[Hoody007]

I'll preface this by acknowledging that there is another thread on a similar topic a couple of posts down, but I didn't want to steal the OP's thread.

I have a 2009 335i with the ZF 6 speed auto. It has about 96,000 miles on it currently, and I'm looking for price quotes on a transmission service. I've been quoted $1100 at one shop in the Atlanta area, about $800 at a different shop about 40 miles from where I live, and $570 from a forum member (who says he'll do it with a ZF pan and Pentosin fluid). Am I being overcharged? I know the fluid's on the expensive side, but the prices from the shops seem to be on the high side all the same. I remember it was $500 for a trans service on my old 330ci, done at the shop which quoted me $800 for my 335i. I've not called the dealer as I suspect it will be exorbitantly expensive.

[robthewrench]

Parts and fluid should be close to $300 from an indy. You can get them yourself for closer to $200-250 but expect markup.

It's probably a 2-4 hour job. Depends on if they are just doing a pan drop and fluid change, or if you are asking them to do a flush or use a flush machine.

For just a pan drop at $100 an hour and guessing 3 hours, that would make the job around $600. You're in Atlanta, so I would expect a high labor rate of close to $100 per hour.

If requesting a flush, that would probably push it higher.

[e90yyc]

They seem high, apart from the forum member whose quote sounds more reasonable.

If I was you I'd avoid doing an actual flush, if for some reason that's what they're quoting you on. Just my opinion, but I don't think the benefit is in line with the cost.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

Parts and fluid should be close to $300 from an indy. You can get them yourself for closer to $200-250 but expect markup.

It's probably a 2-4 hour job. Depends on if they are just doing a pan drop and fluid change, or if you are asking them to do a flush or use a flush machine.

For just a pan drop at $100 an hour and guessing 3 hours, that would make the job around $600. You're in Atlanta, so I would expect a high labor rate of close to $100 per hour.

If requesting a flush, that would probably push it higher.

Got it. You're right- labor rates are high here, as the dealer is $155 per hr, BMW shops are @ $100, and my trusted general maintenance place is $90 per hr which is considered cheap for my area. I'm not having it flushed, simply drained and refilled with a new pan and associated hardware.

It would seem the forum member on FB is my best option, unless anyone knows of a reasonably priced shop in the Atlanta area? I'm willing to drive for the right place.

Thanks for all of the help!

[9krpmrx8]

That is nuts. 2-4 hour job? I did it myself in under an hour. I used this kit because it comes with new bolts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

That is nuts. 2-4 hour job? I did it myself in under an hour. I used this kit because it comes with new bolts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is why I like doing maintenance myself. I do routine services (spark plugs, oil changes) myself, and I have no problem doing audio wiring/retrofits, but I'm more than a little skittish about messing with my transmission, as I'd hate to screw up a 6K trans over a couple of hundred bucks.

Maybe I'm better off looking for a specialty transmission place as opposed to a BMW shop. I know they used the 6hp on a bunch of cars...

[9krpmrx8]

Yeah I do my own stuff as well. As far as trans fluid changes go, this car is really easy. Hardest part is not making a mess filling the trans. There are a few good DIY's on it.

[Bimmer_Engineer]

My dad had this done recently in California for $577...

[robthewrench]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

That is nuts. 2-4 hour job? I did it myself in under an hour. I used this kit because it comes with new bolts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Most good mechanics can do it faster, that is how they make more money.

Standard estimate time also includes all the other stuff like putting the car on the lift, test of car afterwards, etc...

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

Most good mechanics can do it faster, that is how they make more money.

Standard estimate time also includes all the other stuff like putting the car on the lift, test of car afterwards, etc...

I have no problem paying a tech for their time, but even factoring in 2 hrs of labor @ 100 per hour, there's almost no way I should be charged more than $600, it seems. Has anyone had this service performed in the Atlanta area?

[9krpmrx8]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

Most good mechanics can do it faster, that is how they make more money.

Standard estimate time also includes all the other stuff like putting the car on the lift, test of car afterwards, etc...

No doubt they are trying to make money, and it only takes 5 minutes to put it on the lift (I did mine on a lift). There would also be no need for a test drive.

[Bimmer_Engineer]

Originally Posted by Hoody007

I have no problem paying a tech for their time, but even factoring in 2 hrs of labor @ 100 per hour, there's almost no way I should be charged more than $600, it seems. Has anyone had this service performed in the Atlanta area?

Perhaps you could tell them that you asked around and other people are paying less and then offer them what you’re willing to pay???

[whyzee125]

I paid $639 for my trans service at an independent BMW shop. New pan, fluid, mechatronic sleeve, etc. Make sure they use ZF fluid though (pentosin is probably fine) but many shops use redline or other brands. Best to stick to OEM fluid.

[Pladi]

If you ship your car across the country and have an indy shop do it and ship the car back it should be cheaper than that

[BimmerNugget]

Can you define a "trans service"?

Is it...

1) Fluid change only?
2) Fluid change and filter change?
3) Fluid, filter, and pan gasket?

For ZF transmissions you need Life Guard 6 or Shell M1375 spec fluid. The cheapest Shell M1375 spec fluid is the Valvoline MaxLife ATF. Meets lifeguard 6, lifeguard 8, and shell M1375 spec. It's about $18 at Walmart. My brother used this in his E90 330i without issue. Most indy mechanics also use this fluid if you have the ZF tranny.

Honestly, fluid change, filter change, and pan gasket replacement is a DIYable job. No more than $200 in parts. So $800-$1500 for this job is highway robbery.

I've done transmission service on my 2011 328i with the GM tranny, my bro did his tranny service on his 2006 330i with the ZF tranny. Takes about 3-4 hours the first time doing it. I bet i could do it in under 2 hours the second time.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

Can you define a "trans service"?

Is it...

1) Fluid change only?
2) Fluid change and filter change?
3) Fluid, filter, and pan gasket?

For ZF transmissions you need Life Guard 6 or Shell M1375 spec fluid. The cheapest Shell M1375 spec fluid is the Valvoline MaxLife ATF. Meets lifeguard 6, lifeguard 8, and shell M1375 spec. It's about $18 at Walmart. My brother used this in his E90 330i without issue. Most indy mechanics also use this fluid if you have the ZF tranny.

Honestly, fluid change, filter change, and pan gasket replacement is a DIYable job. No more than $200 in parts. So $800-$1500 for this job is highway robbery.

I've done transmission service on my 2011 328i with the GM tranny, my bro did his tranny service on his 2006 330i with the ZF tranny. Takes about 3-4 hours the first time doing it. I bet i could do it in under 2 hours the second time.

I'm planning on having the fluid, filter, pan gasket, and mechatronics sleeve replaced. I did not mention the mech sleeve replacement when I got the quotes. Irrespective of whoever does the work, I will insist on an OEM ZF filter/pan and probably the Pentosin, ZF, or the MaxLife ATF fluid you mentioned.

[9krpmrx8]

Mech sleeve should not add much more time but I cam see them adding more for that. I did mine at 75,000 miles and the sleeve looked new. I am at 95k now and no signs of leakage problems.

But at 75k my fluid was toast, so I am glad I changed it.