Range Rover P38 2.5 DSE diesel (BMW): change gearbox & transfer box oil
Transmission · Range Rover P38 (1994–2002) · 1994–2002
How often: every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs, whichever comes first. Fresh oil keeps the synchromesh and transfer box bearings healthy.
Some of these intervals are more frequent than Land Rover's original schedule. That is deliberate for older vehicles.
Main gearbox
Automatic: GM 4L80-E: ATF Dexron III, ≈9.7 L from dry · manual R380: ≈2.7 L
Transfer box
Borg Warner 44-62 chain-drive box with viscous coupling, ≈2.3 L: use the fluid in your handbook (it is not the LT230 oil)
Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.
Parts
Gearbox oil (Automatic: GM 4L80-E: ATF Dexron III, ≈9.7 L from dry · manual R380: ≈2.7 L)
Transfer box oil (Borg Warner 44-62 chain-drive box with viscous coupling, ≈2.3 L: use the fluid in your handbook (it is not the LT230 oil))
2 × Drain plug washers (if needed)
Tools
Spanners
Drain tray
Oil pump
Step by step
Drive to warm the oil. Drain the gearbox and transfer box.
Clean the magnetic drain plugs and look for chips.
Refill each to its level plug with the specified oil.
More Range Rover P38 2.5 DSE diesel (BMW) servicing
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