e39 transfer case issues

[dohalloran]

Or to be more precise, why has no one ever mentioned replacing the fluid in the transfer case ? 2003 525 wagon here, and the only discussion I ever see here, is the debate about whether or not to replace the "lifetime" transmission fluid.

203,000 km on the vehicle, and I plan on keeping it for a long time. One shop makes no mention of the transfer case, and will do a tranny flush at half the cost of another shop, because they have this "machine" that will also remove the fluid from the torque converter. Interesting . . . (they should be charging more !).

So I do have some drivability concerns. Upon light throttle application, there is a vibration that I feel through the gas pedal. The car shifts fine
(auto), but it's sort of a throttle tip-in thing that causes this vibration and noise. I don't believe it has anything to do with the air/fuel. Fuel filter
was done a month ago, and I've been experiencing this vibration for more than a few months.

I mentioned the vibration issue to the shop that says "leave the tranny fluid alone, and it sounds like the transfer case could benefit from a flush."

Almost as bad as an oil thread, I know

[wagons ho]

Someone got confused with their Volvo wagon.
No transfer case.
And ignore the suggestion and change your trans fluid.

[Yonkers320is]

There is no AWD e39, so no transfer case.


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[edjack]

Is your wagon an "X" model? If not, there is no transfer case, as wagons ho intimates.

There is no debate re changing the trans lube. BMW have relented, and now recommended a change at 100k mi.

Beast not to use a pressure device, but rather, drain the sump 3X, drive it for 50 mi, and, before the last fill-up, change the filter.

You may, or may not, get relief.

[dohalloran]

Yeah, this was not a trick question. I didn't say E60 or E61. Clearly I told him E39 wagon. Transfer case ? I was too embarrassed to say "I don't think my car has a transfer case." See how he handles that statement on Monday morning when I say hello again. He seems to think that flushing the transmission will cause all the sludge/carbon build up to break loose and cause problems. Says leave it alone.
I subscribe more to the "if you're going to keep the car for a long time, then get it done."
Hmmmmm.

[crazy4trains]

Say no to the pressure flush
Say yes to multiple drains/refills

[wagons ho]

No to pressure flushing, and I doubt that they would have pentosin fluid loaded in the flush machine anyway.
Drain and fill. Then run with the converter drain line (which goes to the trans cooler) rigged up to dump into a bucket. In gear or neutral as converter does not flow in park. Blow out cooler line with LOW pressure air. Determine which line is supply and cooler return when pan is off.
When the 4qts from the pan is gone, or fluid runs clean, reassemble and fill. Better than drain and fill 2x's

[dohalloran]

Well, that's the problem. If I could do it myself, then I would. So no pressure flush. Wagons ho, your comments seem to match up with what most of the guys on the forum here are saying. Such a great knowledge base here. Thanks all !!

[Iamthebull]

I'd find a more qualified shop.

[Chedley]

Forget the shop.
Even if you cannot remove/replace the filter, just do a series of simple drain-and-fill. Though make sure you refill with the right transmission oil (I recommend Pentosin-ATF1-Syhthetic)....That is your best and cheapest solution for the longevity of your tranny.

[dohalloran]

Thanks Chedley. Since I sort of have access to a hoist, and I'm not a mechanic, maybe just get one of my shop mechs do do that procedure. Transfer case. WTH!!

[CPHES]

Maybe he means differential?

[Chedley]

Yes, he probably means the differential gear fluid.
But that is even easier to drain and refill. It takes literally 15 minutes, if you can crawl under the rear of the car, with the right socket wrench.

[ross1]

Or to be more precise, why has no one ever mentioned replacing the fluid in the transfer case ? 2003 525 wagon here, and the only discussion I ever see here, is the debate about whether or not to replace the "lifetime" transmission fluid.

203,000 km on the vehicle, and I plan on keeping it for a long time. One shop makes no mention of the transfer case, and will do a tranny flush at half the cost of another shop, because they have this "machine" that will also remove the fluid from the torque converter. Interesting . . . (they should be charging more !).

So I do have some drivability concerns. Upon light throttle application, there is a vibration that I feel through the gas pedal. The car shifts fine
(auto), but it's sort of a throttle tip-in thing that causes this vibration and noise. I don't believe it has anything to do with the air/fuel. Fuel filter
was done a month ago, and I've been experiencing this vibration for more than a few months.

I mentioned the vibration issue to the shop that says "leave the tranny fluid alone, and it sounds like the transfer case could benefit from a flush."

Almost as bad as an oil thread, I know

This guy's head could benefit from a flush. Don't go back there.