Let's talk Transmission Maintenance...

[ard]

Originally Posted by ShantF1

If it needs to be fixed fix it... But if
you just want to service it think twice. They messed up my 2005 CL500 that I bought brand new in 2004. They "recomended" trany service and I said sure why not... After picking up the car and driving it on the interstate, it started to smoke and slip.... And then what, there goes my $114,000 Benz. Those fluids are made to last a lifetime... If there is no problem with them... Don't touch it, they will just make it worse.

Really?

Do you think either (a) the shop F-ed it up, or (b) the tranny had some other flaw???

Or you are convinced based on n=1 that the new fluid did in your "$114,000 Benz"?

[ShantF1]

Well it's a combo of both..... But, you gotta understand that I'm giving my opinion based on my experience.

[autoque]

Originally Posted by ShantF1

They "recomended" trany service and I said sure why not...

Was the ATF change an official maintenance item in the maintenance booklet on the CL500 or was it just something they "recommended" out of nowhere? Was it covered by the warranty?

[ShantF1]

They saw that my car had 75k on it and they recommend it.... My car had a warranty until 100k, so they performed the service. After that I took it to an independent service and they said that the trans fluids for BMW and Mercedes are the same and do not have to be changed until about 150-200k miles

[autoque]

Originally Posted by ShantF1

they said that the trans fluids for BMW and Mercedes are the same and do not have to be changed until about 150-200k miles

But what people here are saying is to leave the ATF alone if it's not changed until such long mileage.

Also I think they are saying if an owner plans to change the ATF, then do it as early and frequently as possible.

[lordshin808]

Just wanted to share my experiences with BMW auto transmission.

My last car 2000 E46 328ci (purchased at 29,000 miles) lost reverse at 165,000 miles, original fluid. I paid $1400 to have it repaired at an independent shop. Sold the car at 185,000 miles.

My brother's 2000 E46 323ci currently have 185,000 miles on the original fluid. No problems so far.

Another brother's 2002 E46 330ci, 132,000 miles on the original fluid. No problems so far.

My current BMW E70 4.8i have 68,000 miles. I'm not planning to do any transmission fluid service on it.

[Lambeau]

Originally Posted by MRV99

I have a few quick comments. I know I don't post much but I have built my fair share of trans, diffs, and engines.

1) BMW new maintenance recommendations are based on a few factors. Govt pressure to reduce waste, BMW paid maintenance...

2) A CEO of a global manufacturing companies made a comment to me and my family while vacationing together. "If we build them to last like we used to we would run out of customers to sell our products to and our stock holders will not have that" This is a direct quote so I will not argue it. Believe me this company used to build items that would last a good 20-30 years but not anymore.

3) All mechanical parts wear with use and all fluids no matter how synthetic they are made break down. I have never taken apart a transmission or diff that does not have some metal shavings or wear that has occurred. If you think that ZF makes transmissions which are sooooo superior that they never need fluid change or better yet 100k changes well then they should never have a problem going out of business. I will bet that any trans will show wear even at 15k miles. I have had many conversations with techs outside the BMW shop and the ones that have been doing this for 15 years will say BMW new maintenance schedule is for car turn over and does cause the cars to prematurely fail.


Last and not least. Globalization has caused manufactures to build an item just good enough to survive and not last. Hahaha who ever heard of a plastic oil pan.....

Fully agree MRV.

No matter how good a synthetic fluid is, it will pick up impurities that the filter may or may not eliminate while that fluid flows throughout the transmission. Whether it's a certified BMW mechanic at the dealership or BMW service manuals, they each have a vested interest in transmissions not lasting too long. Of course they are going to recommend practices that ensure money in the pockets of BMW board members, mechanics, dealership owners, transmission manufacturers or anyone involved in the process. If a transmission lasted for 500K miles, there would be fewer service calls that would negatively affect the income of many associated with BMW.

I would like to see one example of proof where a fluid/filter change negatively affected a transmission. I know if I was a service advisor or a BMW mechanic I would also suggest never changing fluid to ensure the continuation of business and income.

I just changed my trans fluid/filter at 100K miles and after putting on 1000 miles and even pulling a large trailer for 250 miles there was no doomsday scenario from changing the fluid/filter and "accepting a risk".

[ripp222]

Despite ZF looking to selling parts (everywhere) and service (they have service shops in some areas of the world), I find it interesting to see their perspective on oil change interval versus one of their customers (BMW).

"Depending on the driving style, ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 80,000 to 120,000 km, or after 8 years at the latest".

80,000 km = 49,708 miles.

I've also uploaded my Blackstone results for reference, in case someone else has results to compare.

[1mGator]

Ok, I'm at 126,000 and working up the confidence to do the transmission fluid and filter change .... found this on ZHP site. I have 2011 x5 35d


Workshop Hints
The GA6HP26Z automatic gearbox requires oil
replacement every 100,000 miles. Only the
approved oil must be used for replacement or
after conducting repairs on the gearbox (consult
the Operating Fluids information). Check oil
level:
• The vehicle must be parked flat and level
• Check the oil level through fill plug (1) corresponding
to the Repair Instructions (TIS)
• Observe the oil temperature *
* Diagnosis of this gearbox is carried out with
the DISplus as part of the service an

[Davidf]

Do it! Drain the fluid, replace the plug and start/run the engine for a few seconds. This will pump more fluid out of the clutch packs and torque converter...it wont hurt anything as there is plenty of residual oil to keep part lubricated. Use a suitable fluid such as Mercon SP, Pentosin ATF-1, or the OE ZF fluid. Personally, I choose the Mercon SP fluid as it was developed by Motorcraft/Ford specifically for the ZF6HP26 transmission as manufactured by Ford under license from ZF. Future change intervals should be 60k miles unless you use the OE fluid (then you can go longer). Don't let anyone scare you about crud being dislodged and blocking passages. Just do it. At 126k miles, I would be inclined to drop the valve body, replace the Mechatronic sleeve, install a Zip Kit, and replace the solenoids. Shift quality will be improved or future issue will be pushed way back.