How To Service A BMW E70 X5 Transmission

In this video I show you how to replace the transmission fluid on an BMW E70 X5. We replace the transmission oil pan with integrated filter, the mechatronic sleeve, the bridge seal between the mechatronic unit and the transmission and the seal tubes at the back of the mechatronic unit to ensure optimal shift quality.
I used 6.5L of Pentosin ATF1 automatic transmission fluid. When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

[@briantill2459]

I have to say that I performed this service today and found the video very useful as providing some visual guidelines and when paired with the TIS and ZF 6 page instructional PDF on the procedure, went off without a hitch. I did however use parts designed by ZF and purchased from FCP Euro. I have owned and built many BMWs and also spent decades as a technician and currently an engineer. I say this to point out, with any video posted on KZbin, the viewer is well advised to take the instructions with a grain of salt. In other words DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH! These videos are made for the benefit of someone looking to save some money by avoiding the dealership for a job that they ARE COMPETENT to perform. The armchair mechanics who post hateful comments about some detail they found to be too difficult, should step away from the keyboard and grab some tools for some more wrench turning practice. While they're at it, pick up a camera and show us how it's done in Germany or wherever they're from. We should do nothing but praise someone willing to spend their own time filming this for our benefit. Thanks again and wheels down!

[@drivethru1835]

Finally, An intelligent, noteworthy commenter spreading positivity. You are a rare bread this platform needs more of. 🤙

[@marcuswinn8515]

Perfect timing. On my E70 X5, my Mechantronic sleeve was leaking and this video answered alot of questions. I had already removed Transmission Oil Pan. Looked online at forums for instructions to replace sleeve. Found your video and decided to drop Mechatronic to do the bridge seal and seal tubes. Thanks for a great and much needed video.

[@markojokanovic349]

Finally a person with patience and proper lighting! And for a change it's a good video resolution as well. Unlikely most of the videos made it with a feickin' toster! Thank you so much for this

[@oskarsjolund6758]

Let’s be honest! I will never do this kind of work on my car but I found myself watching your whole video with great interest. Very nice video

[@youtoobe169]

That fluid looks pretty good for 130K miles, and the inside of the transmission was spotless. Thanks for this excellent video. I have no idea why anybody would dislike this. It's truly a first rate video.

[@werewolf1701]

Did it myself last year. Used BMW TIS. It should be way easier with video. Thank you for detailed instructions!

[@petedolfis]

What an excellent DIY video. One of the best I've seen. I'm getting ready to do this same service on my daughter's new to us '07 X5 3.0si and now not afraid at all to tackle this job. Great work & thanks.

[@robertd9329]

I was watching it couple of time before I figured out and every time I felt that I have to hit the like box. Thanks

[@prasannaghanekar3106]

Great Video. One of the Best I have seen around. Thanks a Ton for doing it. Planning to service transmission on the X5 30i soon. Cheers

[@dmartin1650]

Great video thanks. Quick tip for removing the tube seals is to insert a set of circlip pliers, apply pressure and rotate back and forth, gradually easing out at the same time. No danger of scratching the inner surface that way.

[@johnadams3152]

Thats a great tool for that. Thanks

[@normanmendonca2834]

I enjoyed your work on your transmission. Great job. Keeping it clean. Thanks.

[@diamondorm9920]

Does it work for 2013 x5

[@ashpatel7406]

Absolutely brilliant video and very well presented. Very thorough and methodical. Top marks! Well done! 👍

[@GrowthGuided]

What a wonderful and thorough video for e70 owners. Thank you for your time and video!

[@ulisg6040]

X5 Always the top! Please more videos!! Thanks

[@serkanhasturer]

Thanks a lot. Saved my car and pocket. The video is extremely helpful. I had stiff gear change problem(first and second gear) and the car was sometimes refusing to engage the gear when cold. Followed all the steps shown in the video and it worked. Now my car is back to normal with smooth gear change as it should

[@snikwadRR]

Excellent video. Glad I found it, I'm doing mine this weekend. Thank you.

[@gundersenma1964]

Bless you! Thanks for the details from parts to tools to torque settings. I watched your video, ordered my parts and did this operation on a 2007 X5 E70 yesterday. I can't believe how much better it drives. Of course, I used 6 1/2 quarts to fill it, but only drained out about 3 quarts. Your video was excellent. I really appreciate it.

[@ThaKidZhane]

Can you share the link to the parts please?

[@motoprophet3981]

Thanks for taking the time to video this. The procedure is pretty much the same on my 2012 Land Rover LR4.

[@PupDume]

Really good work, just chasing more videos regarding this and have done a good bit of research. With the final transmission fill, proper procedure is to final fill and seal the transmission before the transmission gets above 40c, if get gets over 40c you're supposed to let it cool off before re verifying the level.

[@christhompson6216]

Great video, getting my x5 in the new year and want to get this done asap ! Saves me £400+ for the garage to do it

[@i344679]

super entertaining, i have a 2008 E70, I am the first owner with 66,700 miles. Im glad I came across your video, I am going to have it done exactly as you did

[@johnM-rc7cs]

I did my fluid change thanx to you vid. But since you are changing fluids don't forget to change you Diff fluids on both x5 and your e90

[@dominicding7201]

I saw lots of them about transmission , but yours is the best

[@kickstar126]

Thank you for a first class video, you done a Good Job.

[@ModMINI]

Thanks for posting, good job. Wow, that transmission is a joy to work on compared to the automatic transmissions they put in the 2013 and earlier MINI Coopers. To get the valve body out, you have to disconnect a bunch of wires and sensors and the shifter arm. It's a huge hassle compared to this. I will do this work soon on my own E70 - a gray metallic 4.8 that looks just like yours.

[@robotcholi]

your instructions are very thorough bro. Thanks.

[@keithmoher6794]

What an excellent video. You covered everything that we need to do a seamless change. Bravo!

[@pasixx78]

Great video! Lots of help for my own carage and maintenance job! Thanks dude👍

[@johnhallagan1798]

Great video thank you. Very calm presentation and it gives me confidence to tackle the job myself. Many thanks

[@RockRocky09]

Wow, best video ive seen on this process so far... thanks bud! do more videos for common X5 failures, I am picking up an e70 this week :D

[@TheRazvy1990]

Did you pick the X5 ? What engine ....? Mpg ?

[@RockRocky09]

@@TheRazvy1990 x5 50i 2013. Sold after two years due to valvestem seals needing replacing

[@TheRazvy1990]

@@RockRocky09 pfff....😒😒

[@johnnyfeltenstein3546]

2008 BMW X5 sport model Showing transmission Malfunction and you cannot get it out of park It happened twice in the past And shutting down the engine and restarting always fixed it but today it won't fix it it is stuck in park does anyone have any advice or quick fix for this issue thanks

[@x503Garage]

@@johnnyfeltenstein3546 did you ever get your issue resolved ? Mines doing the same ! I’m thinking the bride seal is cracked or I’m low on fluid. Going to drop the pan tomorrow. 🤞

[@Truff808]

Dude, thank you for this and the e90 vid you did. For real.

[@humankind7355]

Still relative to this day and best video on the topic, great stuff my dude. :-)

[@gtutllc9786]

What an awesome video for E70 Transmission! It is one of the best at KZbin. Thanks.

[@traviolisupreme]

Excellent video, great footage and great narrating, thanks so much for this :) legend!

[@camiloproa60]

Great video! Thank you for the step by step breakdown. Will recommend

[@Lightspeed801]

Great tip, I was about to remove the cross member to get the bolts. Looks like you were able to complete the ATF refresh without removing the cross member. Thanks for putting this video together.

[@johnf9359]

Any ideas what tool gets in to get the bolts under cross member

[@arnie977]

@@johnf9359 I was cutting the Torx (hexagonal) insert with a saw and then I was using a wrench on it to loose up the bolts. Previously I pushed up the Transmission by 1,5 inch to have enough space to unscrew the Transmission bolts by the Crossmember.

[@silvioruesjer8391]

Thanks for posting! Very well explained, really apreciated

[@trusteehiggins121]

Quality explanation of all points, sizes, amounts, well done!

[@TheCannabisWhisperer]

Awesome thanks. Now that I know there’s a diy I’ll have to attempt it. 💪🏼

[@Inovaalexwong]

Now is 2022, and this song will play forever, it still touching my heart, best artists from the 80's, sadly to see some artists had already pass away.

[@darnellsmith3966]

Okay first let me say thank you I followed your steps and I took notes on how you disassembled the mechatronic unit my car was stuck in the park position and I followed step-by-step your tutorial and it is working perfectly fine just like new I have subscribed to your channel thank you again

[@charleschenhua]

Darnell Smith was your transmission stuck in park? Was it because low transmission fluid?

[@bmw12347]

Use punctuation!

[@pauljackson6219]

top job pal great work helped me alot doing my gearbox oil change thank you :-)

[@gabrieleloisa7887]

thank you very much for your help. Your video was really helpful to me, there is no other video so instructive than yours. Thanks God I bought a 2008 x5 3.0si, and I am giving it maintenance, even wen it is in excellent condition inside and outside, it is to be expected that the maintenance was not something that was procured. (Not for nothing do most people decide to sell their cars, specially this ones, right?). I followed each of the steps in your video, and even though in my 3.0 there are some differences, the procedure was exactly the same. I would just like to mention in case someone reads this; In the x5 3.0si 2008 there are 3 oil pan screws that are exactly below the metal that supports the transfer case (which here in the video is not in the way), those screws you will not be able to loosen without removing that metal . But to avoid so much work, what I did was buy some torx L bits, and so I could loosen those 3 screws and with patience and the tips of my fingers unscrew them and also screw them back, trying to put the same force on them and not differ much from the onesthat are torqued. Also if you drain the fluid about 3 times in a day, and wait until the next day to drain it for the last time and start the whole procedure, you will surely have more than 7 liters of new fluid in the transmission. Just make sure that when you turn it on to make the speed change process quickly pump it at least a liter or a liter and a half more, because if it is not, there will not be enough fluid and the computer will not let you make the speed changes. good luck. and to you who made the video, thank you very much again. keep up the good work.

[@jeffc6832]

Great vid, even though your garage apparel is lacking. ;) Thanks for doing this, definitely helps to see someone else do it first to be aware of any potential pitfalls like you experienced.

[@VehicularDIY]

Jeff Calander Thanks, yeah the garage appeal could use some work haha, I'd love to have the floors coated and get a workbench.

[@rickybrock217]

@@VehicularDIY And ditch the pajamas and slippers. :-)

[@WojtekGlowacki]

Thank you very much for your time, and shere this DIY, hugs and hight 5 😀

[@mbh9850]

Great video. Thanks! I’m going to attempt this service tomorrow and this will be a great guide. Something that occurred to me while watching you pull those four seals - I wonder if an appropriate sized tap, threaded into the interior diameter of the rubber just enough to get a bite, would make that job easier and less susceptible to possibly scratching the bore. Again, great video!

[@Hammaneggs88]

Great video!! I just did this exact same job on mine two weeks ago. I used a write up on a FB group I belong to. It’s called I work on my own x5 e53 e70. Anyhow your video would have been a great help then. I’m sure many viewers will benefit from this. Also, INPA seems to be limited on transmission stuff. I used ISTA-D and it walks you through the refill/top off procedure. It provides you with the temps also. Won’t let you proceed to the next step without it being in temp range. Also the program allows you to reset adaptations as mentioned previously where INPA doesn’t. I’ve found ISTA is much easier to use myself because it’s in English. I don’t know if you have it but if not you should give it a try. Keep up the great work and vids. I’ve watched all your e70 ones since this is my first e70. Bought her in December a little over a month ago. Have a blessed day!!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! Good to know, I have been happy with the info that INPA provides on the E90 but as you said it seems limited on the E70. I will look into ISTA-D, sounds like it could offer value to people that watch my videos. Thanks for the feedback.

[@elmerbais9767]

Thanks for the video mine is ready to be change, always waiting for new videos of yours.

[@elmerbais9767]

Hello im about to change my transmission fluid, would you mind telling me the part num of that 4 sleeves , i couldn’t find that phoenix on ebay.

[@oswaldomeally9968]

2023 im here diy on my wife x5 thank you so much for the important tips . Took me long hours but worth it

[@Shas4Ever]

Excellent, detailed and informative video. Thanks

[@wilberhernandez970]

Thank you for making this video. it helped me a lot.

[@KK-pw2dt]

Thanks for great video I feel confident enough to do mine now

[@csmers3743]

Great informative vid man.. Helped me tremendously doing my install 👊🏾

[@fernandoboschelli2976]

Thank you so much for this great video...My car feels awesome now.

[@VehicularDIY]

Np, glad to hear it. I was shocked how smooth it is when you manually shift now.

[@JBond73]

Just done this service thanks to your great video. Just wondering if your still happy with the result.

[@ssteam-lw5pi]

thanks! awesome job explaining by the way!

[@eastmanautorepair5130]

Best video man out there on KZbin

[@SuperTreyone]

Excellent video you are a legend!!! Thank you for this

[@shaynyoe]

An excellent tutorial and video. Thanks!

[@keyroncampbell]

Very easy job... I'm do mine next week

[@cyberxbmw]

Thank you for your hard work video...really HELP

[@fisktann]

This is awesome! I will sell my volvo and by an E70 because of you

[@fisktann]

@livey oone I did! Newer serviced my self though..

[@KennethBostonian]

Hello I own a 08 BMW X5 premium sport 4.8i. I purchased with 96,536. It now has 102,000 miles. The transmission now bangs from a slow start 1 into 2. Had the dealer check the transmission for $ 163.63 and was reported no leaks, no codes, and fluid at proper level. They said the fluid had a very bad burnt smell, and I should just replace the transmission at $ 8, 958.44. Really lol. First of all thank you for the video, I said to them let’s do the basics first lol. If I need a transmission after the basic, it will be a used one.

[@jamesogara2219]

Excellent DIY thanks!

[@allanjosol]

Great video. Helped me a ton !

[@nabilovski1241]

Great video.thanks for all the helpful informations.

[@mazza7282]

Used your YT guide in combination with the ZF BMW 6 speed Mechatronics guide from ZF themselves (google & will soon come up). Your video was very helpful thank you along with my own research. After performing my change today I took extra care to make sure the selector lever was in the correct position with the valve body. One thing I found, is when filling up from cold (took around 3 litres before it started flowing out of the fill hole), once I rigged up the Autel to get the transmission temperature, this didn't climb over 30 degrees (even after some time) nor was I able to get the car out of park to cycle the gears. No codes in the Transmission ECU and live data showed it could see me getting out of park but then returning to it. My driver door was closed, brake pedal depressed and the diagnostic showed me all this on the live data output. I then thought perhaps there is so little transmission fluid within the system (as I let mine drain over night and another 2L came out), that it is why it wouldn't let me cycle the gears as there isn't enough fluid/pressure within the system even after the initial 3 litre cold fill. I let the vehicle run, and continued to fill at 30 degrees, I started filling at 2L at a time checking the transmission temps, a few gargles later the transmission fluid temperature started to climb and I was able to get the vehicle out of park, I was able to get roughly 8 litres back into the transmission inc overspill(s)... (7.5L came out on the extended drain). Cycled all gears whilst stationary and rechecked fluid level and all was fine. Transmission is now smoother than ever, I used the genuine ZF filter kit/ seals & bolts and Comma ZF6HP6 fluid as the price was more reasonable.

[@530iMr]

Thank you for video! I am going to take mine this weekend. What torque you used to tighten mechatronic? It sounds like 8Nm?

[@Day-tu7ol]

Great detailed content. Thanks so much!!

[@carolriley9392]

Getting ready to do mine! Thanks!

[@SmileyMatrix]

This vid was right on time. Thanx

[@fernandomarcatili2974]

Impecable vídeo, alta definición con una explicación perfecta

[@chrisbullen4317]

Great video ! about to embark on this myself ..

[@keithdiver1883]

Fantastic!!!! Thank you. This help me tremendously.

[@hectortrujillo6666]

Ladies and gentlemen the Noble award for Quality video goes to.... Vehicular DIY

[@eddiecox9370]

I can’t believe you don’t have any power tools but good video. Thanks

[@j4r3kk88]

Fantastic video man. Thank You so Much. Dealer BMW in Canada Edmonton asking for $1500 almost.

[@m3g670]

just did mine today very helpful video saved me a lots of time by the way its very simple just be pation dont rush and buy good parts and fluids on mine i also put rtv permatex ultra black silicone because i use that stuff on valve cover gaskets and other stuff and never see any leaks tnx

[@patrickhenrysena5966]

Did you do the adaptation?

[@m3g670]

when i put everything bakck together i put atf in trans wich it take at begining like 3l and i tryed starting the car and putting in gears but it was coming out back in parking.Then i read a little bit on forums and i figure it out that it need to take 4-4.5l atleast so it can function. When putting new filter you need to waith a little until it will soak inside and it will take the max amount before starting it. Then started the car and wen tru all gears

[@m3g670]

and while working once reached 30-50c refill the rest of the atf so total i took almost 7l (like 6.9 ) run the car over 2k miles since them and not a single prob

[@douglasgower3266]

excellent video. explained very well.

[@michaeljensenmedia]

Advice Please! Absolutely loved this video and thank you. I just used it to do the same on my 2012 X5 35d. Everything went very smoothly right up until the second fill and now she won't stay in gear, just back to Park. Upon that first start up before the second fill I received the "Secure vehicle from rolling" message. At that time it was secure and all 4 tires were off the ground. Any idea as to what to do to remedy this? THANK YOU once again for the excellent tutorial!

[@uswwt]

Thank you for the video! I did mine and so far it seems alright. Although shifting is not very smooth and hopefully the learning algorithm will smooth it out over time. I couldn't reset to the learning algorithm with the instructions found online. My transmission must be leaking. Although it's hard to tell if it's engine oil or transmission oil at the time. I could only collect about 3L of old fluid, with some spill etc, still no more than 4L. The fluid level was so low that I was having slipping problems. On acceleration RPM could spike much higher but next gear fails to engage. Sometimes it even refuses to engage in R or the first gear. I didn't see any cracks or anything on any of the plastic components replaced. Considering that all that stuff was original from 2010! I am amazed. The car has 158K miles on the dash. The oil that came out look like soy sauce but visually look okay. There is no burn smell. There was some metal shavings on the magnets. But that's not a lot for me to suspect any component damage. I would say that BMW's lifetime fill is for real. If there was no leak, this box could have gone many more miles without a service. Of course many people will yell at me !!! I agree that a service will provide peace of mind. There was a scary episode for me. After the initial fill, apparently we are suppose to start the engine. Wait a bit, then FILL again till it overflow. Only after that we should go through the gears. See the pdf instructions from the follow link. I didn't do that and immediately go through the gears like that in this video. I immediately got a transmission malfunction warning. I think there was not enough fluid there. www.bimmerfest.com/threads/how-to-zf-6hp26-mechatronics-solenoid-replacement-valve-body-removal.654634/page-2

[@patrickhenrysena5966]

So you didnt do the adaptation?

[@uswwt]

@@patrickhenrysena5966 no, there is a rumor that stepping on the gas paddle without starting the car for 30 seconds should do it. I did that but nothing changed. I don't want to use NCIS to do that factory reset either. Now the car drives fine. Shifting is still a bit rough within the lower gears. But I am happy that it drives. It's a old car. It doesn't have to be perfect.

[@uswwt]

Update: After driving the car back from a long trip (~500 miles). All of a sudden the transmission have become super smooth! :) There is no more abrupt shifting between the lower gears anymore! I don't remember how it used to shift. But I am super happy with the current performance. If it's not as well as new, it's pretty damn close. Kudos to the ZF engineers for making such an awesome transmission. The plastic house was litterally leaking for months (when I mistaken the leaks from the engine). When I replaced the seals, pan and oil, the oil level was so low that shifting was super jerky and sometimes shifting in reverse doesn't stay. I am still amazed that there is no severe consequence from running with low oil for long time. And the transmission can definitely learn over time and adapt.

[@morrissey8485]

You are a natural at this. Great job!

[@titolindj]

Great video !! Thanks !!!

[@abduahhaqsalem7287]

Thank you that was pro work my friend

[@MSullivanFREE-BUSINESSES]

Excellent vedio, thanks a million. Curious, your trans fluid looked real dark, how many miles since your last drain and fill? And how many miles did you have on your X5?

[@subbubmw]

Voting for more E70 videos as well. Any suggestions for a coolant change video for the E70 X5 Diesel?

[@conrad9698]

Great video, do you have a link to where you bought the equipment? Thank you

[@WellTryThat]

Im here in Houston as well and will be doing my service tomorrow when all the parts get in. I actually also purchased the zip kit to replace a few more parts on the t-mission. any experience with the zip kits?

[@mehdiseba1788]

Hi man First many thanks for this video and explanation. For the oil I think that recommended one is zf6hp. Is atf1 same.

[@ericalbrecht4161]

Great video, thank you!

[@briantill2459]

Thanks for the great share! The step by step and good filmmaking details reminds me of the 50s Kid E46 videos! BMW owners rely on this brainfood and forums to keep our beloved machines away from the stealership.

[@dj.m2345]

GOOD JOB MY FRIEND

[@richardhirsch6668]

great video! When you first add transmission fluid, do you sit in car and go thru all the gear positions auto and manual, or do you wait until all of the fuild is added? are you supposed to add the second quantity of oil while the car is running? Do you always reset the adaptations on an F10 or are there some instances when you do not?

[@kickstar126]

I like your Steel Toe safety sandals.

[@thezone193]

Your voice reminds me of one of the text to speech voices on Mac.

[@jahir1204]

Any chance you could add the part numbers used to the description? Great tutorial!!

[@davidhui4294]

Excellent work mate! Is there any filter in the transmission?

[@knulleriboy]

One tip/thought for getting the tube seals out. A big wooden screw, or maybe just a normal bolt could be screwed into the tubes and then grab the screw head and pull them out.

[@POliveiraRocha]

Hi, great content! Nice to have some people dedicated to this subjects! Where did you get mechatronic seals from? Thanks! and have a great 2020 ;)

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! I believe I got them on eBay. I'll see about getting links.

[@brianbedard9704]

nice video shots, did you buy that transfer gizmo from harbor freight too?