Transmission fluid

tennis_pr0 · 10-21-2013, 11:53 AM

I have read about 5 different threads on this and have not found any definitive answers, which is why I am making a thread, so please don't tell me to search lol.

I am at 40k miles on my 335i and I know the trans fluid has not yet been changed. What is the recommended (not by BMW) for the trans fluid change/flush? I know the transmission is super expensive on these cars and I want to make sure I go the extra distance to protect my transmission.

I am not having an trans problems, but on cold start the gears seem a tad bit jerky, which is why I am not gathering info for the upkeep of the transmission.

Phil325i · 10-21-2013, 12:06 PM

Assuming you have MT, then fluid is not particularly expansive. BMW tell you the fluid is filled for life and never needs changing (if you can believe that!). This also applies to AT, but changing will cost more than MT and best practice is to change the internal filter at the same time. At your mileage I'd definitely do it...

tennis_pr0 · 10-21-2013, 12:09 PM

I have automatic, I forgot to put that in there. So you would suggest just a fluid change, not flush? How much does that typically go for at BMW or an Indy shop?

floydarogers · 10-21-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennis_pr0

I have automatic, I forgot to put that in there. So you would suggest just a fluid change, not flush? How much does that typically go for at BMW or an Indy shop?

Mike miller says "at least every 60K miles" and only BMW OEM atf. The warranty and service manual says 100K. I did mine at 60K; YMMV. It cost around $500 at my independent.

suprtran · 10-21-2013, 04:29 PM

Do you know how many qts ATF is required?
Also (a bit off topic), what brand and how much differential oil should be used for a flush?

kaede · 10-21-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Mike miller says "at least every 60K miles" and only BMW OEM atf. The warranty and service manual says 100K. I did mine at 60K; YMMV. It cost around $500 at my independent.

Holy smokes, that sounds pretty pricey no? Maybe difference between AT and MT. I bought my own MTF and got indy to do a change for me for less than $100... did you do flush?

floydarogers · 10-21-2013, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaede

Holy smokes, that sounds pretty pricey no? Maybe difference between AT and MT. I bought my own MTF and got indy to do a change for me for less than $100... did you do flush?

7 quarts @ $22.85, + pan gasket and filter. Rest is labor. I had them do whatever it is to push fresh into the torque converter - no use leaving 1/3 of it old IMO.

E90 Skye · 10-23-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydarogers

7 quarts @ $22.85, + pan gasket and filter. Rest is labor. I had them do whatever it is to push fresh into the torque converter - no use leaving 1/3 of it old IMO.

I just had my indy shop do this as well, noticeable difference in drivetrain smoothness

F32Fleet · 10-23-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suprtran

Do you know how many qts ATF is required?
Also (a bit off topic), what brand and how much differential oil should be used for a flush?

6 but 7 is fine in case you have a leak. Lifeguard 6. Visit thectsc.com.

Differential doesn't have a drain so you'll have to suck it out somehow.

ZF doesn't recommend a flush but a pan drop and refill.

GoRomeo · 10-23-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90 Skye

I just had my indy shop do this as well, noticeable difference in drivetrain smoothness

how many miles? Im planning to do this since I am at 110k miles and shift are a bit rough when cold.

What parts did yo have to buy and how much?

biscut · 10-31-2013, 02:08 PM

I'm running an 08 328xi with AT6. I just did mine with MaxLife (meets Dex VI spec). Have 74k on tghe clock. Used factory gasket as the filter kit gasket wasn't all that great.

GoRomeo · 10-31-2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biscut

I'm running an 08 328xi with AT6. I just did mine with MaxLife (meets Dex VI spec). Have 74k on tghe clock. Used factory gasket as the filter kit gasket wasn't all that great.

Do you feel any difference? is your shifting any smoother than before?

mine sometimes I get a little rought shifting thats why Im planning to do AT fluid change...

biscut · 10-31-2013, 02:30 PM

Mine is new to me so I can't answer with authority. I can say that at 74k miles the trans fluid as well as the front diff and trans case fluid werre in excellent shape. Trans fluid was pretty bright in color and I would have guessed it changed once before but that is not the case; original factory fill.

10-21-2013, 11:53 AM	#1
tennis_pr0 Captain 68 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 2--7 BMW 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	Transmission fluid I have read about 5 different threads on this and have not found any definitive answers, which is why I am making a thread, so please don't tell me to search lol. I am at 40k miles on my 335i and I know the trans fluid has not yet been changed. What is the recommended (not by BMW) for the trans fluid change/flush? I know the transmission is super expensive on these cars and I want to make sure I go the extra distance to protect my transmission. I am not having an trans problems, but on cold start the gears seem a tad bit jerky, which is why I am not gathering info for the upkeep of the transmission.
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10-21-2013, 12:06 PM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 639 Rep 3,215 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Assuming you have MT, then fluid is not particularly expansive. BMW tell you the fluid is filled for life and never needs changing (if you can believe that!). This also applies to AT, but changing will cost more than MT and best practice is to change the internal filter at the same time. At your mileage I'd definitely do it... __________________ 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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10-21-2013, 12:09 PM	#3
tennis_pr0 Captain 68 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 2--7 BMW 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	I have automatic, I forgot to put that in there. So you would suggest just a fluid change, not flush? How much does that typically go for at BMW or an Indy shop?
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10-21-2013, 04:29 PM	#5
suprtran Captain 126 Rep 924 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (18) Garage List 2003.5 E46 M3 [0.00] 2008 E60 M5 6MT [10.00] 2019 G01 X3 sDrive30i [0.00] 2007 E86 M Coupe [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2006 E53 X5 4.8is ( ... [0.00] 2006 E85 M Roadster ... [0.00] 2002 DINAN 5 (sold) [0.00] 2013 E89 Z4 sDrive3 ... [7.00] 2011 E92 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2001 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2002 996TT (sold) [10.00] 2009 E82 135i (sold) [9.00] 2006 E85 Z4 M (sold) [6.00] 2007 B7 A4 2.0T (re ... [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2002 E46 325Ci (sold) [0.00]	Do you know how many qts ATF is required? Also (a bit off topic), what brand and how much differential oil should be used for a flush?
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10-31-2013, 02:08 PM	#11
biscut Private 3 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2008 328XI Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NewYorkistan iTrader: (0)	I'm running an 08 328xi with AT6. I just did mine with MaxLife (meets Dex VI spec). Have 74k on tghe clock. Used factory gasket as the filter kit gasket wasn't all that great.
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10-31-2013, 02:30 PM	#13
biscut Private 3 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2008 328XI Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NewYorkistan iTrader: (0)	Mine is new to me so I can't answer with authority. I can say that at 74k miles the trans fluid as well as the front diff and trans case fluid werre in excellent shape. Trans fluid was pretty bright in color and I would have guessed it changed once before but that is not the case; original factory fill.
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