True dat. At higher mileages, I think an automatic transmission fluid change is more of a negative than a positive, as there is a clear risk of transmission failure post-change. At low mileages, ie 30,000, I think there is little negative or risk. I still don't think there is a positive benefit at those mileages, but if owners want to do it so they feel better, they should do so. Feeling better is a good thing. They just shouldn't expect that it will make their transmissions last longer.

I think it is interesting that a BMW service procedure for the transmission that I read described saving and putting the same fluid back in after draining it. That seems to me to be more work than just using fresh fluid, but BMW didn't want to shock the transmission with new fluid, the old fluid was run in and considered better for the transmission. Sort of challenges the claims that new fluid is always better.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue