[dexterp652]

Any thoughts for someone who just picked up a 2009 328xi with 32000 miles. Would waiting till 50k to do the first one and then every 30 after be fine?

[fun2drive]

My opinion based on draining and refilling mine is to wait to 50K miles then drain and refill.
However you have an ix and this isn't too late to change your transfer case fluid. Remember it is only 0.6L and is a special BMW fluid. Good news is that it is pull the plug and then refill. Other good news is that you can really use the 1.0L container from BMW twice since you can only get about 0.5L in.
I know for sure if I buy an X1 with iX I will be changing mine every 30K miles.

This advice is based on Mike Miller who writes for Roundel and Bimmer. He states that you should do this every 30K miles since there is such little fluid there and it is easy to change along with the cost of replacing a transfer case.

The transmission change is based on what Blackstone told me when I sent a sample of my ATF to them at 37,500 miles which was I had plenty of life left in the ATF...

[Blubaron79]

I don't get the whole: "If I have high miles and never changed it, I shouldn't change it." Why would it hurt to change it??

[mike3000fl]

The theory is that once you pass a certain point, there is gunk that can be set free if you do a fluid change late in the life of the tranny. This freed up gunk can block the delicate passageways and valves that make the auto tranny operate properly.

There is also friction material floating in the fluid from the clutches as they wear down. If you change the fluid, people say it can start slipping.

There are actual stories of people doing a change on some cars and the tranny going out shortly after. Many dealers and shops won't do it on a very high mileage car.

It's enough for me to pass on it, I can't afford to drop a new tranny in an '06 with 160,000mi. While the chance of damage may be low, if it did happen, I am out.

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

I don't get the whole: "If I have high miles and never changed it, I shouldn't change it." Why would it hurt to change it??

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

The theory is that once you pass a certain point, there is gunk that can be set free if you do a fluid change late in the life of the tranny. This freed up gunk can block the delicate passageways and valves that make the auto tranny operate properly.

There is also friction material floating in the fluid from the clutches as they wear down. If you change the fluid, people say it can start slipping.

There are actual stories of people doing a change on some cars and the tranny going out shortly after. Many dealers and shops won't do it on a very high mileage car.

It's enough for me to pass on it, I can't afford to drop a new tranny in an '06 with 160,000mi. While the chance of damage may be low, if it did happen, I am out.

Interesting take on it. I have to almost agree. I am at 90k miles, and will probbaly have mine done this summer as BMW recommends it being changed at 100k miles.

[mike3000fl]

Yea back when I was in your shoes, BMW stuck with the lifetime fluid claim and recommended not changing it at 100,000. I talked to one dealer about performing it anyway and he wanted me to sign waivers so that the shop would not be liable for problems after. Pretty much talked me out of it. Once I was at 130,000 miles, BMW changes their policy to replacing at 100,000 but by then I figured it was too late for me and left it be.

Ideally I would have done it every 50 or 60k.

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

Interesting take on it. I have to almost agree. I am at 90k miles, and will probbaly have mine done this summer as BMW recommends it being changed at 100k miles.

[Aperture Vision]

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

The theory is that once you pass a certain point, there is gunk that can be set free if you do a fluid change late in the life of the tranny. This freed up gunk can block the delicate passageways and valves that make the auto tranny operate properly.

There is also friction material floating in the fluid from the clutches as they wear down. If you change the fluid, people say it can start slipping.

There are actual stories of people doing a change on some cars and the tranny going out shortly after. Many dealers and shops won't do it on a very high mileage car.

It's enough for me to pass on it, I can't afford to drop a new tranny in an '06 with 160,000mi. While the chance of damage may be low, if it did happen, I am out.

I completely understand for a pressurized trans fluid flush, but a trans pan, filter, drain and fill I don't see the dilemma. If my trans pan gasket starts leaking at 130k miles do I just let it leak in fear of damage. I know that's worst case scenario, but there are a lot of people talking people out of normal maintanence on their vehicles. Maybe I am looney.

[gigagb]

it's okay as long as you don't flush the trans.