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SMG Transmission Fluid

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Old 01-14-2009, 01:42 PM
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The issue of lifetime fluids doesn't sit well with me. I'm coming up on 40K miles on my 545i with SMG transmission.

I've seen posts indicating dealer reluctance to change the fluid in the automatic transmissions, saying that they've seen "problems" after the fluid was changed.

What about the SMG though? What do you think about having it changed?

Also, is it as simple as draining out the old and pumping in the new, or are there other steps and pitfalls to the process?
Old 01-14-2009, 03:40 PM
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Blaspemy! All fluids should be changed. The official BMW stance now is that they should be replaced at 100K (coincidentally when your "free" extended maintenance expires).

Most experts recommend transmission fluid replacement at 50K or 2 years, whichever comes first. I am going on the assumption that they mean any transmission. Call the experts at http://www.bavauto.com/ and ask for their opinion on SMG.
Old 01-14-2009, 04:02 PM
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what about trans fluid on my 2004 530? I'm at 50k miles and I doubt its ever been changed.
Old 01-15-2009, 06:23 AM
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I changed it at 40k km/3 years. In June.
Dealer asked me just the price of the oil, EUR 54.

Now likely they will replace my transmission under warranty, so EUR 54 wasted
Old 01-15-2009, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='768177' date='Jan 14 2009, 08:02 PM
what about trans fluid on my 2004 530? I'm at 50k miles and I doubt its ever been changed.
I would do it. I just received an automatic tranny replacement and I fully intend to replace the fluid in 2 years and every two years thereafter.
Old 01-16-2009, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='768968' date='Jan 15 2009, 07:20 PM
I would do it. I just received an automatic tranny replacement and I fully intend to replace the fluid in 2 years and every two years thereafter.
I contacted Bavauto and I was told to place the car on a lift and record the p/n on the green label on the left side of the gearbox. Has anyone done this?
Old 01-16-2009, 11:16 AM
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An SMG is actually a manual with hydraulic controls so I would treat it like a 6 speed and do gear oil change at approx 60k miles. The reason they want you to check the green tag is because BMW uses different vendor fluids and they need to match that information.
This item should not be neglected.
Raj
Old 01-23-2009, 09:24 AM
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Does anyone know what the cost might be for a Transmission Fluid change??
Old 01-23-2009, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by jralber11' post='775539' date='Jan 23 2009, 12:24 PM
Does anyone know what the cost might be for a Transmission Fluid change??
My dealer charged me $250. I have a manual transmission.
Don't forget the rear differential. That was $168.
Old 01-23-2009, 04:59 PM
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I have always changed transmission fluid and never had issues. I usually do it every 2 or 3 years of ownership. Will do the same with the E60 that I am getting soon.

cheers


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