Took a bit of a gamble yesterday.

My 2005 X5 4.4 has 100000 miles on it. I bought it with 60000 on it and as far as I know, the tranny fluid has never been changed. My indie, and several other people, have recommended that if the truck has over 100000 miles and the fluid is original to not change it. However, many other people have opined that no fluid is lifetime and that I should change it every 50000 miles.

Well, I trust my indie, but I also know that no auto fluid is lifetime. The PM bird on my shoulder won the battle.

So ....... I gambled and went with a transmission fluid drain and refill with a filter change. I do feel better about the tranny now, but am a little nervous and anticipating the 'TRANS FAILSAFE' message every time I hear a chime.