I would suspect that ten years regardless of mileage would be a good time to think about changing
any fluid in an automotive application. Just due to age. I don't think there is any fluid manufacturer (household or automotive) that recommends keeping their product in a sealed bottle on a shelf for that time period. "Shelf life" is normally 1-5 years. Even motor oil breaks down after 10 years in a sealed can.
The only example I have that would be an
exception is chain saw lube (Bar Lube). I think that stuff just gets thicker after 20 years.
I have a bottle that is more than 20 years old and it has moved to a more honey like
consistency. I would not however put it in something that costs $4,000 to replace if all goes wrong.
Our vehicles are all at the 10 year mark. Rubber falls apart, electric connections fail, seals fail, and plastic just breaks due to age, UV and ozone. Welcome to "old car" life.
__________________
2005 X5 4.8IS
The
Blue ones are always FASTER....
Current Garage:
2005 X5 4.8is
2002 M5 TiSilver
2003 525iT
1998 528i
Former Garage Stable Highlights
2004 325XiT Sport
1973 De Tomaso Pantera, L Model
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp GoManGo Green
1971 Dart Sport, “Dart Light” package
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Ply Barracuda 340S FB Sea-foam Green