[STR8-6IX]

bottom line, AT maintenance is important.
ZF - change at 60k
GM - 100k

if you dont want to bother maintaining your drivetrain, buy a manual

[sluggo]

Yes,mt are much less bother, and much more fun. Sad! I had to buy an auto this time. Anyway, I changed my fluid yesterday. I drained about 5.5 liter and in went roughly the same amt of stinky when new lifeguard 6. It shifts noticeably better. This is a 330 with 77k. I'm 2nd owner, having put all of 2k of those miles on it. The 2nd to 1st butt-bump was my main complaint. Sorry to say it's not completely gone. Much better, but not gone. Maybe after some more miles it will dial itself in, but I'm skeptical. If the upcoming trans update doesn't fix it, I'll put on some more miles, like 10k more, do another fluid change, and this time replace solenoids.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by sluggo

Yes,mt are much less bother, and much more fun. Sad! I had to buy an auto this time. Anyway, I changed my fluid yesterday. I drained about 5.5 liter and in went roughly the same amt of stinky when new lifeguard 6. It shifts noticeably better. This is a 330 with 77k. I'm 2nd owner, having put all of 2k of those miles on it. The 2nd to 1st butt-bump was my main complaint. Sorry to say it's not completely gone. Much better, but not gone. Maybe after some more miles it will dial itself in, but I'm skeptical. If the upcoming trans update doesn't fix it, I'll put on some more miles, like 10k more, do another fluid change, and this time replace solenoids.

if the old fluid smelled bad or burnt, that is a sign of transmission problems. try doing a transmission adaptation reset or a software update because the 2-1 shift will not improve after you already changed the fluid.

[Persian Whisperjet]

Originally Posted by ferocity02

I would change the fluid. As mentioned, if you change the pan also, you will be able to change roughly 5 qts, which is a little less than half of the total fluid. Drive around for awhile then change it again.

Exactly. I do it every 40K and kits are available from www.thectsc.com for a decent price including drain and fill plugs and sealing sleeve. And don't forget to reset the adaptations.

[Persian Whisperjet]

Originally Posted by Footdeep_milelong

I am in a bit of a dilemma with my fluid change. I ordered all the parts needed to DIY (ZF Pan/Filter, ZF Lifeguard 6, Mechatronics sleeve, seals, and new transmission pan bolts)

I am at 73k and I have an extended Gold warranty with BMW for another 1.5 years or until 100k. I just called both ZF and BMW NA and I confirmed that ZF recommends changing every 60k or 8 years.

If I were to DIY, I run the risk of BMW denying any potential warranty problems with the transmission. BMW NA said if I did it through a dealer, there would be no risk at all for my warranty. I was also quoted $1200 for this job at a local BMW dealer.

I am already out $350 in parts, but I am unsure how to proceed. I am also running an Alpina B3 flash which probably puts more stress on the tranny.

Any input is welcome..

I can't speak to the question of whether BMW can really deny your warranty claim assuming you do the work properly. I'd go ahead and do it but the procedure is slightly tricky as you have to refill and then restart engine, row through the gears, get the fluid to 40-50 degrees centigrade, then top off -- meaning a lift is very helpful and you need either a digital thermometer (good ones are down to $20 on Amazon) or an OBD device like the Foxwell NT 510 that can read fluid temp off the internal sensor. A large fluid pump is mandatory (also $20 on Amazon) as those little plastic lotion dispenser deals are worthless.

[Wilt]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

bottom line, AT maintenance is important.
ZF - change at 60k
GM - 100k

if you dont want to bother maintaining your drivetrain, buy a manual

...so that rather than changing AT fluid every 60k or 100k, you have to have a new clutch installed somewhere between 60-100k depending upon how poorly your clutch foot antagonizes it. and maybe a pressure plate, too.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by Wilt

...so that rather than changing AT fluid every 60k or 100k, you have to have a new clutch installed somewhere between 60-100k depending upon how poorly your clutch foot antagonizes it. and maybe a pressure plate, too.

if one needs a clutch change before 125,000Miles, you should NOT be driving a manual vehicle. that is full on clutch molestation.. I feel bad for those cars with half dead clutches and barely 100k on them.

letting your AT do all the work with simple fluid changes for those unable to row gears themselves is less expensive than changing burnt clutches every 100k

[Arby1028]

Had my fluid changed yesterday with ZF Lifeguard 6, and the pan, seal, etc. replaced. Also had the diff fluid changed as well. I bought all the supplies and took it to a local transmission shop to be done. Guy charged me $60 for all the work. Mileage was 70,500.

The guy at the shop said the fluid looked pretty clean coming out and there weren't many metal shavings on the magnets on the old pan. Diff fluid was fine as well. Shifting is definitely smoother.

[sluggo]

$60!! Man, that's quite a deal.

[Arby1028]

Originally Posted by sluggo

$60!! Man, that's quite a deal.

Yeah...I stumbled upon this place when I bought a car for my son. The guy selling the car just had the transmission completely rebuilt (2006 Nissan Pathfinder) at this shop and the owner was willing to transfer the warranty over to me.

Later I had him change the fluid in both differentials and the transfer case of the Pathfinder - only charged $175. He's working-up a quote for me on changing the fluid in both diffs, transmission and transfer case on my wife's X5.

Anyone in the Charlotte, NC area shoot me a PM for the name of the shop.

[socotra123]

Originally Posted by Footdeep_milelong

I am in a bit of a dilemma with my fluid change. I ordered all the parts needed to DIY (ZF Pan/Filter, ZF Lifeguard 6, Mechatronics sleeve, seals, and new transmission pan bolts)

I am at 73k and I have an extended Gold warranty with BMW for another 1.5 years or until 100k. I just called both ZF and BMW NA and I confirmed that ZF recommends changing every 60k or 8 years.

If I were to DIY, I run the risk of BMW denying any potential warranty problems with the transmission. BMW NA said if I did it through a dealer, there would be no risk at all for my warranty. I was also quoted $1200 for this job at a local BMW dealer.

I am already out $350 in parts, but I am unsure how to proceed. I am also running an Alpina B3 flash which probably puts more stress on the tranny.

Any input is welcome..

Wow, you found an actual BMW dealership willing to do an ATF and filter change? Every dealership I have spoke with (and others, too) will not do an ATF and filter change, since BMW believes its ATF to be lifetime. Regardless of what ZF says, ZF refers to the car manufacturer's specification and requirements.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.

Now the Alpina B3 flash is a different issue.

[socotra123]

Originally Posted by Persian Whisperjet

I can't speak to the question of whether BMW can really deny your warranty claim assuming you do the work properly. I'd go ahead and do it but the procedure is slightly tricky as you have to refill and then restart engine, row through the gears, get the fluid to 40-50 degrees centigrade, then top off -- meaning a lift is very helpful and you need either a digital thermometer (good ones are down to $20 on Amazon) or an OBD device like the Foxwell NT 510 that can read fluid temp off the internal sensor. A large fluid pump is mandatory (also $20 on Amazon) as those little plastic lotion dispenser deals are worthless.

not to mention having your vehicle lifted level

[socotra123]

Originally Posted by Gohan335i7

Lifetime = 100k miles. Do it because it is long overdue. Maybe diff fluid also!! And I agree that it is not a flush that you want, just a change as preventative maintenance every 30-50k. Doing mine every 30k,& my shifting is as smooth as silk. Fresh fluids is better for a car than old, used ,gunked up fluids. Others will chime in so you will get many responses don't you worry!

lifetime does not equal 100k to BMW.

[Wilt]

Originally Posted by socotra123

lifetime does not equal 100k to BMW.

Try reading BMW documentation!...image of the 2010 BMW Service and Warranty book...first paragraph at top of page 11

[Mantraxalos]

Originally Posted by N54CherryHill

My brother has 2003 bmw 325ci his car just hit 153K when he changed transmission fluid couple months ago it was fine but now tranny hits and slips from gear to gear..

I changed the tranny fluid on my first E46 for the first time at 127k mi. It is a 2004 330CI with the GM 5 speed. The fluid was the original brown color. I flushed and refilled it with Dexron VI fully synthetic. I followed the complete procedures of filling it at a certain temperature range while the engine was on. The car shifted MUCH smoother and I still have the car close to 30k mi later with a great running transmission.

Ask your brother to double check the level now that he has driven it a month. I double checked mine after about that time frame and found the level a little low despite my careful attempts at following each and every detail of refilling the perfect amount.

Other than a small collection of metal particles that I cleaned off from the magnets on the pan, I saw no evidence of any gunk buildup anywhere as one would find in an engine.

[TitanLH8]

Originally Posted by Arby1028

Yeah...I stumbled upon this place when I bought a car for my son. The guy selling the car just had the transmission completely rebuilt (2006 Nissan Pathfinder) at this shop and the owner was willing to transfer the warranty over to me.

Later I had him change the fluid in both differentials and the transfer case of the Pathfinder - only charged $175. He's working-up a quote for me on changing the fluid in both diffs, transmission and transfer case on my wife's X5.

Anyone in the Charlotte, NC area shoot me a PM for the name of the shop.

I'm occasionally in the Charlotte area. Maybe I'll schedule in transmission fluid change the next time I'm in town. Can you PM me your guy? Thank you!

[Arby1028]

Originally Posted by TitanLH8

I'm occasionally in the Charlotte area. Maybe I'll schedule in transmission fluid change the next time I'm in town. Can you PM me your guy? Thank you!

Sending PM now...

[Jesda]

I dont know about the 6L45, but on other GM transmissions I've had positive results from doing a drain/fill/filter change between 110-130k.

Not sure about the ZF.

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by Jesda

I dont know about the 6L45, but on other GM transmissions I've had positive results from doing a drain/fill/filter change between 110-130k.

Not sure about the ZF.

gm recommends a 100K mile service schedule for regular usage and a 50K mile service schedule for severe duty.

changing it somewhere in between those two mileages is probably where most of us need to be.

[DgjoX6M2016]

I changed fluid and filter in our e91 at 140k. Was having some tranny vibrations that annoyed me. I replaced CSB so that wasn't it. Added 4oz Dr. Shudder with new ATF and filter. Huge improvement. No vibration. ATF from transmission was black (see pic). Decided I wanted to get at more of the 2L I couldn't get in the torque converter from the first change so changed fluid again. 4 more oz of Dr. Shudder. Transmission running perfect.

There was a fair amount of clutch debris in pan. Not awful though.

If the fluid pics don't convince you not sure what would!

Pics attached.

I would change it.