I think either the ZF info or the BMW TIS says approximately 5mins for the E60 too.
How much was the diagnostic tool, would you recommend it, what make/model is it?

I don't like the idea of put a thermometer in the fill hole whilst the engine is running in case it touches something that's moving.......

 

It's Carsoft. I have not received it yet, it's in transit. I think it's version 8.2.
If you look at DIY, you will see that there isn't much that moves in that area. Regardless, I agree with you. I don't like the idea of dipping a thermometer either. With my luck, it will drop in and I would have to drop the pan all over, lol.
Raj

 

I talked to 3 local dealerships in the DC area and they amazingly all said the same thing:

Don't flush the transmission until 100k miles.

I expressed I wanted to keep the car for a long time and BMW's 'lifetime' fluid is really marketing for 100k service through BMW. I said what about conventional wisdom that states to change it around 60,000 miles or never again? They still said I should wait until 100k miles.

Really, flush the transmission at 100k miles?

 

why the dealer say flush the transmission at 100k miles, when BMW always say the fluid is for life and not need to change
so there must be some thing wrong some wer if all 3 say that.
In HK dealer they say no need to change it for life. :thumbsdown:

 

Just to add, I did a 2nd ATF change. This time, I just drained and topped off. All I could get out was 4.5 liters. So, for people that just want to do a drain and fill, you will only get 50% new fluid by this method.
Regards.
Raj

 

I also spoke to three seperate dealerships. They all told me the same thing.....BMW does not recommend to change the oil during the warrany period, whether it will be in the new vehicle or extended periods. What one of them told me was....if the vehicle is out of warranty....they will not have a problem changing the fluid....in other words, you are on your own to get a replacement tranny.

With that being said, if tranny breaks down during warranty period, BMW will replace it for me....

 

I believe BMW updated "lifetime fluid" is for 100k miles like last year or so.
I think since bmw changed their mind regarding the lifetime fluid is really for 100k, if you have the extended maintenance plan and
you are happen to drive a lot and reaching 100k before the plan expires, BMW must cover transmission flush since the plan is 6yr/100k including
100,000 miles not ends at 99,999 and their *SCHEDULED* maintenance for the transmission is at *100k*
NO?

 

Great point! Too bad I'm at 80k miles though! Why is all this information amazingly different!

I must say I was sooooo suprised when the 3 dealerships in here in DC... Arlington, Sterling, and Fairfax all said the same thing. 100k miles!

Normally when I call these 3 I get 3 different answers. How difficult is it for a clear concise answer... I just want to do the right thing!!!

 

It's easy, drive 20k more before it expires!!!
Seriously, I believe BMW dealers don't want to touch it because there are some stories where if car isn't maintained/never flushed(tranny wise) up to a certain miles, you shouldn't replace it. Because it will stirr up the metal sheds etc and could lead into transmission failure and the dealers don't wanna be responsible for that. But if they say at 100k when the warranty expires, then they will just add a cluase CUSTOMER specifically requested and dealers will not held reponsibility and do the flush.

It's a very stupid thing indeed just like they looking at me like weirdo when I bring my car for an oil change every 5k miles.

 

Having had a transmission fail on my previous E34 after trusting them on lifetime fill (134k), I decide I better take my chances and do it. As long as the fluid is compatible, I don't see how changing it could add to problems.
I guess time will tell .
Regards.
Raj