Krozi

Well I have done some research and found that BMW transmissions have a pretty bad history. There are a lot of reports of transmission failures. I was wondering if the Lifetime Tranny Fluid is to blame? There are people who say the Lifetime Fluid is total rubbish and should be flushed a lot sooner than 100,000 miles. What is your take? And do you flush your transmission?

Thank you

-Krozi

Rob Hall

Ive had my tranny fluid changed, the filter was part of the sump plate so also needs changing. Mine was at 90+ k miles.

Phantom Mark

Im gonna have mine done as well ...............79k here atm

Skip

Did it make much difference to the way the car drove and did you get it done at a dealer or specialist?

Thanks

porsche911targa

Yes, the transmission and differential fluids should be replaced regularly, despite what BMW claims. Many experts recommend every two years or 50K miles, whichever comes first. I have replaced the transmission fluid several times on my E46 and I can feel the difference. The transmission goes back to shifting as smooth as velvet, all without a reprogram. I've just had the tranny replaced in my E60, and I intend to change the fluids in 2 years. Money well spent if you plan to keep the car beyond the warranty period. It costs $6~8K to replace the tranny, while it costs about $450 to replace the tranny and diff fluids. It's up to you which amount you're willing to spend.

I had this work by the dealer. There was no real difference in price between the dealer and the specialty shop. I would trust the dealer to do a better job than the specialty shop. You just have to be strong and insist if they try to talk you out of doing it because of the "lifetime" fluid. BTW, now BMW is saying that it's a 100K fluid. Funny how all maintenance plans end at 100K miles and won't include that in the plan.

Rob Hall

The car does change a little smoother perhaps but nothing major, i would say its more about piece of mind knowing theres clean oil/ filter in there , although there was nothing nasty in the sump when removed. Tranny specialists Oakdene of Nottingham did the work.

BrianTx5

I changed the transmission fluid and differential fluid at 50,000 miles.

bars_sun

100k according to certified BMW mechanic

968turboS

I would suggest doing it at 60k intervals. I have done this on my E46 and noticed a difference. ZF units seem harder on their trans fluid than the GM built transmissions.
I have an Audi that uses a ZF transmission and the fluid at 90k looked mucky compared to the fluid that came out of my E46 with the GM unit.
There are a few options on fluids. You can buy the ESSO LT fluid, Pentosin or recently available Mobil1 Synthetic ATF. Mobil1 is readily available at any auto store and costs a lot less.
Regards.

calpalmer

I think 60K is Mike Miller's recommendation as well on these "lifetime fluids"... You can email him at BMWCCA or at Bimmer.mag, he's the tech editor for both, and will send you his recommendation maintenance schedules if you're old-school and don't buy all of BMWs or other manufacturers' hype about lifetime this or that. "Lifetimes" are measured in lots fewer K's or yr's these days...

Cal