Preventative Maintenance for Tranny oil cooler

giang_320i · 09-17-2020, 08:41 AM

Hi guys,

I've purchased a 320i LCI 2011 (98k km, 61k miles) and started getting maintenance for it. The previous owner gives me the list of what he did which includes the radiator and engine oil cooler, but not the tranny fluids cooler.

I done some searches but no advice on when we should replace the tranny fluids cooler. Anyone has some ideas on this topic? At my mileage, should I replace it?

Thank you

Phil325i · 09-17-2020, 11:43 AM

I think you mean transmission 'coolant' not cooler.

Very unlikley your fluid has ever been changed because BMW in its wisdom says it's 'lifetime fill'. Which you and I both know is nonsense. At your mileage, well worth getting it changed in my opinion.

giang_320i · 09-17-2020, 07:29 PM

I mean the cooler (heat exchanger) to prevent tranny fluid and coolant from mixing together which will harm both the trans and cooling system.

chillywings · 09-24-2020, 10:56 AM

Agreed. If you're thinking about it/worried about it, just change it. 60k miles is probably enough to warrant it.

You could look up the spec for the fluid itself and see if there are recommended change intervals. BMW may not give one but 3rd party/OE manufactures likely will. You could also check with parts suppliers (eg fcp euro).

09-17-2020, 08:41 AM	#1
giang_320i New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 320i E90 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Vietnam iTrader: (0)	Preventative Maintenance for Tranny oil cooler Hi guys, I've purchased a 320i LCI 2011 (98k km, 61k miles) and started getting maintenance for it. The previous owner gives me the list of what he did which includes the radiator and engine oil cooler, but not the tranny fluids cooler. I done some searches but no advice on when we should replace the tranny fluids cooler. Anyone has some ideas on this topic? At my mileage, should I replace it? Thank you
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09-17-2020, 11:43 AM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	I think you mean transmission 'coolant' not cooler. Very unlikley your fluid has ever been changed because BMW in its wisdom says it's 'lifetime fill'. Which you and I both know is nonsense. At your mileage, well worth getting it changed in my opinion. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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09-17-2020, 07:29 PM	#3
giang_320i New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 320i E90 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Vietnam iTrader: (0)	I mean the cooler (heat exchanger) to prevent tranny fluid and coolant from mixing together which will harm both the trans and cooling system.
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09-24-2020, 10:56 AM	#4
chillywings New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW 335is Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Agreed. If you're thinking about it/worried about it, just change it. 60k miles is probably enough to warrant it. You could look up the spec for the fluid itself and see if there are recommended change intervals. BMW may not give one but 3rd party/OE manufactures likely will. You could also check with parts suppliers (eg fcp euro).
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