[prshuk]

Hi All;

I'm experiencing an issue with my BMW 328i, which currently has approximately 106K miles. It's displaying the error code 00578E, indicating Transmission Fluid Deterioration. I cleared the code then it came back within a month. After researching various forums, I've come to understand that filling and draining the fluid twice could be a potential solution. I would greatly appreciate expert advice on whether this is indeed the best course of action. Additionally, I have a few more queries:

1. Is this a service that local independent shops can perform?
2. What specific type of transmission fluid is recommended for my model?
3. I've noticed some tutorial videos recommend replacing the gasket during this process. Would you advise doing this in addition to the fluid change?

Attaching a picture for reference. Thank you in advance for your feedback and guidance.

[Bims328i]

Originally Posted by prshuk

Hi All;

It's displaying the error code 00578E, indicating Transmission Fluid Deterioration.

Absolutely not good sir. That there is a LIFETIME fluid

In all seriousness, I remedied my transmission torque converter shudder in 2008 328i E90, N51, GM type Trans by changing the fluid and filter and adding a tube of shudder fix.


Still need to do another service but it's more than likely Dexron VI. I would suggest getting some brand of fluid that matches what you think/know is already in there. Look up your specific model, call dealer or enter your car into FCP euro and search.

A lot of shops should be able to perform a fluid drain and fill. You only need to replace the gasket if you drop the pan.


I actually used to work at a oil change shop years ago and they would do transmission flushes. Pretty sure there are strong opinions on using those machines but ideally that is the only way to get all the fluid flushed out.

It takes a machine that feeds in the amount of fluid that comes out. I remember hooking it up a few times but what scared me was the thought of other techs cross threading the cooler lines when you go to reattach them.


I was always good at never cross threading them but I have been thinking about having one of those done to my car as I already did the filter. Just don't know what shop I would trust with my car.

[e91Owner]

It’ll keep coming back unless you use ISTA to reset it. No need to fill and drain twice; just replace it as per the instructions (which are pretty much everywhere with a search). Then just reset the oil life with ISTA.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1764173

No ISTA or don’t want to get it? You’ll just have to ignore the code then after changing it and change it regular intervals.

[prshuk]

Originally Posted by e91Owner

It’ll keep coming back unless you use ISTA to reset it. No need to fill and drain twice; just replace it as per the instructions (which are pretty much everywhere with a search). Then just reset the oil life with ISTA.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1764173

No ISTA or don’t want to get it? You’ll just have to ignore the code then after changing it and change it regular intervals.

Thanks for your response!
The regular interval will be around 50-60K miles?

[e91Owner]

Originally Posted by prshuk

Thanks for your response!
The regular interval will be around 50-60K miles?

Yes, I change mine more frequently than that simply due to the fact that I rarely drive it, but it’s really up to you. 50k-60k is fine IMO, unless you drive it hard or tow things, then shorten it up a little bit. The same transmission in a Cadillac is every 100k miles or 45k under harsh conditions.

Like many people, I like Valvoline maxlife with a tube of shudder fix thrown in for good measure, although with fresh fluid I’m not sure that’s even necessary, but it’s cheap.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by e91Owner

Yes, I change mine more frequently than that simply due to the fact that I rarely drive it, but it’s really up to you. 50k-60k is fine IMO, unless you drive it hard or tow things, then shorten it up a little bit. The same transmission in a Cadillac is every 100k miles or 45k under harsh conditions.

Like many people, I like Valvoline maxlife with a tube of shudder fix thrown in for good measure, although with fresh fluid I’m not sure that’s even necessary, but it’s cheap.

+1

I recommend changing it every 50-60k with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I've done two changes now in my 328i with MaxLife.

[prshuk]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

+1

I recommend changing it every 50-60k with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I've done two changes now in my 328i with MaxLife.

Thank you all for your helpful responses. Today, I contacted the dealership and they advised using Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid for the BMW. I further confirmed its 100% compatibility with Valvoline MaxLife ATF transmission fluid, whether for mixing or system flushing.

[prshuk]

Originally Posted by e91Owner

It’ll keep coming back unless you use ISTA to reset it. No need to fill and drain twice; just replace it as per the instructions (which are pretty much everywhere with a search). Then just reset the oil life with ISTA.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1764173

No ISTA or don’t want to get it? You’ll just have to ignore the code then after changing it and change it regular intervals.

ISTA, can I download the software, or need to purchase it, or consider visiting an independent shop that might have it?

[e91Owner]

Originally Posted by prshuk

ISTA, can I download the software, or need to purchase it, or consider visiting an independent shop that might have it?

ISTA is free to download. Just search the forums for the most active links. You will need a cable, though. Bimmergeeks sells them among others, but everyone knows the Bimmergeeks cable works.

They also sell the software on eBay. It’s easier to get there because the free downloads are a pain, but you’ll of course have to pay for it.

A shop that specializes in BMWs can probably do it as well, but you might have to tell them exactly what to do.