[ttr]

All,

I looked at doing a change of oil in my transfer case last year but never got round to it - having another look at whats involved and having read on here and on the net.

From what i gather it a simple task:-

Crack 16mm fill plug
Crack 16mm drain plug ( access is tight so no impact sockets just ring spanner )
Drain about 750ml of oil
Fill with BMW specific oil  83220397244  tf0870 ( can anyone comment on using RAVENOL TF0870 supposed to meet BMW specification)
Fill till it dribbles out and refit fill plug

NOW : - i understand because of the wet clutches in the case that you need to do a reset on the "computer" in the transfer case that measures the clutch wear and adjust to compensate for the new oil. Never had to do this on any other of my 4WDs.

Questions:-

I assume it is essential to do the reset ?
Anyone not had the reset done and just changed the oil ?
Can i drive the car to my indy after changing the oil for him then to reset the system ?
Will a 15 minute drive effect the transfer case as it will take me that long to get to him ?
Any down sides to changing the transfer case oils - mines at 100K miles now ?

Thanks in advance as always

Cheers

[lezmtaylor]

Further to the OP post, I have a 2002 4,4 on which I am about to do a transfer case oil change,do I have a reset procedure ?
Lez

[ttr]

Lez

My understanding from my research is you do not, it only affects the face lift xdriver transfer cases circa 2004/5 onward.

Somebody with greater knowledge will hopefully confirm though.

[Alan Gunn]

I asked about getting this done at the indi garage i use and while he was adding up the price he said about doing the reset.
My car is a 2002 model.

[ttr]

Alan

eh up, picked up the logic on the pre 2004 models from Pelican parts link below, i may well be wrong with my understanding its not entirely clear.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticl ... lacing.htm

I am hoping other folks on here can assist me (and others) on this matter, im definatley of the opinion its good to change the oils but like when i did my ATF the other month i want to properly understand before i start.

Cheers all

[Alan Gunn]

ttr
The last line has got me.
"Once full, install and torque the fill plug. Be sure to replace the sealing washer (red arrow). If a late model (from 2004), check and have the transfer case adaptation reset.".
Mine is as said 2002 but my guy defo said about the reset when i asked for a price for the job.
I have a foxwell nt510 scanner that supports this reset.
Car is due for mot soon so i will look at the job myself when it's up on the ramp (m8 owns the garage so i could use the ramp for the time this job looks like it would take).
Next time i get in the car i will plug the scanner in and see if has the reset option available.

[lezmtaylor]

The Pelican Parts diy seems pretty conclusive : a 2002 car does not have the reset, and is not fitted for it.
So I will NOT attempt a reset.
Alan let us know what you find when you do yours.

Lez

[Alan Gunn]

It is a bit confusing as the indi that said it needed doing on my car said it as i was paying him for the auto-box service he had just done.
If it's not to be done on 2002 car's then i would think the option won't show on my scanner but if it does show then that will completely screw my head lol.

[moose04]

2000 to 2003 has the mechanical transfer box nv125, oil  bmw part number 83 22 9 407 858 or 859 .47ltr
2004 to 2006 has xdrive transfer box atc500. oil bmw part no 83 22 0 397 244
retorque for fill and drain plug 33nm (24 lb ft) (acorrding to bentleys)
i have 2006 never needed to do anything apart from oil change no reset needed on mine, as for the mechanical box cant see what you would reset

[ttr]

Moose04

Eh up !

At least I’m on the right lines with my research so it seams, I recognise the ATC 500 reference to our drive boxes I’ve read that somewhere.

Torque settings are a help, for no reason whatsoever I’m expecting mine to be a bu€$¥r to get cracked off.

Interesting you have changed your oil without a reset on the transfer clutches, take it you felt or heard no difference.?

Where and what did you pay for the bmw oil - nearly fell over when dealers looking at £50+ per LITRE, hence why I’m looking at alternatives

Cheers for the input.

[moose04]

did'nt do a reset, not noticed any difference 127,000 miles watched a youtube video about the reset some thing a dealer would do, £££££.  it might reset the actuator?  i'm 25,000 miles on still good
i cant remember where i bought the oil, yes its exspensive

[ttr]

Moose04

Cheers For that, be interesting to hear from any other members who have done a change and a reset and their experiences.

Thanks again

[Alan Gunn]

Well went out in the car and while waiting i plugged the nt510 in.
I don't get the reset option of the VTG module so i take it my car doesn't need any reset.
Car build date is August 2002.
Oil hunt now unless anybody can point me in the right direction ???.

[kkx5]

Come on guys, its easy...
Non face lift, no reset.
Face lift, reset, oil change procedure via dis/ista/snap on/delphi/foxwell etc

[Alan Gunn]

Non face lift what oil please.
Link if possible.