ATF to change or not to change... - Page 2

mrbmwx5 · #11 03-04-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomaz

Why just the rear? I changed both front and rear and transfer case at 90K and the old fluid looked like new.

Why just the rear? if you not going to change the trans fluid then just do the rear.because the front and the trans are in 1 unit so the fluid for the trans and the front is the same one.

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Tomaz · #12 03-05-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

Why just the rear? if you not going to change the trans fluid then just do the rear.because the front and the trans are in 1 unit so the fluid for the trans and the front is the same one.

Not true. The front differential is seperate from the transmission and takes gear lube. There's also a transfer case that takes it's own special lubricant. Thats 4 different changes for the driveline; trasnsmission, 2 differentials, transfer case.

X5Dawg · #13 03-05-2008, 11:28 AM

I have always heard (not just with BMWs) that you either change it early and regularly or don't do it at all.

I am at 133K miles and haven't touched it and don't plan on it until it fails.

chefwong · #14 03-05-2008, 11:29 AM

If you're doing the differentials, can I recommend a lubricant. At your mileage, I would consider Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-110.

OEM spec is 75W90. I used Severe Gear 75W90 when I did my swap. But at the upper mileage, I would definitely consider the 75w110.

FYI - Tcase calls for Dex III if I recall.

FSETH · #15 03-05-2008, 11:24 PM

Thanks for all of the advice. I am still a little torn and I can see that people are still divided on this issue. If I were to get it changed by a dealer do they typically drop the pan, change the filter and remove the metal sediment?

If all of those steps are taken I just don't see how changing it could lead to any issues that not changing it would have prevented.

chefwong · #16 03-06-2008, 11:59 AM

I would not go to a dealer for this....unless their rates are good.

Buy your own fluids or use *better* fluids, and either DIY or find a good INDY you can trust. FWIW, I used Amsoil in my differentials, Amsoil ATF in the transfer and for the drains in the ATF, I did use Esso while under warranty and once out, I did a pan/filter drop with Amsoil ATF as well.

HPIA4v2 · #17 03-06-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

Thanks for all of the advice. I am still a little torn and I can see that people are still divided on this issue. If I were to get it changed by a dealer do they typically drop the pan, change the filter and remove the metal sediment?

If all of those steps are taken I just don't see how changing it could lead to any issues that not changing it would have prevented.

FSETH,
I did the ATF trans on the link provided above so I may add a few things.
My X5 had inspaection II done @30000 miles (1 or so year before I flushed the trans) and I asked dealer to do ATF flush for $250.
I doubt they dropped the pan. In any rate when I did the flush @42500 you can see how dirty it was. So my dealer probably just drained and filled back ATF w/o filter change or pan dropped.

BTW,
not sure why trans gone bad after flushing on higher mileage, but maybe the metal shaving actually clogged the valave body passages and worn out check ball actually happy in this situation. But once cleaner fluid running in valve body it may disolve the crud and makes the worn check ball stuck in valve body, check this one to see how valve body looks like:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/356031

e53fl · #18 03-06-2008, 02:14 PM

If ur tranny fluid was dirty after 12500 miles then i doubt ur dealer did anything but charge u 250.00.

X5 Meister · #19 03-06-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

I know this topic has come up before, but I was trying to see if there were any new opinions out there on this. I have an 02 4.4 with 85k. I have read of a few horror stories after changing the ATF for the first time at higher mileage (near 100k). I tried to get the dealer to do it for me when the X was in the shop for Inspection II, but he convinced me that it didn't need to be addressed until 100k. I have been debating having the ATF changed, but am unsure what to do at this point with close to 90k. As of now the trans runs smooth with no complaints (knock on wood). Any advice will be appreciated, except comments on the smooth talking service adviser pulling one over on me.

Ask the guy who just clocked 190,000 miles on his X5 what he did.