Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='747849' date='Dec 18 2008, 09:21 AM

Many experts recommend every two years or 50K miles, whichever comes first.

Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='747849' date='Dec 18 2008, 06:21 AM

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.

Originally Posted by subarashi' post='748330' date='Dec 18 2008, 08:52 PM

I took my car to the dealer to have the tranny and the diff fluid changed.

They refused to do it. The official reason was that changing the fluids can cause transmission "issues" and that it is not a reccommended BMW service and hence, they wouldnt do it.

Call me nuts but the dealership makes money on this deal as the car is out of its 50K warranty and has CPO which would not cover these fluids. I was more than willing to pay for it....so what's the deal. It should be an easy empty/fill/top off/cap type of deal.... So why wouldnt they do it?

Someone said you should be firm but what if there are consequences to the fluid change??? Surely they would clearly no longer honor any form of warranty on the tranny if there were issues when they dont reccommend this in the first place..

Anyone have any theories????

Originally Posted by subarashi' post='748330' date='Dec 19 2008, 02:52 AM

I took my car to the dealer to have the tranny and the diff fluid changed.

They refused to do it. The official reason was that changing the fluids can cause transmission "issues" and that it is not a reccommended BMW service and hence, they wouldnt do it.

Call me nuts but the dealership makes money on this deal as the car is out of its 50K warranty and has CPO which would not cover these fluids. I was more than willing to pay for it....so what's the deal. It should be an easy empty/fill/top off/cap type of deal.... So why wouldnt they do it?

Someone said you should be firm but what if there are consequences to the fluid change??? Surely they would clearly no longer honor any form of warranty on the tranny if there were issues when they dont reccommend this in the first place..

Anyone have any theories????

Originally Posted by Rob Hall' post='747864' date='Dec 18 2008, 02:58 PM

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.

Originally Posted by Phantom Mark' post='748575' date='Dec 19 2008, 10:34 AM

I might get mine done there then ?? How long did it take them ???

I live near Grantham, Sleaford in fact..........so not too far from me.

Oh, and how much did they charge you Rob ??

TIA.