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vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:48 am
by BMW_Fan2020
What am I to do?standard gear oil alone?x3 20d 2012

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:48 am
by godisgreat
I would purchase it from the dealer because there is only one litre needed—it is a special oil—and it is not suitable for use in the transfer case. Even without a drain plug, you'll need to remove the fill hole cap and insert the diagnostics plug in order to reset it.

Opioid oils provide options for diffs; castrol oil is likely the original fill. They both hold about one litre; however, while the front one has a drain plug, the back one requires sucking out, much like a transfer case.

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:49 am
by godisgreat

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:49 am
by BMW_Fan2020
I didn't know diagnostics were necessary, so it seems like the dealer's job. Thank you.

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:50 am
by godisgreat
A good independent mechanic should be able to reset the transfer case, and you shouldn't pay dealer prices for it.

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:50 am
by GoodBoyCar
If your vehicle is a 2012 model, you can save 40% on parts and labour by using the dealer's "value service" when you book a service online. This includes the differential oil. Just enter your registration information.

For £53, I recently had an authorised dealer change the oil in my M5's rear differential 😂😂😂.

I would have spent £60 just on the fluid.

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:51 am
by Jul4ster
Is the extra £53 for a separate order in addition to the primary service?

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:52 am
by GoodBoyCar
It was just a $53 show, man. I just drove off.

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:52 am
by Jul4ster
When was this? I don't see anything about a discount, but it sounds nice anyhow.

Re: vehicle gearbox oil

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 11:53 am
by GoodBoyCar
That past Thursday.

If the price is not visible, enquire with the servicing department about the value pricing for the services you require.

I've installed a generic 2012 x3 registration in my primary dealer.

Value service was £60.27, and brake fluid was £105.45.

What a steal! The fuel filter service cost £156.88, with a value service of £90.95.

Valuable service cost £237.72, while oil service with microfilters was £408.49.