[jaybird124]

I've read all of the threads on here regarding tranny flushes and various fluids. Great stuff.

Had two basic questions:

What year did they finally print/program CBS to reflect a transmission flush?

Where is a dealer that does a BMW approved OEM spec tranny flush? (I live in central Florida)

[335e92tx]

I guess we are talking a step trans ?


Q1. I dont think step transmission service is recommended at all for the life of the vehicle. Flushing is something entirely different and would probably run over 500. I think the local dealer quoted me 200 just for the pan drain/refill.

Q2. It is unlikely that you will get the fluid at any place other than the dealership. I think a new transmission pan is also recommended when the pan is removed. Last I seem to recall it is a plastic oil pan.

Even looking at the most recent owners manuals online - I see nothing about CBS for step trans.

[Bcube]

I am not aware of 6AT fluid flushes being prgrammed into the CBS. Flush is at 100K miles.

More than likely, your 328 has the GM designed auto tranny, it uses Dexron VI. Available everywhere.

[Express]

i have 63k on my car and im never changing/flushing my tranny fluid.

[jaybird124]

I should have mentioned, I'm getting ready to take delivery of a 335d. I'd like to keep it for a very long time. We all know that tranny won't last 250k without a few flushes.

There have also been several threads on here discussing BMW's changing stance on transmission flushes.

Anyway, just curious if anyone new of an OEM approved flush and a dealer that had the equipment.

[335e92tx]

Just change the fluid at about 50/75K depending on driving habits. It will out live you. Most repair shops don't even do flushes. Current thinking is that its just an upsell

[Express]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

I should have mentioned, I'm getting ready to take delivery of a 335d. I'd like to keep it for a very long time. We all know that tranny won't last 250k without a few flushes.

There have also been several threads on here discussing BMW's changing stance on transmission flushes.

Anyway, just curious if anyone new of an OEM approved flush and a dealer that had the equipment.

i might be wrong, and i probably am, but why would a dealer approve that kind of work on a "lifetime" part?

Originally Posted by 335e92tx

Just change the fluid at about 50/75K depending on driving habits. It will out live you. Most repair shops don't even do flushes. Current thinking is that its just an upsell

it is an upsell.

[jaybird124]

this is derailing.

fluids have to be changed. period.

[Express]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

this is derailing.

fluids have to be changed. period.

then go change them. but until i see the thread My E90 with 100+k with a blown tranny from not changing fluid, im not touching it.

[jaybird124]

Originally Posted by express705

then go change them. but until i see the thread My E90 with 100+k with a blown tranny from not changing fluid, im not touching it.

The BMW trannies I've seen go, go at around 150-165k

[Express]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

The BMW trannies I've seen go, go at around 150-165k

perfect. im on track for a tentative fluid flush at 149,999k.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

I've read all of the threads on here regarding tranny flushes and various fluids. Great stuff.

Had two basic questions:

What year did they finally print/program CBS to reflect a transmission flush?

Where is a dealer that does a BMW approved OEM spec tranny flush? (I live in central Florida)

There's isn't one. The recommended interval per BMW is 100k miles, however per ZF they recommend anywhere from ~50k-72k miles for severe service.


IIRC the dealerships don't have a flush machine, but they just drop the pan and change out a few liters of fluid. Dealerships loathe to work on A/T's because the new ATF on an old unit starts problems which is then blamed on the dealership.

[Chriztofor]

See attached BMW Service and Warranty information booklet. It states on page 7 that the Automatic Transmission Fluid must be changed at 100,000 miles. Of course, look at the Service and Warranty information booklet for your particular model and year.

[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by express705

i might be wrong, and i probably am, but why would a dealer approve that kind of work on a "lifetime" part?

it is an upsell.

BMW defines the "lifetime" of a car as being the 8 years/120k miles, which is the same time as an extended warranty period. After that, they have zero obligation to do any repair on the vehicle (even extended warranty). Many people confuse "lifetime" as being literally the life span of a human being which is not true.

As discussed numerously before, ZF the transmission maker and BMW made it clear that 100k miles is the approximate life of the fluid.

[Tzu]

Ive read a few posts about changing tranny fluids and whatnot, and maybe someone can explain something to me. I've driven Japanese cars for a long time, and even american cars, on the lower end of the spectrum. Civics, saturns, acuras and the like. All felt great after a tranny flush. Firmer, more solid between shifts, more accurate. These are just catchwords I know, but overall it just felt nicer between shifts.

Why does this not apply to a BMW?

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Tzu

Ive read a few posts about changing tranny fluids and whatnot, and maybe someone can explain something to me. I've driven Japanese cars for a long time, and even american cars, on the lower end of the spectrum. Civics, saturns, acuras and the like. All felt great after a tranny flush. Firmer, more solid between shifts, more accurate. These are just catchwords I know, but overall it just felt nicer between shifts.

Why does this not apply to a BMW?

It's not just BMW but almost every other OEM is moving or has moved to 100k mile OCI's because the ATF of today is designed to go that long and, I believe, the OEM's figure you'll dump the car at about that point.

It's similar to synthetic motor oil and the creation of the ACEA. We have these long OCI's because the oil is designed to go that distance.