Trans FLuid
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Members
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 115
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From: Saltillo, MS
My Ride: 2006 530i, Cold Weather, L7 sound, Bluetooth, Satellite, BMW Roof Rack
It is almost time for my trans fluid replacement (100,000 miles). Anyone that has had this done, have you noticed any difference?
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,198
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From: Boston
My Ride: '06 530i, '07 C280 4matic, '98 ML320
I recommend trans fluid change. That will give you a chance to look at the trans fluid and see of there are any particles in the fluid and also the condition of electrical connector for any leaks. If you are planning to keep the car for few more years, it's a good idea. Change the filter (pan is part of the filter) as well. I have seen the 'kit' (pan/filter, gasket, drain plug seal ring) for around $175. Trans fluid is around $25 per Ltr.
As for noticing any 'difference', I am not sure what difference one can expect... Nothing should change except the shifts may be slightly better. The fluid/filter change is NOT for feeling any difference, it's more of a maintenance to prolong the life of trans.
As for noticing any 'difference', I am not sure what difference one can expect... Nothing should change except the shifts may be slightly better. The fluid/filter change is NOT for feeling any difference, it's more of a maintenance to prolong the life of trans.
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 3
From: Boston
My Ride: '06 530i, '07 C280 4matic, '98 ML320
Petosin doesn't seem to be a bad alternative. Pentosin is around $18 per Ltr.
If you are replacing entire trans fluid (including trans cooler and torque converter), then any trans fluid that is approved by BMW should be ok. However, if you are only dropping the filter/pan and you are only replacing approx 5 ltrs (out of 9), then I am not sure if there are any issues with mixing old original BMW fluid and any other new off the shelf trans fluid. If it is my car, I wouldn't mix.
If you are replacing entire trans fluid (including trans cooler and torque converter), then any trans fluid that is approved by BMW should be ok. However, if you are only dropping the filter/pan and you are only replacing approx 5 ltrs (out of 9), then I am not sure if there are any issues with mixing old original BMW fluid and any other new off the shelf trans fluid. If it is my car, I wouldn't mix.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
My Ride: Mini Cooper
I changed my at 27961 miles maybe because the roads in HK are very hilly and need to push the cars more, unlike the smooth flat road you guys have.
yes it will be smoother changing from 2nd to 3rd going uphill this is for a auto
here is my link
http://forums.5serie...ost__p__1035406
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
My Ride: 2015 535D M Sport
I recommend trans fluid change. That will give you a chance to look at the trans fluid and see of there are any particles in the fluid and also the condition of electrical connector for any leaks. If you are planning to keep the car for few more years, it's a good idea. Change the filter (pan is part of the filter) as well. I have seen the 'kit' (pan/filter, gasket, drain plug seal ring) for around $175. Trans fluid is around $25 per Ltr.
As for noticing any 'difference', I am not sure what difference one can expect... Nothing should change except the shifts may be slightly better. The fluid/filter change is NOT for feeling any difference, it's more of a maintenance to prolong the life of trans.
As for noticing any 'difference', I am not sure what difference one can expect... Nothing should change except the shifts may be slightly better. The fluid/filter change is NOT for feeling any difference, it's more of a maintenance to prolong the life of trans.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8
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Most dealers only change the pan filter and the fluid in it. Which is acceptable since they are using the same fluid. I would stick with the same fluid as the clutch packs and bands in the tranny absorb it, and I have had trouble with manual transmissions in the past "mixing" fluids motorcycle trannys, the clutch gets grabby, etc. I prefer to have the tranny flushed and the filter changed. I have had it done on my 2000 4runner every 40,000 and its now at 225,000 miles, with now signs of slipping even with intermittent towing.
Contributors
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
My Ride: Mini Cooper
Most dealers only change the pan filter and the fluid in it. Which is acceptable since they are using the same fluid. I would stick with the same fluid as the clutch packs and bands in the tranny absorb it, and I have had trouble with manual transmissions in the past "mixing" fluids motorcycle trannys, the clutch gets grabby, etc. I prefer to have the tranny flushed and the filter changed. I have had it done on my 2000 4runner every 40,000 and its now at 225,000 miles, with now signs of slipping even with intermittent towing.
I thort BMW dealers never change the oil in transmissions.