How many liters of transfer case oil does the BMW X3 require?
2 Answers
The BMW X3 automatic transmission requires approximately 6 liters of oil. For a standard transmission oil change, 5-6 liters are sufficient. However, if the transmission is disassembled and the torque converter oil is drained, a slightly larger quantity may be needed. Below are some relevant details: 1. Powertrain: In terms of engines, the new X3 introduces a 3.0-liter inline-six naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a maximum output of 258 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque, designated for the X3 xDrive28i model. Note that the North American version of the xDrive28i has a slightly lower output of 240 horsepower. For diesel engines, it features a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged diesel engine delivering the same 258 horsepower but with a higher torque of 560 Nm. 2. Dimensions: Compared to the previous generation, the new X3 has significantly increased dimensions, clarifying its positioning in the lineup. The wheelbase has grown by 15mm to 2810mm, while the overall length, width, and height have increased by 83mm, 29mm, and 40mm respectively. Additionally, the ground clearance has been raised by 12.7mm. Despite these size increases, the new X3 is actually 20kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight aluminum materials in its body structure.
Last time I changed the transfer case oil on my BMW X3 myself, I used about 1 liter, which varies by model year. For my 2018 model, 1 liter was just right. The whole process was pretty straightforward: first jack up the car, locate the transfer case fill plug, and slowly pour in the new oil using a funnel. It's crucial to buy the manufacturer-recommended specialized oil, like 75W-80—don't skimp on this, as using the wrong oil can affect the 4WD performance. Both overfilling and underfilling can cause issues: too much leads to leaks, while too little results in insufficient lubrication and gear wear. I recommend changing it every 50,000 km to maintain the vehicle and avoid major problems like needing a tow. The fun of DIY is saving money while learning new skills, but beginners should prepare tools like a jack and funnel—safety first. I saved a few hundred bucks doing it myself, but remember, BMW systems are precise, so patience is key.
