Transmission: stupid question...

[gregy]

I would suggest changing your fluid at the previous posters recommendation of 30k, there is no such thing as a lifetime fluid. I would not suggest anything but using the OEM brand fluid, I think specs mean less than what was used in the car to begin with. If you do not know what are you are doing than you are probably better leaving it alone if you were going to DIY.

I used to read forums and look for different fluids that may or may not work better than OEM, stuff like Redline and the like. I realized that whatever difference they may or may not make, its not worth the risk of potentially using the incorrect fluid. Engine oil is less risky in terms of brand, I would say Syntec or Mobil 1 will be about the same as long as you are using the correct grade. When it comes to differentials and transmissions, use the original stuff.

[BMWonly]

I bought a 2001 X5 3.0 about a year ago with 91k miles. Transmission had never been serviced. Three independent BMW shops gave me the same recommendation, to service the transmission as soon as possible, and then every 30k. That's what I did, and at least after my first 10k everything is still fine.

I have done some research on German websites (I am German) and read various used car buyers guides. Most of them mentioned that manual downshifts in the tiptronic mode WILL ruin an auto trans. Recommendation is to just leave it in auto all the time.

Hope this helps.

Dieter

[faz]

Originally Posted by BMWonly

I have done some research on German websites (I am German) and read various used car buyers guides. Most of them mentioned that manual downshifts in the tiptronic mode WILL ruin an auto trans. Recommendation is to just leave it in auto all the time.

Hope this helps.

Dieter

Wow... that is the first time I am hearing this. When you say 'an auto trans' do you mean any, or just X5's? Given the increased popularity of paddle shifters on the steering wheels, I am even more surprised to hear that.

[primetime]

OP use the search feature before you start crying about the information you're receiving..

[Abe_Froman]

Originally Posted by anerbe

OP, just look down a couple of posts:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/65060-car-jerks-acceleration-low-rpms.html

Yeah, I looked at that one. The guy has a V8. My question pertained to the 6 cyl models. I am enjoying my new car, I just want to be prepared.

Originally Posted by primetime

OP use the search feature before you start crying about the information you're receiving..

I did search. It took me the better part of an hour-and-a-half to read all the threads, and all but two of them involved V8 models.

I'm not "crying" about the information. I'm stunned by the seeming lack of willingness to provide any insight beyond what I've already found by using your search function, and I'm disappointed to see that so many members of this board are quick to assume that I'm some sort of n00b who doesn't know how to do research before asking a question.

Thank you to those who gave me an honest opinion and a reassuring answer. To primetime and those who want to make a new member--a person coming to you for help--feel stupid for asking what you feel are trite and unimportant questions, then I guess I have a lot to learn about how to properly own a BMW. Perhaps you may benefit from looking at the post that's been stickied to the top of the page...

[Ghost-Flame]

Originally Posted by Abe_Froman

Yeah, I looked at that one. The guy has a V8. My question pertained to the 6 cyl models. I am enjoying my new car, I just want to be prepared.




I did search. It took me the better part of an hour-and-a-half to read all the threads, and all but two of them involved V8 models.

I'm not "crying" about the information. I'm stunned by the seeming lack of willingness to provide any insight beyond what I've already found by using your search function, and I'm disappointed to see that so many members of this board are quick to assume that I'm some sort of n00b who doesn't know how to do research before asking a question.

Thank you to those who gave me an honest opinion and a reassuring answer. To primetime and those who want to make a new member--a person coming to you for help--feel stupid for asking what you feel are trite and unimportant questions, then I guess I have a lot to learn about how to properly own a BMW. Perhaps you may benefit from looking at the post that's been stickied to the top of the page...

I guess if you are concerned about the transmission failing prematurly. Most trannies Don't fail early. (the glass is 95% full) There's not a lot of advice we can give you on such a new tranny(26K). They have a life of 100,000 plus, plus, plus...plus miles. There's a guy on here that has posted 250K trouble free miles. Like someone said its like waiting for an earthquake if you live in California.

I will give you some contraversial advice that many people here would say is not necessary. I change my trans fluid in my BMW using Mobil1 synthetic it exceeds the ETL8072B spec for trans fluid. My theory being that maybe the factory fluid in the trans is supposed to go lifetime but, how can fresh fluid hurt the machinery. I change mine every 30,000 miles with a new trans filter. I believe, and some others do too, that this will help prolong the life of your trans but, there are no gaurantees.
You have 26,000 miles If I were you I'd change it in a few thousand miles then every 30K.

Many will post its not necessary but, what can it hurt... a little "chicken soup" for the BMW soul

[Abe_Froman]

Ghost-Flame: Thank you for the information. I also subscribe to the idea that preventive maintenance is necessary and that it doesn't hurt to be proactive. Your advice is most welcome. Strange as this sounds, I've had 20-something vehicles, this is my 5th BMW, and yet it's my first ever automatic transmission. I know what to look for with a manual, but this slush-box thing is just very new to me.

[Wayne's World]

Possible symptoms of tranny failure: hard shifts, grinding gears, slipping gears, reluctance to downshift even under extreme load (although this could be software related too) and a light rotational scraping sound that can usually only be heard from inside the vehicle [failing torque converter].

I too believe in preventative maintenance. I have a 3.0L I6 Automatic and I changed mine (probably for the 1st time; i'm the 2nd owner) at 91K miles with Valvoline DEX VI and a new BMW filter. I plan on doing it again in 30K miles.