[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by BigDogTheo

103,000 miles on my '07 328i sedan. Only big problem so far was valve cover gasket. Otherwise runs as good as new. Feels like it's getting better with age, like a fine wine. Question to the group: has anyone with automatic transmission had their AT fluid changed? I'm not having any problems with my AT, but thinking it's probably time to do the fluid/filter change, even though BMW calls it a "lifetime fluid".................

At this point, no, you shouldn't change it. Proper service intervals for the autos in BMWs is every 60k. Waiting significantly longer than that puts you in a position where changing the fluid has a high likelihood of destroying the trans by dislodging former crud. Run it until it dies.

[hassmaschine]

changing the AT fluid shouldn't be an issue. it's doing an AT system flush that can cause problems. AT fluid doesn't get combustion byproducts in it either, so I doubt there's a significant difference between 60k and 100k.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

changing the AT fluid shouldn't be an issue. it's doing an AT system flush that can cause problems. AT fluid doesn't get combustion byproducts in it either, so I doubt there's a significant difference between 60k and 100k.

Shrug, seen plenty of BMW autos go belly up over the years shortly after a 90k+ fluid change. YMMV.

Mike Miller agrees, though he says to drain it:

It is risky to drain a previously un-maintained automatic transmission with high mileage,
even though if it were my car I would probably chance it. Still, I have seen it happen too
many times, where a well-meaning owner or technician performs an ATF and filter
service on a neglected but well-shifting automatic, and then all of the sudden it starts
slipping. I can’t explain it, but my feeling is the fresh ATF flushes a bit of sludge from a
place where it was doing no harm to a place where it does do harm.

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Shrug, seen plenty of BMW autos go belly up over the years shortly after a 90k+ fluid change. YMMV.

Mike Miller agrees, though he says to drain it:

This is why I'm beginning to really dislike my AT. I am at that point of "no return" where it might just be too late to replace the fluid, but I'm also having this GUT feeling to replace the fluid. Would it be stupid to replace the fluid now at 100k miles, drive for 5000 miles then replace the fluid again? Would that make things worse perhaps?

I'm lost with this situation.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

This is why I'm beginning to really dislike my AT. I am at that point of "no return" where it might just be too late to replace the fluid, but I'm also having this GUT feeling to replace the fluid. Would it be stupid to replace the fluid now at 100k miles, drive for 5000 miles then replace the fluid again? Would that make things worse perhaps?

I'm lost with this situation.

Sell while its all working and get a manual.

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Sell while its all working and get a manual.

That's what I was thinking. Hard to find here!

[mike3000fl]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

That's what I was thinking. Hard to find here!

I replaced mine at 200,000

Runs better. I also changed the solenoids, shifts like new again. I made a thread on it.

[WapArtist]

Ive always been amazed at the the "Lifetime" fluid deal. Im at 73K and may do mine soon just as preventative.

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

I replaced mine at 200,000

Runs better. I also changed the solenoids, shifts like new again. I made a thread on it.

You're perhaps one of the success stories. I think when you hear things, you only hear the bad things. No one just reports I changed my fluid and it's great. It wouldn't be interesting. But anyway, I might end up doing it in the spring.

[Styles]

About 143,000 miles! e90 330xi

[RazRokz.!]

Originally Posted by WapArtist

2008 e90 71,000 miles. Very tight and feels new

That's what she said...

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by WapArtist

Ive always been amazed at the the "Lifetime" fluid deal. Im at 73K and may do mine soon just as preventative.

There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid.

[Tim603]

I have 150k on my E92 328xi 6MT and am currently trying to sell it due to vanos rattle, I just cant justify dumping another $1600 into it after I just did a clutch job. Just got a 335i and love it!!

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid.

The fluid absolutely last the life of the transmission if unchanged









































... however shortened that lifetime may be by not changing the fluid. The important thing is that the car makes it out of warranty before failure.

[MarkkyyMan]

Even the certified BMW techs I know laugh at "lifetime fluid" and just shake their heads.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Tim603

I have 150k on my E92 328xi 6MT and am currently trying to sell it due to vanos rattle, I just cant justify dumping another $1600 into it after I just did a clutch job. Just got a 335i and love it!!

Good luck with your new maintenance costs.

And FYI, that VANOS unit has a 10 year extended warranty.

[Tim603]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Good luck with your new maintenance costs.

And FYI, that VANOS unit has a 10 year extended warranty.

What part of the VANOS system has a 10yr extended warranty and where did you find this information?

The camshaft adjuster units are whats making the noise. If I can get these replaced under warranty I would be pumped! I do have a AA tune though and some other mods...not sure if that would effect my eligibility

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Tim603

What part of the VANOS system has a 10yr extended warranty and where did you find this information?

The camshaft adjuster units are whats making the noise. If I can get these replaced under warranty I would be pumped! I do have a AA tune though and some other mods...not sure if that would effect my eligibility

The entire VANOS unit, and BMW sent me a letter informing me of such.

[b-man]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

The entire VANOS unit, and BMW sent me a letter informing me of such.

When was that? I never received one. And I still have maintenance and warranty on my car

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by b-man

When was that? I never received one. And I still have maintenance and warranty on my car

Few months back.

[b-man]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Few months back.

Ok, good to know. Thanks.

[Tim603]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

The entire VANOS unit, and BMW sent me a letter informing me of such.

Would you happen to have this letter? I would love to see something about this that I can take into my local dealer. Great news!