Transmission Fluid Change

GmoneyLI · #1 02-13-2012, 06:04 PM

I have a 2000 X5 4.4 an was thinking of changing the transmission fluid. I've heard that it will make the tranny shift a lot better, but then I've heard that it could ruin the transmission.

I'm planning on using the OEM tranny fluid from BMW and my Indy euro mechanic is going to flush the fluid with the dialysis machine

Thoughts?

thunderX · #2 02-13-2012, 06:59 PM

I would do it. I had mine done this year. X doesn't upshift any different (good thing?) but it is smoother on the downshift close to a stop.

Also have the Transfer Case fluid replaced- mine was black after 75K miles.

I changed the front and rear diffys but only the front had dirty fluid.

jbond007 · #3 02-13-2012, 06:59 PM

Thoughts? Probably millions via the search feature.

My quick 2 cents is that the "dialysis" machine will be the highest risk for stirring up metallic residue and/or shavings increasing risk for tranny issues. Also, you will still have the old filter inside.

I flushed my fluid by dropping the pan and cleaning it. Then replacing the filter as I discussed here.

sasquatch · #4 02-13-2012, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbond007

My quick 2 cents is that the "dialysis" machine will be the highest risk for stirring up metallic residue and/or shavings increasing risk for tranny issues. Also, you will still have the old filter inside.

Nonsense. The flushing machines are designed to safely and carefully remove the fluid including the torque converter, which is nearly impossible to do with the "drop the pan and refill" method. I've used the machine and it works great. There is too much misinformation on this website when it comes to the transmission and how to care for it. I think too many people over-think it.

If you're not having problems don't mess with it. If it's showing signs of slipping, hesitation, etc you have bigger issue than the fluid.

SlickGT1 · #5 02-14-2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatch

Nonsense. The flushing machines are designed to safely and carefully remove the fluid including the torque converter, which is nearly impossible to do with the "drop the pan and refill" method. I've used the machine and it works great. There is too much misinformation on this website when it comes to the transmission and how to care for it. I think too many people over-think it.

If you're not having problems don't mess with it. If it's showing signs of slipping, hesitation, etc you have bigger issue than the fluid.

Yea sure nonsense. Let us know how it goes. I hope you are fortunate enough not to kill the trans. With a high pressure machine stirring up fluid through your old used filter. The shock that the trans will get once you replace all the oil will be massive. I would not do it. Especially after all my friend mechanics, who have nothing to gain since they usually don't charge me, do not recommend it. They say if I really want to, bring in a shit load of fluid, and they will get it done, but they say that it is a bigger risk than a drain and fill. Especially if you never changed your fluid and filter before.

GmoneyLI · #6 02-13-2012, 08:16 PM

I have to wait a couple of seconds for reverse to engage, and my fiancé had a problem one day.. Sounded like it wouldn't shift out of 1st but I haven't been able to replicate it.. Ever lol
My BMW tech said all u need to do sometimes is turn the car off and on to reset the comp.
I feel like a fluid change will just make the tranny feel smooth in general and hopefully solve the reverse problem.
I'm just a little worried when I hear it can cause more issues lol. The car only has 83k miles.. Driven short distances the past couple of years.

jbond007 · #7 02-13-2012, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatch

Nonsense. The flushing machines are designed to safely and carefully remove the fluid including the torque converter, which is nearly impossible to do with the "drop the pan and refill" method. I've used the machine and it works great. There is too much misinformation on this website when it comes to the transmission and how to care for it. I think too many people over-think it.

If you're not having problems don't mess with it. If it's showing signs of slipping, hesitation, etc you have bigger issue than the fluid.

So... personally I would never put in new fluid and leave an old filter. Would you do that with your oil?

Second, I follow the manual which says every 100,000 miles not "don't mess with it".

But you do what you like, I'll follow my "misinformation".

SF2000x5 · #8 02-14-2012, 01:11 AM

With close to 200k miles I drained the fluid and changed the filter. It shifts faster now.

The fluid looked old, roughly 50k miles old. A lot of metal on the magnets and bottom of the pan.

Clockwork · #9 02-14-2012, 01:15 AM

DO IT. replace tranny fluid and filter and transfer case fluid.
As for making the reverse shift faster, thsi will NOT help. Its a software issue, from what I've read.

TiAgX5 · #10 02-14-2012, 12:05 PM

FWIW, I drained and refilled the trans 3 times at 100k miles (2 weeks between each), with a filter replacement during the 1st drain/fill. This minimized shock to the trans and replaced approx 85% of the old fluid. In the 50k miles since doing this service, I've seen no issues (even towing a 6000lb trailer a few K miles). Found that the X downshifts much smoother after the fluid change.