robself705

So I have had a mechatronics sleeve leak for a while (20k miles or so). However it is very slow, more of a seep, there is just a light coating of oil on the tranny pan. I have had no drips from the car at all. I am considering replacing the sleeve but at the same time I would also do the pan/filter and 6 qt of new fluid. The dealer flushed 5 qts at 100k miles for the last owner (I have 114k miles now). My question is, do I need to drop the pan and do the sleeve now or can I wait until more like 120k-130k miles when the trans would actually be due for new fluid. Sometimes I will get slightly rough 1-2, 2-1 shifts, but no slams or anything very worrysome.

Thoughts?

luigi524td

Since you know the leak will only get worse over time and driving low on trans oil can possibly cause other more serious problems.
So, I recommend having it repaired now.

When mine was done under warranty the dealer only had to add one liter of trans oil to top it off.

robself705

Yeah, is a very good point. The filter wasn't done at 100k so I was thinking I probably should just do the filter/pan too and 6 qts of fluid. Or should I not bother with the new fluid?

luigi524td

Looks like you're intending to hold on to your 5'er for a while and we all know how finicky (frail) recent BMW automatics tend to be. Since your mechanic (or you) are going to be under there anyway might as well go with the new pan/filter + new trans oil + seal the sleeve. Even if you decide to sell / trade the car in the future any knowledgeable BMW buyer will appreciate this preventative maintenance step and you're likely to recoup the cost of the miracle fluids and replacement parts! .

JGSarmento

I had this issue for a while and I put it off for about a year or so. After getting an oil change, the dealer told me they topped off the trans fluid because it was a little low. That was the point in which I realized it was probably time to address the issue to avoid paying $8k for another transmission. I had the job done at the dealership for about $550 if I remember correctly. The peace of mind was well worth it in my opinion.

robself705

Yeah I am about to order the pan, gasket, 6 qts of ZF fluid and sleeve from: http://www.thectsc.com/

They are a ZF distributor.

It is ~$250 for the parts and my indy said he can do the work for about $200 labor. I figured it makes no sense to risk an $8k tranny when I could just spend $500 now and have piece of mind.

525iEnjoy

you'll need more than 6 if an indy shop does it mine almost took 8 cause they let it sit there for long drain. be sure to ask them.

robself705

Thanks for the tip, I will buy two more just in case.

Blackwolffm

$550 for tranny oil change and new pan/filter?

525iEnjoy

250 for the pan, 100 or more for fluid, labor and sleeve