Why I changed the gearbox & differential fluids in my X1 at 40,000 km

I believe that changing all fluids once in 5 years / 70k Kms does wonders in enhancing the life of the mechanicals in any vehicle.

BHPian Chethan_BG recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Update: Even though the recommended maintenance schedule does not ask us to change the transmission / drive train fluids, I believe that changing all fluids once in 5 years / 70k Kms does wonders in enhancing the life of the mechanicals in any vehicle. I had done this for the Jetta earlier and now I went ahead with the same exercise for the X1 too.

I wanted to thoroughly check things post service, before updating the thread. Hence the delay!

Details are as follows:

Angular-gearbox Fluid Replacement

Old oil was drained and fresh oil was filled. Drained oil was completely burnt / smelly and the volume was hardly 50% of the total capacity, which confirmed that replacing the oil was actually necessary.

Rear axle differential fluid replacement

Condition of this oil was the worst. It was very dark and smelly.

Separate fluid reservoir for the AWD clutch system within the rear axle unit - fluid replacement

Same process was carried out here too. Old oil had almost evaporated!

Transmission fluid replacement

A little debris in the old oil helps lock gears and therefore, completely flushing out the transmission fluid is not required. Old oil was just drained through the drain plug and the new oil was filled. This will not drain the oil from the torque converter which is not necessary as it is a common sump.

Radiator coolant was replaced during EGR recall. And therefore this was not required. Saved some money!

• AC Compressor fluid replacement
• AC compressor fluid was replaced by drawing the oil out through the normal refrigerant filling process.
• Rear light housing on the driver side was replaced as it had a crack.
• Rodent repeller was purchased from Amazon and installed as a precautionary measure.

• BSI was extended to 10 years / 1,00,000 Kms as from my experience I found it to be of value.
• Oil change service was carried out as it was due. Engine oil, Oil filter, Air filter and AC filter were changed as per schedule under BSI.
• Ceramic coat – Yearly maintenance was carried out at Ultimate Detailerz. Excellent work as usual.

Service from KUN Exclusive is been excellent as usual. I could feel a major change in the performance. Car is much smoother now!

Continue reading BHPian Chethan_BG's report for more insights and information.