Has anyone done a Transmission filter and fluid change and caused more issues?

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by SMOKEY53

I guess that makes sense, if it's a warranty claim - that way BMW isn't copping the cost for replacement fluid on top of the parts required.

But for the same reason that people think the flush causes issues (it dislodges gunk and pushes it into areas that affect the shifting function) I would have thought tipping dirty fluid back into the transmission would do the exact same thing.

I'm keeping an eye on mine - it's starting leaking from the plastic electrical harness connector - so I'm likely going to be paying a shop to do a flush soon. I've got all the gear to do it myself but I'd rather it be flushed right rather than a 'drop and refill'.

If reusing the original fluid, I would still run it through a fine mesh filter such as one for paint finishes, before pumping it back in to make sure there wasn't any loose debris in it. The important point is that you're not altering the "chemical" operating environment the friction components are accustomed to.

2002 X5 274,040 miles
2004 325i 118,500 miles

[JCL]

Originally Posted by SMOKEY53

I guess that makes sense, if it's a warranty claim - that way BMW isn't copping the cost for replacement fluid on top of the parts required.

But for the same reason that people think the flush causes issues (it dislodges gunk and pushes it into areas that affect the shifting function) I would have thought tipping dirty fluid back into the transmission would do the exact same thing.

By the time BMW pays a shop to catch the fluid, and refill it, it would likely be cheaper to put new fluid in.

The risk isn't tipping the fluid back in, but rather the higher detergent levels of the new fluid compared to the old fluid. When the amount of detergent changes, the fluid is more likely to scour out deposits that in many cases weren't hurting anything. If they make it to the filter, fine. If they lodge in the valve body in one of the many small orifices, that is when problems occur.

[white46]

I see it this way.

1. Many owners flushing tranny fluid, hoping to fix a problem they are having. Of course, it is not always the case.

2. Flushing tranny fluid not done correct way. Just drain/refill -> nono. To do the job properly, not only having correct fluid is important, tranny filter should be replaced as well as drain/refill should be done at least 3 times to drain every fluid out from TC.

3. People usually post on internet AFTER they have problem. That's why you see 100s of posts "Tranny fluid flush gone bad", but not many success stories.

I've done mine at 120,000 miles last year and no problem so far.

[upallnight]

That hard shift into second from cold could be a symptom of other problems with the trans. Here's a guy with a Jaguar with the ZF 5HP24 trans like the X and he had the trans service at 107,000 miles and it crap out on him at 113,000. 6000 miles later, but I kinda doubt it was the trans service, but the poor design/material used in the trans.

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

A hard shift into second from a cold start up could be a valve body issue.

[JCL]

Yes, it has happened. It hasn't happened to me personally with an X5, but it has with other (customer) vehicles. This has nothing to do with BMW, or ZF, or the X5. The failure mode is identical for all makes and models. My experience is based on working in a shop, not on DIYers in a driveway.

Still, if you want to focus on the X5, there are good detailed posts on here of some who have changed fluid, with the best of intentions, at higher mileages. They used the proper fluid and filter, and did not have problems beforehand. They had problems afterwards, most likely due to the high detergent levels in the new fluid (which are there by design) cleaning out the transmission of deposits that weren't hurting anything where they were, but were carried into the valve body, actuators, sensors, etc. Shifting problems result.

Coming from a service background, the reason why some shops won't touch a requested fluid change is consequent liability. It is a well understood reason for failure, it isn't some sort of urban myth. All they have to gain is the profit on the job, and the potential downside is a failed transmission, which owners tend to go after the shops for. Sure, they can get you to sign a release saying it is all at your own risk, but those rarely work out with all parties satisfied. I would trust a shop who is prepared to stand on their principles more than one who says no worries, it'll be fine, no risk, let's just throw it up on the hoist....

If you have shifting problems, and want to try new fluid before tearing the transmission open, just find someone who will do it. Use the correct (ZF) fluid, not a generic one. Use an OE filter from the dealer or ZF. It may help, and is cheaper than tearing open the transmission.

I know you were looking for info on how many failed. You won't find it. Remember, the plural of anecdote isn't data.

Jeff

[kvc]

Go to the ZF site and read what the manufacturer recommends.... Change the filter and fluid on a regular basis (at least every 100,000 kms or 60,000 miles).
Would you drain the engine and put the same dirty oil back in? The same principle applies to any mechanical component, regardless of 'dislodging built up deposits', which can happen at any time IMHO.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by kvc

Go to the ZF site and read what the manufacturer recommends.... Change the filter and fluid on a regular basis (at least every 100,000 kms or 60,000 miles).
Would you drain the engine and put the same dirty oil back in? The same principle applies to any mechanical component, regardless of 'dislodging built up deposits', which can happen at any time IMHO.

Actually, ZF published that they support BMW's factory recommendation.

But if you go to the ZF Service site (a group that doesn't make transmissions, but which is a division of ZF which sells service parts and fluids for them) they will happily tell you to change the fluid. Follow the money.

[sunny5280]

I have yet to see any scientific evidence to support the argument changing the fluid increases the chance of having a transmission issue. Until then I consider it a wives tale.

[bestvaluestore]

I just believe these guys who are more experienced than me.And so far all is ok.

[spongerich]

BMW is 100% correct that the fluid is 'lifetime'.

Because once the fluid goes bad or gets contaminated, that the end of the lifetime for your transmission.

My indy has worked on BMWs for 20 years and was service manager at a local dealer for 10. He told me not to pay him the $500 for a proper flush and filter change.. said he'd rather sell me a $5000 transmission in a couple years :-)

My 4.4 is going in tomorrow. I'm at 70K and mine shifts just a little harsher than I'd like. Even if the new fluid doesn't help, seems like cheap insurance.