ATF to change or not to change...

FSETH · #1 03-03-2008, 11:47 PM

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.

mrbmwx5 · #2 03-04-2008, 12:02 AM

leave the ATF alone and just change the rear diff. fluid

Tomaz · #3 03-04-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

leave the ATF alone and just change the rear diff. fluid

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

mrbmwx5 · #4 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.

Tomaz · #5 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 · #6 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.

acitydweller · #7 03-04-2008, 12:14 AM

I am nearing 50k with my x5 and recently changed the front and rear diff and crank case fluids without dealing with the transmission fluid. Bavauto recomnmends a change interval of 50,000 miles but I suppose ill wait a bit to see. Definitely change the diff fluids. you'll notice a difference.

Tomaz · #8 03-04-2008, 12:49 AM

Check out the condition of the fluid in this link; http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...smission+flush and decide if that is best for your transmission. I changed mine per this link at 90K and have not had any problems so far. Good luck

FSETH · #9 03-04-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomaz

Check out the condition of the fluid in this link; http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...smission+flush and decide if that is best for your transmission. I changed mine per this link at 90K and have not had any problems so far. Good luck

I have to agree with the logic that cleaner fluid is better, but I was surprised to read the number of posts here saying that if you don't change it early, don't mess with it at all. That is why I am sort of torn. Was it just a fluke that some people experienced trans issues after changing at higher mileage for the first time, or is there something behind it?

Tomaz · #10 03-04-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

I have to agree with the logic that cleaner fluid is better, but I was surprised to read the number of posts here saying that if you don't change it early, don't mess with it at all. That is why I am sort of torn. Was it just a fluke that some people experienced trans issues after changing at higher mileage for the first time, or is there something behind it?

I too struggled with changing the fluid. I think many of the problems were a result of just changing the fluid but not dropping the pan and changing the filter and cleaning the sediment and magnets. If you just change the fluid you often stir up the sediment and cause problems. I further believe that most transmission problems are not mechanical failures but clogged valves or other fluid pathways. One could not argue that clean fluid with no sediment is a better condition than dirty fluid and sediment in the pan.