GM Tranny Fluid Change

[jcoop269]

Alright, I'm aware there are other threads on this topic but none that are really geared towards the should or should not at a certain mileage concept so I'm asking now. I just hit 120,000 on my 2010 128i...the car runs perfect in every way and I've just had a number of routine things done, OFHG/belt,tensioner,pulleys/brake fluid flush/water pump and therm BUT am seriously debating whether or not to change the tranny fluid and filter. I know lifetime means 100,000 to many but I worry about the age old myth of new fluid at this point causing problems as it currently runs and shifts perfectly. What are everyone's thoughts?

[jcoop269]

It's almost as though everything I read contradicts itself. Some will say: "well, BMW lifetime fill means 100,000....you should change it every 50,000 and if you didn't and you've hit 100,000 or more then you shouldn't touch it." Ok, well if BMW lifetime fill=100,000 miles then why would I have done it any earlier??????

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by jcoop269

It's almost as though everything I read contradicts itself. Some will say: "well, BMW lifetime fill means 100,000....you should change it every 50,000 and if you didn't and you've hit 100,000 or more then you shouldn't touch it." Ok, well if BMW lifetime fill=100,000 miles then why would I have done it any earlier??????

New fluid will never hurt your transmission. I would say "flushing" a transmission, by forcing new fluid through it is not good, but just draining out the old and putting in the new will do no harm. When you change your tranny fluid, it entails a new filter and cleaning off the magnet, which would help collect loose metal particles.

People that say changing fluid would hurt your transmission most likely had a zombie transmission to begin with.

[3002 tii]

^whs

I drain every 40k and notice smoother shifting each time

[Dackelone]

For the 128i auto - they have a GM trans made in France(I believe).

For the 135i auto - they have a ZF trans, made in Germany.

BMW says for both that it's a "life time" fluid. BUT... ZF says to change the fluid every 80K kms!!! So... who do you trust? The people who make the trans or the people who want you to buy a new car - sooner rather than later.

I would change your trans fluid with the filter.

ctsc.com
http://www.thectsc.com/catalog/6-speed-bmw-61.html

[jcoop269]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

For the 128i auto - they have a GM trans made in France(I believe).

For the 135i auto - they have a ZF trans, made in Germany.

BMW says for both that it's a "life time" fluid. BUT... ZF says to change the fluid every 80K kms!!! So... who do you trust? The people who make the trans or the people who want you to buy a new car - sooner rather than later.

I would change your trans fluid with the filter.

ctsc.com
http://www.thectsc.com/catalog/6-speed-bmw-61.html

Well, I'm the GM from France but obviously if ZF feels 80k kms then it would likely be around the same for the GM. The prob I'm having is deciding whether or not to do it now, so late. I'm afraid doing it will cause my perfect working tranny to shit the bed since that is the age old myth...if you don't change it regularly and then do so late, you're likely to see problems. I guess we'll see because I'm likely going to do it.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by jcoop269

Well, I'm the GM from France but obviously if ZF feels 80k kms then it would likely be around the same for the GM. The prob I'm having is deciding whether or not to do it now, so late. I'm afraid doing it will cause my perfect working tranny to shit the bed since that is the age old myth...if you don't change it regularly and then do so late, you're likely to see problems. I guess we'll see because I'm likely going to do it.

I think that's an urban myth about changing the ATF on a high mileage trans(that it will fail shortly after changing it) for the first time. I personally feel that fresh fluid is the BEST fluid.

On my old e39 535iA... I changed the ATF trans fluid at 245K kms. I think I was the first owner to do so! (the diff fluid and oil were changed quite often) That car just recently died on me at 443K kms - but due to a thrown rod. The trans was still running great! Just FYI.

Btw... when you change the ATF... you won't get all of the old stuff out. The torque converter will hold about 3 liters. So maybe change the fluid a few times.

Dackel

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by jcoop269

Well, I'm the GM from France but obviously if ZF feels 80k kms then it would likely be around the same for the GM. The prob I'm having is deciding whether or not to do it now, so late. I'm afraid doing it will cause my perfect working tranny to shit the bed since that is the age old myth...if you don't change it regularly and then do so late, you're likely to see problems. I guess we'll see because I'm likely going to do it.

I agree with Dack, this is an urban myth. I would recommend you change it out. ECS sells complete kits for this as well. I would also recommend going with Red Line fluid.

[jcoop269]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

I agree with Dack, this is an urban myth. I would recommend you change it out. ECS sells complete kits for this as well. I would also recommend going with Red Line fluid.

Well, I've heard the BMW fluid is quite good itself and Tischer sells the full Genuine kit for 110.00 so I think I'll go that route but I have definitely heard Red Line is amazing stuff itself. I would imagine, though, that the BMW ATF is just as good. If I were to decide on going with Red Line though, would you say D4 or D6?

[skidawgz]

Definitely change your fluid. My e36 has 180k miles, and I will be changing the fluid very soon. For all I know, it has never been changed but once before... maybe never before.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by jcoop269

Well, I've heard the BMW fluid is quite good itself and Tischer sells the full Genuine kit for 110.00 so I think I'll go that route but I have definitely heard Red Line is amazing stuff itself. I would imagine, though, that the BMW ATF is just as good. If I were to decide on going with Red Line though, would you say D4 or D6?

I believe your tranny would use D6.