Transmission: stupid question...

[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.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Abe_Froman

So in answer to my question about leading indicators of a potential transmission problem, indicators that may allow me to fix a problem cheaply before it becomes a larger, more expensive issue, your answer is to just enjoy the ride?

You're telling me that my transmission will inevitably fail, and that there's not only no way to tell when it'll happen, but that there will be no warning signs in advance?

I'm new here, and all, so you'll have to forgive my ignorance. But is this really the best information the board can offer?

You have received pretty balanced responses, so I will generally just echo them and fill in a few points.

There are not reliable leading indicators for a BMW automatic transmission failure. That is because failures are not due to a single cause, or general wear (both of which aid in predictive maintenance). Many failures seem to be related to the failure of sensors and the electronics package in the transmission, and these types of failures by their nature are random.

If you get continuous or repeating fault code messages, that would be a predictor. Unfortunately, the first sign of failure is often a slow-to-engage reverse clutch, and that is a post-failure indicator.

This is in fact excellent information, just not the information we would prefer (whether to give, or receive).

You can certainly change the fluid, and that is intuitively a good thing to do, but the statistics show that it very often leads to a premature failure. That is why many of us won't do transmission fluid changes, we have seen too many failures from doing them. There are not a history of failures from burnt fluid (like transmission used to fail, back 20 years ago). Fluid colour is not an indicator either.

Some of us believe very strongly in preventative maintenance, and do it on other components, it is just that a BMW automatic doesn't lend itself to preventative maintenance.

Hope that helps.

[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.

[BMWonly]

Originally Posted by faz

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.

I guess that statement was too broad. As far as I know it only applies to the ZF and GM auto transmissions in the X5 and probably other BMW's equipped with the same transmission. The paddle shifters should be fine.