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Transmission flush

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Old 12-05-2009, 03:43 PM
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I have a 2004 530i with about 54,000 miles. The dealer says it needs a transmission flush, and they want $750 to do it. They say it needs some type of "special fluid." They also wanted $220 to change the accessory belt, but I'll do that myself for the $25.

Is a tranny flush something a local shop could do (e.g., a transmission shop that can use synthetic fluid), or is there something special with BMW?
Old 12-05-2009, 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by joelans' post='1068417' date='Dec 5 2009, 07:43 PM
I have a 2004 530i with about 54,000 miles. The dealer says it needs a transmission flush, and they want $750 to do it. They say it needs some type of "special fluid." They also wanted $220 to change the accessory belt, but I'll do that myself for the $25.

Is a tranny flush something a local shop could do (e.g., a transmission shop that can use synthetic fluid), or is there something special with BMW?
This is actually pretty uncommon. Dealers usually never recommend transmission fluid flushes. My guess is that they need the money....the price seems a little high.....

But, if you bring it to an indy shop and they screw it up....you'll be paying for a new tranny...
Old 12-05-2009, 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by joelans' post='1068417' date='Dec 5 2009, 07:43 PM
I have a 2004 530i with about 54,000 miles. The dealer says it needs a transmission flush, and they want $750 to do it. They say it needs some type of "special fluid." They also wanted $220 to change the accessory belt, but I'll do that myself for the $25.

Is a tranny flush something a local shop could do (e.g., a transmission shop that can use synthetic fluid), or is there something special with BMW?
That is strange. I asked my dealer to change my transmission fluid and they said its a "sealed unit" with "lifetime fluid" and doesn't need to be changed.

However when I asked an independent shop they said they would do it but it would cost $800. The filter is part of the pan and that's $250. The fluid is $30/quart and you must use the BMW fluid.
Old 12-05-2009, 08:54 PM
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BMW Transmissions were sealed since early 90s if not if earlier, we have a 1995 525i and wanted to flush the transmission but we couldn't because it is sealed and no need as BMW suggests. This dealer that wants to charge $700 - $800 is a STEALER!!!!!! Don't do it.


Originally Posted by mhs525' post='1068460' date='Dec 5 2009, 09:05 PM
That is strange. I asked my dealer to change my transmission fluid and they said its a "sealed unit" with "lifetime fluid" and doesn't need to be changed.

However when I asked an independent shop they said they would do it but it would cost $800. The filter is part of the pan and that's $250. The fluid is $30/quart and you must use the BMW fluid.
Old 12-05-2009, 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by joelans' post='1068417' date='Dec 5 2009, 08:43 PM
I have a 2004 530i with about 54,000 miles. The dealer says it needs a transmission flush, and they want $750 to do it. They say it needs some type of "special fluid." They also wanted $220 to change the accessory belt, but I'll do that myself for the $25.

Is a tranny flush something a local shop could do (e.g., a transmission shop that can use synthetic fluid), or is there something special with BMW?

Pay no more than $400.
Old 12-06-2009, 10:41 AM
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MHS is exactly right in his abov posts.. I also have a 2004 530i. I had my tranny fluid changed at 45000 miles by an Indy here in Dallas that is very well respected. The costs was 750.00..
Old 12-07-2009, 05:33 AM
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Here is a good read for you. There are other compatible fluids besides Shell. BMW has an exclusive with Shell and it can't be found anywhere besides the dealer. Plenty have changed it with other compatible fluids, successfully.

https://5series.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=88129

Raj
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