A Question on Much Discussed Topic Here...Transmission Fluid Change

[e30cabrio]

I did mine at 42k with fear and apprehension.

I have 6 liters for 2000-2003 V8s (I am not sure what year you have) up for sale here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...ion-fluid.html

[jgold47]

I still continue to hypothesize that people who have issues with replacing the fluid in mid-high mileage transmissions either don't use the correct fluid, or more likely, don't drop the pan to clean the magnet and change the filter due to the significant difference in the scope of work.

There is also the issue of a item with a variable failure point (0->infinity miles) and no way to gauge how far down the line you are at any given point.

So the guy with 200K miles and no fluid change, maybe the transmission dies at 201. Maybe if he changed the fluid at 200K miles it dies at 202K?

whats the saying? Correlation does not equal causation?

I changed my fluid, then my tranny died. ergo fluid change caused failure.

however, your tranny may have died at that exact same point regardless. You may have accelerated it, you may have decelerated it.

I dunno, just my .02.

[e30cabrio]

My logic is things age/degrade.Time/use are both factors. Low miles but many years still have degradation.

I had a 1990 e30, it had 55k (or so) in 2003, it had had regular service but still had it's original tires with good tread.

Before an 1800 mile trip I did all the 60k services including timing belt. The trip was uneventful except tires, all of which (in the middle of f00king nowhere Mexico) fell apart like retreads. After I replaced the spare myself, I had to rely on the kindness of a stranger for a ride to a nearby town to get three tires.

I now do full preventive maintenance on anything I own.

[OptimusPriM5]

Can someone shoot me the BMW part number for the filter?

[e30cabrio]

Depends on your year.
I found the best prices here:
The CTSC - ZF Parts

As was told to me when I asked questions without the model I had in my sig:

"if you want real help help us by creating a sig with your year/model"

[e30cabrio]

For the trans you want real ZF items btw.

[jsoto]

Let me give you my experience. Bolt Drain/Fill around 30 and 60K. No issues...I may recall I have a 3rd one as well in the mix...

Prior to my next change, I was getting *some shudder when cold and going from 1/2*
This was around 90K. I did a full pan drop, filter change, etc. Shortly afterwards, I would say 2K miles later, my tranny hit the fubar.

Had it rebuilt - and she's been a champ since.

Whether or not the pan drop accelerated the issue - dunno ?

[Gurjit]

the manufacturer of the tranny recommend changing the fluid...

bmw says lifetime most likely for various reasons
1) mechanic might introduce dirt or might screw the repair
(@ school they teach us 50% of anything a mechanic touches goes wrong)
2) ownership cost is lowered when you explain maintenance to a would be buyer
3) sounds cool

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by e30cabrio

Depends on your year.
I found the best prices here:
The CTSC - ZF Parts

As was told to me when I asked questions without the model I had in my sig:

"if you want real help help us by creating a sig with your year/model"

Thats why I put the model in my first post. Thanks.

[e30cabrio]

Originally Posted by OptimusPriM5

Ok so I read the many many many many threads on this and have a question for folks. My 4.6is has 49k miles and I am 2nd owner. I show no signs of any issues yet (knock on wood). Best as I can tell from all the service records there has been no maintenance done to the transmission fluid, all other fluids have been replaced.

My question is is it ok to drain, refill fluid and replace the filter as part of normal PM or leave it be using the "if it aint broke dont fix it" mentality? I saw 2 schools of thought in the threads and wonder if the transmission is "young" enough in mileage that it wont dislodge any particulates that would harm higher mileage units.

I do NOT want to get into another debate, discussion, or otherwise on the benefits or detriments of transmission fluid exchanges I want to know in MY specific case whould I be safe given the relatively low mileage on my transmission to go ahead with the exchange and filter change.

Originally Posted by OptimusPriM5

Thats why I put the model in my first post. Thanks.

That does not tell us the year & why when asking for help should someone have to search or figure out that the 4.6 was discontinued in 2003?

When I ask for help I try to give all the data needed, I certainly am not a dick when asked for more info.

I'll stop trying to help seeing as you do not have appreciation and seem to be demanding to be spoon fed without any interest in telling us what year your X is (big difference what fluid you need if 2004+)