funglenn

How long does a sleeve change and trans flush take?

pcy

3 hours to 8 hours, depending on your experience and whether you get stuck not being able to pull the old sleeve out. :-)

E60I

I finally had my transmission filter (ZF), mechatronic sealing sleeve (BMW) and BMW OEM fluid replaced by Healthservices (one of the reputable members on this forum) last Friday . Up to date, the car appears to be running normal (that's a good thing since nothing was wrong to begin with!). Boy, was I glad I hesitated for over two years and didn't do it myself!

Doing the final filling could be very messy! Removing the mechatronic sealing sleeve appeared like an impossible job even when the car was on a lift! Being pretty mechanical myself, I wouldn't hesitate "to hire" a trusted mechanic to do it again. With that said, if anyone is interested in saving time, money and avoid grief, call Allen (Healthservices) and have take care of you. His price is VERY REASONABLE! He is in Orange County and his number is (714) 915-2178.

FYI: My car is a 2006 BMW 530i. I changed it at 89,674 miles. Fluid and filter appeared good and clean. I didn't see any metal shaving nor weird residue. We managed to get about 5.5 liters out. I am going back to him for a second and third drain and refill next week because I still have 6 more bottles to use up. lol

I applaud those who have the guts and skills to do the job themselves!!! :-)

pcy

He Dan, good to hear from you.
If I may suggest, next time when you drop the pan, I recommend you to replace the square adapter and 4 tubular seals (between the mechatronics and trans). Due to age and high temps, those seals tend to degrade. Since you are doing preventive maintenance [of changing the fluid and filter], you might as well go the extra mile and change those seals.

E60I

Hi Pcy! Hope all is well with you!

Unfortunately, I already dropped and changed the pan last Friday. I think I will change the square adapter and 4 tubular seals once the car hits 120,000 miles. Man, I wish I had sent you a message before I did it on impulse. :-(

Cartmanizm

So I ended up doing the transmission service myself and am very happy with the results. The car shift about twice as fast and feels so much better. The entire process (my first time doing it) was relatively simple except for ONE stupid e-torx screw. I did the service at night so all the shops was closed so tried to use a makeshift took to undo it. Did not end well. I spent hours trying to get it off the screw rounded and deformed immediately and no amount of screw extracting tools or power drills could get it off. It's still there right now.

Instead of getting that impossible screw off I used brute force to get myself enough room to remove the transmission pan .



Pic of the old oil


Would highly recommend a transmission service to anybody, it's the most noticeable change from a service I've ever had.