Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

[Ziggythez4]

Hi I’m a newbie so sorry if it’s been asked before and I couldn’t find it.
My ziggy 2.5 2003 is now on 112,000 and due a inspection 2.
As I intend keeping him a few years more I’m thinking long term mainatiance, so
Should I change the dif and gearbox oils- I’ve seen and heard mixed views, but after 112k surely putting some fresh oil in got be a god idea.
Like wise thinking of changing the fuel filter.
Welcome your thoughts advice and anything else I should do ( I know about the clutch andbackbox delete j

 

[jabber]

I had them changed on my old e85 now noticeable changes so I would say go head

 

[Ziggythez4]

Hi jabber thanks for reply.
Did you change diff gearbox oil and fuel filter?

 

[Rucky]

I have changed both Diff and Auto Gbox oil on both 2.5 and 3.0si.
BMW "Lifetime" oil I think is for the lifetime they warrant the car.
Makes sense to change all of the fluids.
Diff was straightforward , plugs are a bit tight access wise,
Both cars were auto boxes - so replaced filters as well on the 3.0si the filter is integral with the sump so gets completely replaced.
I used Mann fiters. Lot of fuss made about Auto boxes being tricky but as long as you warm the box up to its operating temperature, refill it running, shift through the gears etc it will be OK. A manual box is straightforward but again do it hot.
#I used a garden spray pump 5L to pump the oil into the boxes but still had to lay under a running car up on jacking pad blocks - so be careful.

 

[Chris_D]

Many here, including myself, do intermediate oil changes and it’s seen as a contingent practice on 100k+ milers.
I’ll also be moving to 5w40 from 5w30 next change.
As you have a dipstick you could also take advantage of utilising a Pela pump to suck your oil out instead of draining. I consider pumping way more convenient and possibly also extracts more oil than draining although this usually generates animated debate around here.

Gearbox oil change was something I did when I first got my E85 3.0 and it transformed the gear change. I still skip 2nd and 4th when changing up and until I get some heat into the box.

 

[jabber]

Hi jabber thanks for reply.
Did you change diff gearbox oil and fuel filter?

Yes did all 3

 

[Nash3vans]

Rucky, did you do a write up on the auto box oil change ?

 

[Rucky]

Will have a look back but made this comment on another post:
Thu Jun 18, 2020 2:43 pm
If you climb underneath there is a sticker on the plastic sump detailing exactly which box you have.
The type determines the Oil.
This is what I used on the wifes 3.0si with the 6 speed auto with paddles.
I purchased a replacement MANN Sump/filter online, actually came from Germany.
The oil to BMW / Shell Spec was purchased from Smith and Allan in Darlington
https://www.smithandallan.com
For the 3.0i ZF 6 speed Auto : ATF M1375.4
It is supplied in 5L bulk (x2) and they do delivery
A Hozelock 5L garden pressure pump to fill was very useful.
04 2.5i Titan silver
07 3.0si Silver Grey M Sport pak.
X5 and assorted motorbikes

 

[Ziggythez4]

Many thanks for the advice , now got a plan to sort the gungy bits, then I can start on tidying up the interior .
Thanks again.
When i can work out how to upload a pic i will !

 

[Rucky]

I didnt actually do a write up but there are a few partial ones in and around if you search the forum
The 2.5 with a 5 speed + rev auto can use Castrol spec oil - see their website.
The filter is bought separately and just slips in on Orings.
Car needs to be Hot, Level and high enough to work under easily basically just
Check fill plug can be loosened before draining oil.
Drain hot gearbox oil.
Drop sump and replace filter.
Refit sump with new gasket and drain plug seal
Remove fill / level plug and Pump in oil until it runs out.
Run engine and cycle gearbox through gears - topping up all the time- this ensures the gearbox is fully primed and the cooler full.
Wait for gearbox oil to get back up to temp and when it wont take any more oil refit filler plug.

I am sure others will quite addition steps or ways but thats how I did the 2.5.
The 3.0si ( current) has the 6 speed + rev paddle shift box and needs a specific oil to BMW spec M1375.4 which is extrremely expensive hence I quoted Smith and Allen agricuktural who sell ATF M1375.4 spec oil at a fractiin of the price.

Hope this helps

 

[Ziggythez4]

Thanks rucky , i thought i was replying to all who had replied not you individually _doh
but thanks again for coming back, especially the tip about running through the gears