Poll on Transmission Flush at High Miles

[RDAvena]

Dropped the pan and replaced filter and fluids.

68,000 Miles
Amsoil AFT used and I had the same moss growing on my magnets as the one above. Scratched off that "Lifetime" sticker and added an extra rare earth magnet to the pan just in case. At 110,000 now and no issues. Spirited driving, manual shifting, etc. At 125,000 I will do the same.

When the bean counters start doing engineering work that is when parts fail.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by RDAvena

Dropped the pan and replaced filter and fluids.

68,000 Miles
Amsoil AFT used and I had the same moss growing on my magnets as the one above. Scratched off that "Lifetime" sticker and added an extra rare earth magnet to the pan just in case. At 110,000 now and no issues. Spirited driving, manual shifting, etc. At 125,000 I will do the same.

When the bean counters start doing engineering work that is when parts fail.

I completely agree about the bean counters

For fluid, people have had success over the years also using Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle (dino oil) and Valvoline MaxLife (Synthetic). Its also been shown that the only difference between a normal Dexron III and Esso is the extra additive Esso uses to extend the servicing intervals. I'd rather save my $3k transmission by spending $80 in fluids and change it every 50k instead of letting the bean counters and engineers use me as a guinnea pig. I've read countless stories of failing trannies due to lack of maintenance and/or following BMW suggestions, but I have yet to read (or personally experience w/ my own cars) about a failed tranny due to "over" maintenace by not following their recommendations. Everyone can do what they want, but I know what's worked for me since my 1st BMW purchase in 98 when I read these same stories back then.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by RDAvena

Dropped the pan and replaced filter and fluids. 68,000 Miles. Amsoil AFT used and I had the same moss growing on my magnets as the one above. Scratched off that "Lifetime" sticker and added an extra rare earth magnet to the pan just in case.

The metal particles aren't what will bite you, it is the material from the clutch packs and bands. That material isn't metallic. It is what usually is dislodged when the fluid is changed. Anything large enough to settle in the pan is large enough to be caught by the filter, in general terms. I agree it looks bad in photos of a transmission pan, but it isn't like it is hurting anything.

[RDAvena]

Originally Posted by JCL

The metal particles aren't what will bite you, it is the material from the clutch packs and bands. That material isn't metallic. It is what usually is dislodged when the fluid is changed. Anything large enough to settle in the pan is large enough to be caught by the filter, in general terms. I agree it looks bad in photos of a transmission pan, but it isn't like it is hurting anything.

As stated, the extra magnet is in there "just in case". If said metallic material did not pose a threat to plugging the passages, solenoids, and check balls in the valve body then they would not have been included from the manuf.