Should I change my transmission filter and fluid @ 87k miles
 

Hey you guys, Ive read the other threads regarding the transmission fluid and filter. This is my dilemma right now, I think my 2002 x5 4.6is transmission is starting to slip. I have about 87k miles on it and not yet changed the transmission fluid or filter or did a any kind of flush. I know their is a big debate on whether to change it or not if you have high miles. is 87k miles considered high? how can check the fluid if it is low without having to drop the pan? Can I just unscrew the filler plug and check? if I do will the fluid come pouring out? this is my first time ever messing with a transmission fluid and I see their is no dipstick to check the fluid level... If the fluid is low should I just add more fluid..?
I tried looking for the green sticker with the correct fluid number but i could not find it..Its supposed to be on the bottom of the pan right...? If I changed the fluid do you think this will help the transmission from slipping... ? anybody try using the filter kit from napa auto parts or any other filter kit other than the one from bav auto...?

Find the sticker on the pan to make sure you get the right fluid. Best bet is just to buy the fluid from the dealer, or a mail-order outlet carrying original OE parts.

Buy a filter from the dealer, or again, at least an OE filter.

If the fluid is low, topping it up may help. It is a bit of a hail-mary fix, but worth a try.

If the fluid is not low, changing it is unlikely to help.

Thanks jcl, but if i open the filler plug to check the fluid will the fluid pour out? And how can i tell if it needs more fluid

I tried looking for that green sticker under the pan and their isnt one....

Not if you have the vehicle level, and the fluid at the correct temperature for checking.

Correct temperature is approx. 83 degrees F. Or basically a good 20-30 mile roundtrip to get the fluid nice and warm. I've replaced the fluid before and it is somewhat straight forward. If you understand that you can't get all the fluid out in 1 shot, that might make your decision easier. To effectively replace enough fluid to call it a 'replacement', you need to do this at least twice.

Loosen the FILL plug first, then the drain plug
Drain the fluid warm
Drop & clean the pan
Replace the filter
Fill with fresh fluid until it starts to pour out of the fill hole and replace the fill plug when it comes to a trickle.
Start it up and shift through the gears a few times without moving the vehicle.
Check the level again, add as needed.

When you're satisified with the level check (fluid should be right below the fill hole on the inside) button it up and drive it around for a week or so.

Then repeat the process the next weekend, with the exception of replacing the filter. The 1st go-round will dilute the fluid left in the torque converter with the freshly added fluid. By driving around until the following weekend, you're effectively mixing it and draining it out again to increase the concentration or percentage of new fluid. I did it twice and feel comfortable with it.

I used Valvoline DEX VI in my '06 3.0 Auto. This may or may not be the right choice for your auto box but if your tranny calls for DEX of any sort, DEX VI can be used as that supercedes any previous specifications. I've had the fresh fluid in for almost 2 years now. March will be 2 years (and 40K miles) so I'm due to change it out then as well.

It might be black by now. :(

You may need to scrub it before you can see what's written on it.

i dont see no sticker at all on the pan... Im starting to panic.. what if someone stole my sticker or it burned off....do you think this will help my transmission from slipping...?

Answered above. Changing it, no. If it is low, topping it up may help. You don't need to buy fluid to check the level.

could be the torque converter. thats a common flaw in the 4.6's