Hey LJ, from No Clutch Garage, you are right, this work is the Least documented. It is because it's too difficult to do. Especially hard when BMW in their fucking wisdom make some BMW's without drain plugs for Rear Differential and Transfer Case. Whichever BMW engineer(s) decided, "oh let's make it harder for the DIY to change those fluids, so no drain plugs." Thanks, BMW assholes! I know, I changed the front, rear differential fluids and the Transfer Case fluid on my 2012 BMW X3 AWD. It is a big pain in the ass to have to remove the transfer case brace because some idiot at BMW decided to make it that way. it would have been super easy to change the fluid if BMW would have placed a drain plug and fill plug. It took me almost three hours from start to finish to change that transfer case fluid! Great video. By the way, did you see that the "Rubber Mount" on the transfer case looks like it needs to be changed! You should have checked the Manuel and it would have indicated that the transfer case needs 600 to 700 ML of fluid. Great video. Keep making videos. Make one on how to change the transmission fluid for a 2012 BMW X3 8 speed transmission. PS: The transfer case should be supported the entire time until you install the bracket.
I have a newer video where I replace the seal! Also, the transfer case is fine unsupported, I double and triple checked, but you’re right I should support it just in case.
@@NoClutchGarage Thanks, why the hell didn't BMW install a drain plug for the transfer case? I have to replace my "Transmission Mount on the frame. [Not a seal, it's a mount, using the correct terminology is critical for your viewers] I will look for that new video. Keep making videos. How can I tell what motor I have on my 2012 BMW X3 all-wheel drive? Thanks, Roman
Hey, I saw your new video. Way better. I was saying, I own a 2012 BMW X3 i28 All wheel drive. I need to know what motor is in my car, N52 or something else. How can I determine because I have to order fluid for the transfer case and for transmission? Thx
Did you use a crush washer for the transfer case or is the crush washer built into the fill plug? I think I'm gonna have to buy the plug from the dealership, can't find it online
16 340i xdrive Can I basically do all 3 1.Transfer case fluid 2. Transmission fluid 3. Differential fluid At around 60k miles? I think the total part cost is a hair over $300 Wondering how much an experienced bmw Indy mechanic would charge to change all 3?
Yes you should do all if possible. I think overall the total cost would put you over $1500. You also have to remember you can’t just replace the trans fluid, you also have to replace the pan.
Damn pan prices went down a lot… regardless yeah the labor for the trans service is pricey because it’s a special procedure when done properly and with the right equipment.
Ok just got quoted $300 for labor at bmw specialist shop and it’s $310 for fluids, pan and plugs....so with tax about $650 otd. Still expensive but better than dealer
You want to have a laugh. I was just quoted $832 to change the transfer case fluid in my F32. The manual apparently says you need to remove the transfer case to do a proper fluid change. Question: Once the brace is removed, don't you need to keep supporting the transfer case?
Once you remove the TC brace/bracket, did you remove your jack support and lift the car again? Or does the TC need to be braced with a jack as long as the brace is removed?
It was actually pretty difficult. I had to be careful sticking the line in as it follows a very specific path then I sucked it out with the pump u til it started flowing on its own and let it drain for a while
Suck it out with a hand pump or better yet an electric transfer pump. I used a small electric pump to remove the oil. I use the same pump to add the fluid. Let me know I will send you a picture of the electric pump.
Hey LJ, from No Clutch Garage, you are right, this work is the Least documented. It is because it's too difficult to do. Especially hard when BMW in their fucking wisdom make some BMW's without drain plugs for Rear Differential and Transfer Case. Whichever BMW engineer(s) decided, "oh let's make it harder for the DIY to change those fluids, so no drain plugs." Thanks, BMW assholes! I know, I changed the front, rear differential fluids and the Transfer Case fluid on my 2012 BMW X3 AWD. It is a big pain in the ass to have to remove the transfer case brace because some idiot at BMW decided to make it that way. it would have been super easy to change the fluid if BMW would have placed a drain plug and fill plug. It took me almost three hours from start to finish to change that transfer case fluid! Great video. By the way, did you see that the "Rubber Mount" on the transfer case looks like it needs to be changed! You should have checked the Manuel and it would have indicated that the transfer case needs 600 to 700 ML of fluid. Great video. Keep making videos. Make one on how to change the transmission fluid for a 2012 BMW X3 8 speed transmission. PS: The transfer case should be supported the entire time until you install the bracket.
I have a newer video where I replace the seal! Also, the transfer case is fine unsupported, I double and triple checked, but you’re right I should support it just in case.
@@NoClutchGarage Thanks, why the hell didn't BMW install a drain plug for the transfer case?
I have to replace my "Transmission Mount on the frame. [Not a seal, it's a mount, using the correct terminology is critical for your viewers] I will look for that new video. Keep making videos.
How can I tell what motor I have on my 2012 BMW X3 all-wheel drive? Thanks, Roman
Not sure what you’re talking about (You can time stamp it)... X3 comes with different engine variants depends which X3 it is (30i,40i,etc..)
Hey, I saw your new video. Way better. I was saying, I own a 2012 BMW X3 i28 All wheel drive. I need to know what motor is in my car, N52 or something else. How can I determine because I have to order fluid for the transfer case and for transmission? Thx
I’m almost 100% positive that’s the N20. It should be a turbocharged 4 cyl.
Thanks for a great video on a neglected, but important, topic! Cheers!
Did you use a crush washer for the transfer case or is the crush washer built into the fill plug? I think I'm gonna have to buy the plug from the dealership, can't find it online
What’s that cracked rubber square? Is that transmission mount? And if it is can you do a diy on that?
Do you remember trouble getting the cross brace back on over the rubber bushing ?
No, it should be pretty straight forward. Make sure you support the TC!
16 340i xdrive
Can I basically do all 3
1.Transfer case fluid
2. Transmission fluid
3. Differential fluid
At around 60k miles?
I think the total part cost is a hair over $300
Wondering how much an experienced bmw Indy mechanic would charge to change all 3?
Yes you should do all if possible. I think overall the total cost would put you over $1500. You also have to remember you can’t just replace the trans fluid, you also have to replace the pan.
The fluids, pan and plugs are $350 tops just for the parts
So $1200 in labor charges?!?!
Damn pan prices went down a lot… regardless yeah the labor for the trans service is pricey because it’s a special procedure when done properly and with the right equipment.
Ok just got quoted $300 for labor at bmw specialist shop and it’s $310 for fluids, pan and plugs....so with tax about $650 otd. Still expensive but better than dealer
You want to have a laugh. I was just quoted $832 to change the transfer case fluid in my F32. The manual apparently says you need to remove the transfer case to do a proper fluid change. Question: Once the brace is removed, don't you need to keep supporting the transfer case?
You should support it but it’s not gonna mess anything as long as you do it quickly
Any other special steps needed after draining and filling the TC fluid? Don’t need to use computer for anything?
Nope
Once you remove the TC brace/bracket, did you remove your jack support and lift the car again? Or does the TC need to be braced with a jack as long as the brace is removed?
You are able to put it in the lift, the support is mainly to be able to remove the screws
It should have been supported the entire time!!!!!!!!!! That was a major "BO0-BO0"
is it necessary to reset the computer after changing the transfer case fluid?
Not at all.
Did you clear adaptations after the TC fluid change? If not, were there any issues?
No issues
@@NoClutchGarage I just changed all of my fluids and didn't clear adaptations. Everything runs great. Loved you video. Thx.
Did you buy a new plug or use old one ?
New plugs
With using the break line how’d you get the TC fluid out?
It was actually pretty difficult. I had to be careful sticking the line in as it follows a very specific path then I sucked it out with the pump u til it started flowing on its own and let it drain for a while
Suck it out with a hand pump or better yet an electric transfer pump. I used a small electric pump to remove the oil. I use the same pump to add the fluid. Let me know I will send you a picture of the electric pump.
How many liters ?
You will barely get 1/4 liter. Very hard getting anything out.