Thoughts on Changing Transmission Fluid

[JCL]

A lot of this thread is covering ground members here have debated before (as J.Belknap very correctly notes). One of the better threads was here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...intenance.html

Readers may want to revisit it for fun. Unless they can't stand to read more about transmission maintenance.

Within that thread, post 29 included a link to a maintenance strategy document that challenged the paradigm that equipment is always more likely to fail as it ages. It is worth reading if anyone is interested in preventative maintenance approaches and how they are changing. The direct link is here:

http://www.thealadonnetwork.com/PDFs/parUK.pdf


srmmmm: With that experience, it would be fun to have a beer sometime.

[bsprtsgrp]

We stand by BMW’s recommendation of lifetime oil fill on the 5HP24 transmission. However to assure proper operation we advise to perform a drain and fill at 100,000 kilometers or after 8 years. We do offer oil and filters through our distributors. The only approved oil for your ZF 5HP-24 transmission is “Lifeguard Fluid 5” and the oil quantity required for a completely dry transmission is about 10liters. For the correct filter kit please go to genuine ZF parts.

[Brandon002]

Originally Posted by JCL

it would be fun to have a beer sometime.

I think it would be a blast to have a beer with a few forum members. Some great debates take place on here and those debates always remain adult conversations, no insults are thrown like on some other forums. Tons of people on this board with tons of knowledge. That's what makes this one of my favorite forums to visit. We all share a passion for the X5 and everyone is always willing to give advice.

[Brandon002]

Originally Posted by bsprtsgrp

We stand by BMW’s recommendation of lifetime oil fill on the 5HP24 transmission. However to assure proper operation we advise to perform a drain and fill at 100,000 kilometers or after 8 years. We do offer oil and filters through our distributors. The only approved oil for your ZF 5HP-24 transmission is “Lifeguard Fluid 5” and the oil quantity required for a completely dry transmission is about 10liters. For the correct filter kit please go to genuine ZF parts.

So ZF does recommend servicing the sealed transmission.

[upallnight]

I find it funny that the American car companies such as GM, Ford and Chrysler recommends an ATF change but doesn't provide a DRAIN in the trans pan, but BMW, and Audi provides a drain plug but doesn't recommend an ATF change.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Brandon002

I got my X5 with over 100K miles on it. The trans would slam in to gear when taking off from a rolling stop.

Had the trans filter and fluid changed and the torque converter flushed. Trans shifts like butter now. There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid or filter. Unless of course you want the life of your car to be shortened.

Did you do the fluid change yourself or did you take it to a dealer or indy. Which dealer or indy in Chi town?

[Brandon002]

DuPage Auto Werks in west chicago. Best prices ive found for an indy german mechanic.

[upallnight]

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

New fluid changes the operating environment of all the friction surfaces of the transmission. This can cause accelerated wear of those surfaces resulting in clogged filters or fluid passageways. The greatest danger is the possibility that a non-compatible fluid was used accidentally. With today's synthetic based fluids and electronic throttle/shift controls, mechanical wear has been reduced significantly. As long as the transmission has not been overheated, it is not necessary to change the fluid.

My background includes a degree in automotive engineering from General Motors Institute in 1978, with lab experience with the original lock-up convertor turbo-hydramatic transmissions, and engines families including the Cosworth Vega, Buick 3.8L turbo, Pontiac Super Duty 455 and turbo 301. Along with ten years at GM assembly plants, I spent another eleven with Japanese and German HVAC Tier One automotive and truck suppliers.

Count me as one who doesn't change fluid anymore.

2002 X5 3.0 243,000 miles
2004 325i 108,000 miles

Nay, the horse never dies in this debate.

Friction is good for friction services. Level of friction is calculated for optimum performance and durability. Less friction is not good.

The fluid and the filter become less effective over time. The degree of degradation may not be enough to cause transmission failure but changing the fluid every 50,000 miles means the fluid will be far closer to the initial specifications for optimum performance and durability.

Even at 50,000 miles I don't think the fluid smells or feels like new.

What source says---whatever you do, DON'T change the transmission fluid?

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Nay, the horse never dies in this debate.

Friction is good for friction services. Level of friction is calculated for optimum performance and durability. Less friction is not good.

The fluid and the filter become less effective over time. The degree of degradation may not be enough to cause transmission failure but changing the fluid every 50,000 miles means the fluid will be far closer to the initial specifications for optimum performance and durability.

Even at 50,000 miles I don't think the fluid smells or feels like new.

What source says---whatever you do, DON'T change the transmission fluid?

JCL