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

[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.

[g300d]

I would go ahead and do it, but I would change the filter and clean the pan/magnets as well.

[GunnyGlow]

Originally Posted by g300d

I would go ahead and do it, but I would change the filter and clean the pan/magnets as well.

Ditto.

I'm changing mine as a preventative measure. There are no issues so I'm not expecting any sort of "fix". I don't buy in to the whole "lifetime fluid" recommendation. However, I do see an advantage to not opening a sealed unit..... In this case I think as long as you keep everything clean and do the change properly the risks can be minimized. Fluid level is very important.

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[UCrewX5]

I have a 2001 X5 3.0 that now has 240,000 miles and still has the original tranny fluid. Still runs like a champ. When BMW said "lifetime" I took them at their word.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by OptimusPriM5

My question is is it ok to drain, refill fluid and replace the filter as part of normal PM or leave it be

You are asking a black and white question, and there isn't a black and white answer. We are dealing here with risks, ie percentages, and not with absolutes.

Putting newer (and thus high detergent) fluid in there can clean out the transmission and cause problems. But it probably won't, because most don't fail.

It can also make the transmission last longer. But it probably won't, because most don't appear to fail due to fluid failure.

If you want to do it, just do it. Use the proper fluid and an OE filter. Get the fluid level right. I don't think it will make your transmission last longer, but if it feels better to you, then that can be a completely valid reason. It's your choice.

[ants_oz]

Oh, come on, there is a perfectly black and white answer:

Change the fluid. No, don't change the fluid! Why change it? Because if you don't, the earths magnetic field may get out of alignment. But if you DO change it, then monkeys will die and fall out of trees all over the world! Change it. No, don't change it!

See, told you it was black and white

BTW - I'll be changing mine as soon as funds allow (dealer can do it), but that's because I don't like monkeys anyway....

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by JCL

You are asking a black and white question, and there isn't a black and white answer. We are dealing here with risks, ie percentages, and not with absolutes.

Putting newer (and thus high detergent) fluid in there can clean out the transmission and cause problems. But it probably won't, because most don't fail.

It can also make the transmission last longer. But it probably won't, because most don't appear to fail due to fluid failure.

If you want to do it, just do it. Use the proper fluid and an OE filter. Get the fluid level right. I don't think it will make your transmission last longer, but if it feels better to you, then that can be a completely valid reason. It's your choice.

Thank you I posed this question due to your discussions on this issue and others stating that when mileage is over 80k the risk is higher. I was wondering given my lower mileage would there be risk, seems as there is inherint risk regardless. Thanks to all who responded Ill go ahead and swap it out.

Anyone have the BMW part number for the filter by chance?

[TiAgX5]

ZF (trans manufacturer) recommends fluid/filter change.

Did mine at 100k miles and will be doing again soon (around 185k).

[mgbmwx5]

Why change it at 49K? That tranny is not even broken-in yet, wait until 100K.

[StephenVA]

I would suspect that ten years regardless of mileage would be a good time to think about changing any fluid in an automotive application. Just due to age. I don't think there is any fluid manufacturer (household or automotive) that recommends keeping their product in a sealed bottle on a shelf for that time period. "Shelf life" is normally 1-5 years. Even motor oil breaks down after 10 years in a sealed can.

The only example I have that would be an exception is chain saw lube (Bar Lube). I think that stuff just gets thicker after 20 years. I have a bottle that is more than 20 years old and it has moved to a more honey like consistency. I would not however put it in something that costs $4,000 to replace if all goes wrong.

Our vehicles are all at the 10 year mark. Rubber falls apart, electric connections fail, seals fail, and plastic just breaks due to age, UV and ozone. Welcome to "old car" life.