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      03-02-2013, 07:52 PM   #1
Fpaliwala
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Tranny Fluid Question

I have an 06 325i with 125k miles on it. It runs good with no issues. I'm thinking of changing tranny fluid I don't believe it's ever been done. I'd like to get your opinion to see If there are any issues with changing the fluid after so long. Any advice is appreciated.
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      03-02-2013, 08:01 PM   #2
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If mt no issues just do it. If at you are taking a risk but my opinion is do it anyway, if anything feels weird do it again.
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      03-03-2013, 07:38 AM   #3
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I did mine at 100k and the old fluid was in the same condition as the new fluid.
If you're MT you have to buy the special fluid, I forgot what it is called, its laying in my garage somewhere.
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      03-03-2013, 09:52 AM   #4
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If you have a manual Redline D6 will smooth out the shifts.

If you have a manual Redline D6 will smooth out the shifts.
Go to the redlineoil.com site and they will tell you what you need
they have and app.
The only fluid that does not have an aftermarket substitute is the transfer
box fluid for awd I believe.

If you have and auto its way expensive to change the fluid.
Consult the Mike Miller old school maintenance schedule for guidelines
on fluid repair and maintenance . Google Mike Miller BMW for a list of links
on how to get it.

Also there are DIY's in the DIY and maintenance subforums
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16
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      03-03-2013, 12:18 PM   #5
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It's an automatic transmission.
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      03-03-2013, 01:30 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fpaliwala View Post
It's an automatic transmission.
Well, you are already in the "probably I am screwed" zone, then. If it's never been changed, you are likely looking at a rebuild transmission sometime in not so distant future.

OTOH, if you change it now, you may well loosen stuck-on deposits and cause a quick failure. Pretty much a toss of the dice -- you might get lucky. Or, you might not
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      03-06-2013, 11:07 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chromisdesigns View Post
Well, you are already in the "probably I am screwed" zone, then. If it's never been changed, you are likely looking at a rebuild transmission sometime in not so distant future.

OTOH, if you change it now, you may well loosen stuck-on deposits and cause a quick failure. Pretty much a toss of the dice -- you might get lucky. Or, you might not
I don't see it as being as "gloom and doom" as you make it out to be. BMW recommends a 100,000 trans fluid change and by changing fluid you will not be causing any damage. That's like saying, "if I change my oil, I may have a quick failure of the engine." Plus the trans pan gasket and/or mecktronic sleeve are notorious for leaking on these cars. It's not the greatest job to do, but if you have some mechanical knowledge, it can be done without going to the dealership.
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      03-06-2013, 11:16 AM   #8
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I would like to know also if I should have mine changed. I have Auto tranny and 102k miles. I ll do some research on this too. Thanks for sharing.
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      03-08-2013, 09:05 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoRomeo View Post
I would like to know also if I should have mine changed. I have Auto tranny and 102k miles. I ll do some research on this too. Thanks for sharing.
Page 7, trans fluid change at 100,000 miles http://cache.bmwusa.com/pdf_8bbeafad...1-bfb3bfad4d41
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If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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      03-08-2013, 09:07 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fpaliwala View Post
I have an 06 325i with 125k miles on it. It runs good with no issues. I'm thinking of changing tranny fluid I don't believe it's ever been done. I'd like to get your opinion to see If there are any issues with changing the fluid after so long. Any advice is appreciated.
Change it, you should be fine.
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If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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      03-08-2013, 09:31 AM   #11
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THis is what you will need if you have an auto tranny

24117572618, gasket, 42.48
24117593565, oil filter set, 47.14
83220397114, auto trans fluid, 36.66 2x


NOTE: This is for an auto 328 GM tranny; a 325 most likely has the ZF. Check with the guys at Tischer to make sure get the right filter set and gasket for your tranny. The fluid will be the same
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      03-08-2013, 09:55 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aperture Vision View Post
I don't see it as being as "gloom and doom" as you make it out to be. BMW recommends a 100,000 trans fluid change and by changing fluid you will not be causing any damage. That's like saying, "if I change my oil, I may have a quick failure of the engine." Plus the trans pan gasket and/or mecktronic sleeve are notorious for leaking on these cars. It's not the greatest job to do, but if you have some mechanical knowledge, it can be done without going to the dealership.
Actually, there IS precedent for the "If you haven't done it in too long and you're not having any problems, it might not be worth chancing", for exactly the reason the poster above you mentioned. Google "Mike Miller's Old School BMW Maintenance Schedule", which is a fantastic document to have anyway, but he mentions the "first transmission fluid change at huge mileage" dilemma. He says he would probably chance it anyway, but he does acknowledge the risk.

And actually, the same logic probably WOULD apply to engine oil; it's just that your engine would have failed long before you racked up enough mileage to face the dilemma of a fluid flush introducing a new problem.
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      03-08-2013, 10:56 AM   #13
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Do check to see which transmission you have because I have seen both ZF and GM in this year model transmission.

I would NOT flush the transmission but I WOULD drop the pan, replace the filter and refill the pan. That will do no harm. However flushing the transmission when you are into 70K miles or more is asking for a possible problem. All it takes is a small micron sized piece of clutch material to jam a check ball...

GM and ZF take different kinds of ATF so just use the correct one...
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      03-08-2013, 11:43 AM   #14
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I've had a few experienced techs told me that there is always a risk in this situation. They recommend changing only half the fluid the first time.
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      03-08-2013, 03:33 PM   #15
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Because of the way you have to refill the transmission (this is ZF not sure if it applies to GM) you fill while the engine is running after filling the transmission to the weap hole until it runs out.
Also filling the pan 1/2 full makes no sense since you have to start the engine which means the ATF pump is running and continue to fill until it weaps out the fill hole.

BMW has a known procedure for refilling the pan which I just described. The purpose of the initial fill is to get close and shift the transmission to build sufficient heat (80F to 120F) then shut the engine off, open the fill plug and start the engine again and fill the fill hole until it weaps out, install the plug done...

I would agree with exchanging 1/2 of the total volume (because doing a pan drain and fill is a little less than 1/2) but not 1/2 the trans pan that makes no sense...
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      03-08-2013, 03:41 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fun2drive View Post
Because of the way you have to refill the transmission (this is ZF not sure if it applies to GM) you fill while the engine is running after filling the transmission to the weap hole until it runs out.
Also filling the pan 1/2 full makes no sense since you have to start the engine which means the ATF pump is running and continue to fill until it weaps out the fill hole.

BMW has a known procedure for refilling the pan which I just described. The purpose of the initial fill is to get close and shift the transmission to build sufficient heat (80F to 120F) then shut the engine off, open the fill plug and start the engine again and fill the fill hole until it weaps out, install the plug done...

I would agree with exchanging 1/2 of the total volume (because doing a pan drain and fill is a little less than 1/2) but not 1/2 the trans pan that makes no sense...
It's the same process for the GM tranny only difference is the filter kit and gasket.
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      03-08-2013, 04:29 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chriztofor View Post
Page 7, trans fluid change at 100,000 miles http://cache.bmwusa.com/pdf_8bbeafad...1-bfb3bfad4d41
Thanks for the info. Have you changed yours yet? Thanks
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      03-08-2013, 06:29 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoRomeo
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chriztofor View Post
Page 7, trans fluid change at 100,000 miles http://cache.bmwusa.com/pdf_8bbeafad...1-bfb3bfad4d41
Thanks for the info. Have you changed yours yet? Thanks
Sure did. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367729
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      03-08-2013, 08:13 PM   #19
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Im at 160,000 original ATF still in there. I wouldn't touch mine with this many miles. No issues so far, shifts fine, I don't drive it rough though.

With your mileage I would honestly leave it alone. I would be too worried about something negative happening after.
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      03-08-2013, 08:50 PM   #20
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Wait, so it's a bad thing to do a tranny flush?? Wtf? Man I almost did mine last week while my car was at the dealership getting repairs. I have 130K miles and its MT. So I shouldn't flush it right?
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      03-08-2013, 09:03 PM   #21
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You can't do a tranny flush on a MT.
You can on an auto. Once you pass 70K miles I would never do a flush but I would do a pan drop and refill.
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      03-08-2013, 09:12 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fun2drive View Post
You can't do a tranny flush on a MT.
You can on an auto. Once you pass 70K miles I would never do a flush but I would do a pan drop and refill.
Oh.. Learning something new everyday. Thanks bud! =)
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