:: ECS Tuning :: Automatic Transmission Service Video DIY

[ECS Tuning]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Nice video and seems simple! I'm assuming the X5 would be similar if not identical?

Similar processes but not identical on the X5. Take the video as a basic guide for the X5 as the process will be similar.

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

I'm not sure why then it is recommended not to change the fluid on cars (X5) with high mileage??? I didn't see anyathing that would be specific to that in the video?

From our experience your vehicles which have high mileages changes then transmission failure are the vehicles which already are having transmission problems. On cars with properly functioning transmissions routine service should cause no issues.

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

I've read that even the dealer doesn't recommend it so why is that? Your insights ECS would be appreciated?

We got by the manufactures of the transmission suggestions with our service intervals not BMWs.

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Does measuring the temp tells that the trans fluid in there is the right amount?

Bingo!

[X5Ghost]

Thanks ECS!

[ECS Tuning]

Hey guys! We've put together a pdf to help anyone out who's looking to service their transmission. Now remember this is a write up for the E39 525i but the process is very similar on other cars, this makes for a great guide!

HERE is a link to the pdf

[Helmuth]

You ECS guys normally rock. But in this case... maybe I am misunderstanding the whole thing but what for is a video that shows an oil change on a 525 in an X5 E53 forum? As I can read not even the torque values are right for the E53.

So maybe somebody could enlighten me.

Thanks guys.

[ECS Tuning]

Helmuth's - We just wanted to share the video to show the how easy the process is. Many people think that a transmission service is well out side their comfort zone, but in reality it's pretty simple. As for the proper specs for the X5, I refer people to the Bentley manual for torque values for their particular vehicle. I'll see if I can find info on all the other transmissions to include for you in this thread. 5HP24 6HP26X

[Helmuth]

Thanks ECS guys. I knew you could explain that.

[JCL]

I think an explanatory video is a good idea. I don't mind at all that it is a 525.

What gets me is that after warning people to read the label on the pan, and to use the correct fluid (both great recommendations), a generic Redline D4 ATF is shown in the photo. At least use the correct fluid, it does matter. As a side note, I wonder why Redline advertises that their D4 fluid is good for extended drain intervals.

Also, the thread recommends 30,000 miles for ATF fluid changes. The PDF recommends 60,000 miles.

A final point, in the thread it is posted that changing fluid at higher mileage is always a good idea, that the only problems experienced after a fluid change are due to transmissions which were already failing. This is not at all true and could cost customers a lot of money. Transmissions that function perfectly have in many cases failed after a fluid change. I think you can link that to the high detergent levels in the new fluid, which clean out the transmission and move crud that wasn't hurting anything to a place where it does hurt something. If you do fluid changes soon and often, for example every 30,000 miles, then that risk is greatly reduced. Then you just have to worry about the cost effectivenss of changing fluid every 30,000 miles or so, and whether it will in fact have any impact on transmission life.