My vehicle is a 2009/20 (Manufactured 12/09) 535XI Wagon. I know i'm in the wrong forum but figured i'd get more views here. I purchased a 2009 wagon with 131K on the odometer. It now has 133,400ish miles on it. The H20 pump has never been replaced & the transmission fluid has never been changed. I need to drive from the east coast to the west coast than pack up my vehicle and drive back to the east coast. Moving my family here. All these miles will take place over a 3 week period.

The water pump. Should I worry about it quitting on the trip? Should I proactively change it or buy a replacement pump & just bring it with me on the trip (Just in case)

Transmission. I know everyone says don't change the fluid if it wasn't changed before 90K. My shop says it could go either way 50/50 if I change it. Just trying to gather how many disaster stories are out there about changing the fluid after 100-130K. I tend to drive pretty aggressively when driving across the country.

I'm really looking for real life opinions & experiences here. All advice & opinions will be appreciated.

 

I changed mine for the first time around 120k. I would do a drain and fill and start doing it every 40k.

A water pump I think is important. I change the water pumps on all my cars every 100k regardless. It keeps me having a piece of mind. I have 2 of my cars approaching 200k so I've been getting everything ready to do it once again. Water pump and thermo change together since the coolant will be drained.

Ultimately it's up to you but I am a firm believer of preventive maintenance and I've never had any of my cars break down on me. My thoughts are things are a lot more expensive when it happens unexpectedly.