Does the gearbox or transmission oil need to be changed or topped up on a 2004 BMW X5 4.4. I believe it is lifetime fluid but I am not sure if it needs topping and if so is it normal?

The auto transmission takes 3.5 litres of fluid so buy a 5 litre container or approximate equivalent.

there is a drain plig on the bottom of the thans and a fill plug un the side just above the lower pan they look the same both allen bolts i believe the filter is inside the pan the opperating fluid part number should be on a label on the pan make sure to use the right fluid to fill top off start car turn lights on and top off to fill hole

congratulations...you've got a BMW with a GM 4L30 transmission. Same transmission they put in a Cadillac Catera.....no dipstick to tell where the fluid level is. So, BMW, in their infinite wisdom, labled the fluid, "lifetime" There's no such thing as lifetime lubricant for anything let alone a transmission. But BMW owners will believe anything the dealer tells them. Rots of Ruck.

For 2004 BMW 745i, (E65 & E66 type), the oil capacity of automatic Gearbox Transmision, (GA6 HP26Z type), is 9.0 litres.
Oil type: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Shell M1375.4

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it depends on the tag on the transmission if its black it takes atf d3.if it has a green plate its lifetime oil and shouldnt need changing if you have drained the oil or need a top up you will have to get it from the dealer.hope this helps

hi this will depend on a few things, i will write all the data you need, you will have to see what yours is,
automatic transmission fluid ZF transmission: 3HP22/4HP22/4HP22EH/4HP24 = DEXRON II A5S 310Z (5HP-18): Black Plate = DEXRON III Green Plate = Lifetime oil/ESSO LT 71 141 A5S 325Z (5HP-19) =Lifetime oil/ESSO LT 71 141 A5S 440Z (5HP-24) =Lifetime oil/ESSO LT 71 141 A5S 560Z (5HP-30) =Lifetime oil/ESSO LT 71 141 Black Plate = SHELL LA 2634 Green Plate =Lifetime oil/ESSO LT 71 141 GA6HP (6HP19)/GA6HP26Z (6HP26)/GA6HP32Z (6HP32) = SHELL M-1375,4
total drain and refill 3.0 ltrs
sorry its so confusing but you gotta make sure you have the right oil for the right gearbox...hope this is comprehensive for you

The fill drain plug I believe is on the left side of the transmission about 1in above where the oil pan bolts on. I think it is a 7mm allen bolt.If you are topping off the fluid make sure to check the fluid level at the fill hole while the engine temp is still cold. It should trickle out while the engine is in park and running. Make sure to tighten to spec and use approved oil. There should be a label on the transmission pan itself listing the part number for the fluid to use.

The transmission fluid is not to be checked or touched unless there is a malfunction in the system and the fluid has to be drained to repair it. The transmission is sealed form the factory and the fluid lasts the lifetime of the unit.

Check your gearbox oil level. It maybe low or to high.

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter first, sometimes can solve this problem.

or chage c-90 oil for your gear box and at the same time, change the clutch plate.