Should I change the Tranny Fluid? Or something else?

[jaypete1]

My 2000 4.4 has 97k. Pretty normal issues since buying it at 42k miles, but I keep hearing about big tranny issues lurking in the shadows. Will changing the tranny fluid help? Or hurt? If it ain't broke, don't fix it, I know. But is my only option to drive around holding my breath?

[dkl]

http://www.xoutpost.com/lounge/44344-...-proposal.html

[Tomaz]

Try "search" at the top of the page and read the many threads on this subject. My personal opinion is if your going to change the fluid, I did, you must also clean the sediment in the pan and put in a new filter. By the way, weclome to X5 World.

[prwdmd]

I had my car at the dealer last weekend for a turn signal and had them flush and replace the following fluids: transmission, front and rear differentials, and transfer case. They also replaced the transmission filter. It was expensive, cost around $800 for the service, and that was with a discount from my service manager. My X5 has around 85K miles and this is the first time I've had these fluids changed. I believe it is part of good maintenance, probably should have done it sooner. Maybe it's in my head, but it seems that the car drives a little smoother.

[STALKER]

Originally Posted by prwdmd

I had my car at the dealer last weekend for a turn signal and had them flush and replace the following fluids: transmission, front and rear differentials, and transfer case. They also replaced the transmission filter. It was expensive, cost around $800 for the service, and that was with a discount from my service manager. My X5 has around 85K miles and this is the first time I've had these fluids changed. I believe it is part of good maintenance, probably should have done it sooner. Maybe it's in my head, but it seems that the car drives a little smoother.

You did the right thing. I will be doing mine most likely once every year or so. I swap all the fluids in my M3 each spring and the car runs better then new with over 100K on it. Its not cheap to do it every year, but it will help in the long run. I think I might swap all the fluids in the X5 every other year, but do the brake fluid every spring.
Don't buy into this lifetime fluid BS that dealers tell you.

[Werewolf]

Originally Posted by STALKER

You did the right thing. I will be doing mine most likely once every year or so. I swap all the fluids in my M3 each spring and the car runs better then new with over 100K on it. Its not cheap to do it every year, but it will help in the long run. I think I might swap all the fluids in the X5 every other year, but do the brake fluid every spring.
Don't buy into this lifetime fluid BS that dealers tell you.

+1

Would consider changing the tranny, differentials and transfer case fluids if you haven't do so already.

[X5 in AK]

I would change the fluid. The 'lifetime fluid' line from BMW is a load of crap.
I changed mine at 85k miles, and it was not clean. had a lot of junk in it.
You also NEED to drop the pan, clean it out and change the filter.

Cleanliness is godliness when dealing with an auto-box. Make sure the outside of the tranny around the pan and the drain plugs are really, super clean before dropping the pan.
Brake cleaner and compressed air will be your friends.

Buy the ESSO fluid from a VW dealer, it the same stuff but cheaper.

read the tranny fluid change article on the home page.

[butundo]

Originally Posted by X5 in AK

Buy the ESSO fluid from a VW dealer, it the same stuff but cheaper.

Is there a fluid that anyone would recommend from a local parts store?

[prwdmd]

Originally Posted by prwdmd

Maybe it's in my head, but it seems that the car drives a little smoother.

I'm definitely not imagining things. Today I had more time out on the highway... the car is driving significantly smoother. Especially noticeable at higher speeds.

[Bimmer360]

im currently at 101300, is it safe to change it?