B20forlife

Hi everyone. I have a 2004 525i with the 2.5 engine and 6 speed automatic. I'm thinking about doing a fluid change and filter to my transmission. It runs great. I bought the car with 100k miles I'm now at 147k and I was planning on doing a fluid and filter change but is it to late? Should I just not do it since it may cause problems? I don't know if it has ever been done. Thanks

pcy

It won't hurt anything if you drop the pan, replace the filter+pan, replenish the fluid. It'll give you a chance to look at the condition of the fluid and check for any metal particles in the pan.

I don't recommend any power flushes of the trans fluid at that mileage.

When you are replenishing the fluid, it's important you follow the procedure and make sure the fluid is topped off at the right temp range.

About the fluid: sine you are not replacing the entire fluid, it is a good idea to get ZF/Pentosin trans fluid for replenishing. While there are other compatible trans fluids, you won't be saving a whole lot of dollars by using 4 to 5 qts of generic/compatible trans fluid. Think about the Risk vs. Reward.

B20forlife

I will be using a diy write up and have already bought the tools to do it and temperature thermometer. I was planing on using the kit that ECS sells. They sell 2 kits. One with genuine bmw fluid and another with a different brand. Here is the link. Would this oil be good or am I really better off going the genuine bmw oil route. There is a $100 difference between the 2 kits. Thanks again for your input.
BMW E60 525i M54 2.5L Maintenance Drivetrain Transmission Service Kit - 24117571217kt2 - Automatic Transmission Service Kit - Level 2 - ES#2771511

KyleB

get your kit from thectsc.com

it has the correct ZF Lifeguard6 for your gearbox.

istundra

if we don't lose a drop, do we use all 7 quarts of oil?

just trying to figure out an easy way to fill the fluid without over/under filling.

seanjordan20

I dont now about quarts . the bottle measurements should be in liters. You should not have to use all 7 quarts. There is only 1 way to fill the trans and that is the fill plug on the driver side of the trans. I used a pump that actually screwed on the bottle with a v-shaped plastic "grabber" on the end of the hose. I filled it with minimal waist. You will definitely loose a drop or two because of the fill procedure. I bought 7 liters because my trans sat without the pan on for over a week. I was able to get 6.3L back in. If the car is leveled and you follow the procedures you will not over fill. It is under filling that you need worry about.

istundra

thanks! it is better to know that we cannot overfill the fluid.