Transmission PM Fluids - How Much??

[tomgtv]

I just got quoted by a local non dealer shop $415 to switch out
the fluids and filter on my 2001 X5 that has 113,000 miles.

How much is a good going rate??

Should I / Need to do this PM??

Tom

[withidl]

Yes your fluid should be changed, but DO NOT LET A NON DEALER TOUCH IT!!. I'd leave the filter alone also since once the pan is opened its been my experience that it tends to leak thereafter. Just have the fluid drained via the drain plug and replenished WITH THE CORRECT FLUID........THIS IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL!! If the incorrect fluid is used it will destroy the transmission clutches. The fluid for the ZF transmission on my 2001 4.4i cost about $32 per PINT, so it's expensive.

The pan drain will only remove about half the fluid due to the other half being retained in the torque converter. You might consider driving it a few hundred miles after the half change and then repeating which will effectively R&R 3/4 of the fluid.