I have 2005 model year car and 134,500 KM or 83,000 Mileson the clock. I hope i am not too late.

 

Hey and welcome!

Since this is a new car to you, I would recommend changing all of the fluids and filters sooner than later (oil and filter, coolant, transmission, differential, fuel filter). Doing this, you personally know that it has been changed and can subsequently track the miles to the next interval.

If you are experiencing rough shifts, the transmission oil and filter should be changed. Some will argue that if you aren't having any problems, then don't change it as putting new fluid in the transmission might cause more damage as it dislodges metal shavings and particles than can find their way elsewhere in the mechantronics of the tranny, but I don't believe in that. I have changed the transmission fluid in all of my new-to-me used cars, both autos and manuals (most with 200,000km+ with no issues).

BMW "lifetime" fluid is not really a lifetime; BMW has recently released notice that their definition of lifetime is roughly 100,000km.

Since your car has only done 134,000km, changing the transmission oil and filter should help those rough shifts and smooth everything out.

 

Thank you.

Today 2 official bmw service dealer told me no change is needed unless level is low somehow or need new transmission required

Is there are dipstick that i can check the condition my fluid in respect of the level and the quality ? My previous Accord had. Or is not possible unless it is emptied ?

 

They are wrong. DEAD wrong. Seriously, whoever told you that at the dealer level has no idea what he/she is talking about.

Your transmission is manufactured by ZF. I have posted ZF's literature in several other threads. The service interval that ZF recommends is right around the 50,000 mile mark, sooner if you use the car for 'heavy use' such as 'towing' (ZFs words, not mine).

There is no dipstick. see the DIY section of this forum for service procedures.

Good luck with the car.

 

Hi Again;


Thank you for the valuable information. I really appreciated.


So, could you advise what brand and type of transmission oil you recommend ?


Also I plan to fit LFA (low/high beam assistant) on my car, since I drive a lot between the cities at night with many dark spots around. It would comfort me much.

My car already has adaptive head lights but not LFA (hope that is the correct abbv.)
Do you think that could be fitted, works as originally and also is an easy job to fit ?


Thank for your help, that is much appreciated !


Emre