Maintaining your BMW X5M’s transmission is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of a DIY Transmission Service, outlining the necessary steps, tools, and parts. This service is generally recommended around 60,000 miles but always consult your owner’s manual for specific intervals.
Essential Preparations for Your Transmission Service
Before beginning this complex procedure, ensure you have the correct parts and tools. Ordering parts based on your specific vehicle’s VIN is highly recommended. Note: the transmission gasket kit for the X5M requires a metal and rubber gasket, not a paper one. Ensure your kit includes new magnet clips.
Parts:
- Sealing Sleeve (Mechatronics Unit Sleeve): 24347588725
- Adapter (Bridge Seal): 24347571211
- Sealing Sleeve (x2 Small Tube): 24107519314
- Sealing Sleeve (x1 Medium Tube): 24107519315
- Sealing Sleeve (x1 Long Tube): 24107520715
- Gasket, oil pan (Ensure correct metal and rubber gasket for X5M): Verify correct part number for X5M
- Filter: 24152333899
- Torx screw (x21 Primary Pan Bolt): 24117552108
- ATF Lifeguard 6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (x7)
Tools:
- Torque wrench
- 3/8” Ratchet
- 8mm Socket
- 8mm Allen key
- 5mm Allen key
- T40 Torx Bit
- Pick
- Needle nose pliers
- Prybar/Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Sand Paper
- IR thermometer
Step-by-Step Transmission Service Procedure
Step 1: Safely Lift Vehicle: Secure the vehicle on jack stands ensuring a stable and level working platform.
Step 2: Drain Transmission Fluid:
- Remove the small aluminum reflector shield using an 8mm socket.
- Loosen the fill plug using an 8mm Allen key.
- Remove the drain plug with a 5mm Allen key and allow the fluid to drain completely.
- Replace the drain plug.
Step 3: Remove Transmission Pan and Filter:
- Unbolt the transmission pan using a T40 Torx bit, working from back to front.
- Carefully lower and remove the pan, draining any remaining fluid.
- Remove the filter.
- Clean or replace the oil pan magnets.
Step 4: Lower Mechatronics Unit: This step requires careful attention to detail.
- Rotate the mechatronics unit plug counterclockwise to remove it. Use a pry bar if necessary but exercise caution.
- Pull down the white clip and remove the mechatronics unit seal.
- Unbolt the mechatronics unit using a T40 Torx bit.
- Carefully lower the mechatronics unit, noting its weight.
- Allow any remaining fluid to drain from the transmission.
Step 5: Replace Seals:
- Remove the bridge seal and rubber tubes using a pick and needle-nose pliers.
- Clean the transmission and mechatronics unit surfaces. Lightly sand any imperfections on the oil pan seating lip.
- Install the new bridge seal and tubes.
Step 6: Reinstall Mechatronics Unit and Transmission Oil Pan: Precision is key in this step.
- Align and set the shift indicator lever using its bolt.
- Carefully raise and rebolt the mechatronics unit, ensuring proper alignment of the shift lever. Torque to specification (6 ft-lbs) following the correct pattern.
- Return the shift indicator lever bolt to its original position.
- Install the new mechatronics sleeve, ensuring the notch is aligned downwards.
- Secure the white sleeve clip and reconnect the mechatronics connector.
- Lubricate the oil filter O-ring and install the new filter.
- Install the transmission pan with the new gasket. Hand-tighten the bolts, then torque to specification (7.5 ft-lbs) in a crisscross pattern.
- Ensure the oil pan drain bolt is torqued to 8Nm max.
Step 7: Fill Transmission: Correct fluid level is vital.
- Remove the fill bolt.
- Fill the transmission with fluid, ensuring the tube is pointed towards the front of the vehicle. Use a pump and expect to use 3.5-4.5 liters.
- Replace the fill plug once the oil begins to leak out steadily.
Step 8: Cycle Fluid, Final Fill, and Test Drive:
- Start the vehicle and cycle through each gear (Drive, Manual modes 1-3, Reverse, Park), holding each for 10 seconds.
- Let the transmission warm up to 86-122 degrees Fahrenheit (30-50 degrees Celsius) using an IR thermometer. With the engine running, remove the fill plug and perform a final top-off until the fluid drips out.
- Replace the fill plug.
- Clean up the work area.
- Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper shifting and operation.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the E70 X5M transmission service. However, consulting a professional mechanic is always recommended for complex procedures if you lack experience. Always prioritize safety and consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque specifications and procedures.
