[Tim_78]

My E90 hit 70.000 miles and the tranny still works very smooth and without any problems.

I would like to get the opinions of fellow forum members whether I should have my transmission serviced or not? There are two opinions. First one is: if it works fine don't touch it. Second one is: whether it works fine or not you need to service it.

The reason why I am hesitating is because of all the horror stories I hear from people. Such as if I replace the fluid it won't work as fine as before, it might skip gears etc etc...

I am out of warranty so it is going to be paid out of pocket.
I appreciate any input regarding my question.

Thanks.

Tim

[StoneCold]

I would of let the dealer done it as 90K or 100K. GL

[TheBoomerM3]

eh, I heard the "lifetime" tranny fluid isn't really for life time, and all the gunk builds up. If you change it after 100k without flushing previously, you'll fail the tranny.

Ofcourse this can all be hocus pocus.

[granadablanca]

If you're going to do it, do it NOW. If you wait until 100K or later, you're likely better off leaving it alone until it dies (which could still be quite a while), or so the theory goes. Evidently at that point, you'd just be stirring up all the bits and pieces that have settled, and actually CREATING problems.

I did mine at 40K, just for peace of mind, and it's what I'm used to. Cost me $280. I don't buy into the "lifetime" nonsense, and if I'm not mistaken, even BMW backed out of that and switched to 100K.

70K...tough call. Unless you plan to sell the car before 100K, I'd say just do it, but make sure it's done by a dealer or someone who has the proper machine. I believe the fluid needs to be some exact temperature.

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by granadablanca

If you're going to do it, do it NOW. If you wait until 100K or later, you're likely better off leaving it alone until it dies (which could still be quite a while), or so the theory goes. Evidently at that point, you'd just be stirring up all the bits and pieces that have settled, and actually CREATING problems.

I did mine at 40K, just for peace of mind, and it's what I'm used to. Cost me $280. I don't buy into the "lifetime" nonsense, and if I'm not mistaken, even BMW backed out of that and switched to 100K.

70K...tough call. Unless you plan to sell the car before 100K, I'd say just do it, but make sure it's done by a dealer or someone who has the proper machine. I believe the fluid needs to be some exact temperature.

I've heard that it needs to be a certain temp too but why? I don't get that. If the car is off and it is cold out...the fluid gets cold, no? Anyway I'm interested in doing this too. I was going to do it myself but I guess I should let a certified shop do it.

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by *********

I was going to do it myself but I guess I should let a certified shop do it.

Try to find a shop that has a nice clay tile floor. That's your best bet.

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by granadablanca

Try to find a shop that has a nice clay tile floor. That's your best bet.

lol thanks...not BMW of Port Chester though.

[gun6slinger9]

Originally Posted by *********

I've heard that it needs to be a certain temp too but why? I don't get that. If the car is off and it is cold out...the fluid gets cold, no? Anyway I'm interested in doing this too. I was going to do it myself but I guess I should let a certified shop do it.

I'm guessing the amount that needs to be put in is precise to the amount of expansion caused by heating the liquid

[Tim_78]

So if I take it to an authorized BMW service center at 70.000 mls and they flush the fluid, change the filter and put new fluid I should be good to go?

On the other hand I plan to keep this car another 3 years which means to me additional 35.000 mls, the car will be 105.000 mls and then maybe sell it.

That in mind, should I still have it serviced or leave it as is to avoid any problems?

[HoustonScott]

I am wondering if the torque converter in a auto transmission will eventually fail anyway no matter if you change the fluid or just leave it, is it dirty transmission fluid that makes a transmission fail?

HS

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by Tim_78

So if I take it to an authorized BMW service center at 70.000 mls and they flush the fluid, change the filter and put new fluid I should be good to go?

On the other hand I plan to keep this car another 3 years which means to me additional 35.000 mls, the car will be 105.000 mls and then maybe sell it.

That in mind, should I still have it serviced or leave it as is to avoid any problems?

Mine ran $280 at the dealer. Small price to pay for peace of mind, but ymmv. Even if you plan to sell it, a car with a bunk transmission won't be that desirable. Just play it safe. My $.02.

[Tim_78]

I don't think it will cost $280 to flush + replace the filter + put new fluid.

Fluid is $20 per liter and the tranny needs 10 liters which makes it around $200, plus the filter is around another $200 and then the labor charges...
it will at least cost around $700-$800.

Money is not the issue if it is necessary to have this service done. However, I don't want to play with tranny if it is going to cause some problems since my car is 70.000 mls.

[Chriztofor]

If you plan on doing it here is my diy
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367729

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by granadablanca

I

I did mine at 40K, just for peace of mind, and it's what I'm used to.

Listen to this guy. Even VW changed their mind about the lifetime thing. They sent me a letter stating that service must be done at 40K. No such thing as Lifetime. It is a marketing gimmick.

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by Tim_78

I don't think it will cost $280 to flush + replace the filter + put new fluid.

Fluid is $20 per liter and the tranny needs 10 liters which makes it around $200, plus the filter is around another $200 and then the labor charges...
it will at least cost around $700-$800.

Money is not the issue if it is necessary to have this service done. However, I don't want to play with tranny if it is going to cause some problems since my car is 70.000 mls.

Madness. My BMW dealer quoted $315 estimate, turned out being $280. I can scan the receipt if you wish. Anything significantly higher than that, just walk. It's just a trans flush, there's nothing magic about it.

It won't cause trouble at 70K. Don't wait any longer though.

[hugus311]

Originally Posted by granadablanca

Madness. My BMW dealer quoted $315 estimate, turned out being $280. I can scan the receipt if you wish. Anything significantly higher than that, just walk. It's just a trans flush, there's nothing magic about it.

It won't cause trouble at 70K. Don't wait any longer though.

what bimmer dealer did you go to?

[uga12388]

this worries me i have 81k on my car right now should i go ahead and do the transmission oil change?

[Tim_78]

if it is not going to be trouble to you a receipt would be great help. I will PM you my email.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by granadablanca

Madness. My BMW dealer quoted $315 estimate, turned out being $280. I can scan the receipt if you wish. Anything significantly higher than that, just walk. It's just a trans flush, there's nothing magic about it.

It won't cause trouble at 70K. Don't wait any longer though.

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by hugus311

what bimmer dealer did you go to?

PM me. Just in case it was some kinda hookup, I don't want to out the SA publicly.

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by Tim_78

if it is not going to be trouble to you a receipt would be great help. I will PM you my email.

Thanks.

Got it. You may have to give me a few days, I'm in the midst of moving and I have no idea what box my car receipts are in at the moment.

[F32Fleet]

You're at that "iffy" point where the clutch packs are worn and this worn material is floating around in your ATF which is why your ATF continues to work fine. Adding new fluid now will remove that material. BMW has been known to offer 'good will' replacements on transmissions which fail before 100k miles, so you could risk it. Besides, if you're going to get rid of the car ~100k miles you might not waste the $$$ on a fluid change.

[Turkeybaster115]

Originally Posted by Tim_78

My E90 hit 70.000 miles and the tranny still works very smooth and without any problems.

I would like to get the opinions of fellow forum members whether I should have my transmission serviced or not? There are two opinions. First one is: if it works fine don't touch it. Second one is: whether it works fine or not you need to service it.

The reason why I am hesitating is because of all the horror stories I hear from people. Such as if I replace the fluid it won't work as fine as before, it might skip gears etc etc...

I am out of warranty so it is going to be paid out of pocket.
I appreciate any input regarding my question.

Thanks.

Tim

Tim, change your trans fluid! Do a search with my name on this forum, key word transmission, for loads of information on this. Go to a local shop, and have them drain and fill at least 7 Liters. If you want to buy OEM fluid cheap, buy motorcraft Mercon SP, at like 4 bucks/quart. Do it ASAP.