Production Code

[kry226]

As a do-it-yourself maintenance guy who doesn't subscribe to the lifetime fluid myth, I'm currently doing the research for gather the parts and fluids for our new-to-us 2013 X1 xDrive 35i with about 54k on the odometer. Frustratingly, after searching seven ways from Sunday, this information is pretty scant, and what info I find is contradictory. I'm not so worried about motor oil/filter info, but it has been challenging finding transmission, transfer case, and differential fluid/filter specifications. Most of the various catalogs tell me I have an 8-speed tranny (BAVAuto, etc.) when we all know I have the 6-speed ZF 6HP.

When I do find catalogs listing the E84 6HP, they often list the applicable production code as VM53. The production code for my E84 as verified by my VIN is VM5C. This discrepancy is enough to prevent from pulling the trigger on several purchases.

So, is there an appreciable difference between the two production codes? Thanks in advance.

[vstolpner]

I'm not sure if this will help, but there are videos on YouTube on how to change the transmission oil on the E90 - which from what I understand is the same transmission and engine combo.

[kry226]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

I'm not sure if this will help, but there are videos on YouTube on how to change the transmission oil on the E90 - which from what I understand is the same transmission and engine combo.

I appreciate that. I think I've watched every video on BMW maintenance I can find.

It's not so much the "doing" of the maintenance. I've changed under car fluids hundreds of times. It's the parts I mostly have concerns about. If I don't run into a catalog that tells me I have the 8-speed, I get a list of expensive tranny pans/filters that look exactly the same but spec different applications and nothing that specs my production code.

It doesn't have to be this hard, BMW.

[DUI Elite]

California tranmission supply company is who i always used when i was ordering parts for my trans services on my E90 330 (predecessor ZF to what is in our xDrive 35i's and 335's).

More than anything, using the lifeguard fluid is what matters. I changed the fluid every 50k miles, and the mechatronics sealing sleeve / trans filter at 100k (on my 330). Kept it running like new even with 160k miles

http://www.thectsc.com

Finding the diff fluids will probably require looking on the E90 forums. I just used OEM fluid.

Disclaimer for those who may read this in the future: I would NOT advise replacing your fluid if you have over 100k miles (if its never been replaced) if you arent also rebuilding the trans. You will do more harm than help.