Steptronic service

[Kiwi Peter]

We did a Steptronic service today 135 09 done 40,000KM has a few track days under its belt.

Oil condition was not good, there is no way you should run these autos for 100,000 plus kms with out a sevice or you will have a big $$$$$$$ bill to pay
be warned.

[minijet]

Originally Posted by skycat

We did a Steptronic service today 135 09 done 40,000KM has a few track days under its belt.

Oil condition was not good, there is no way you should run these autos for 100,000 plus kms with out a sevice or you will have a big $$$$$$$ bill to pay
be warned.

Hi Peter,

Why was the Step service done? ie was the owner experiencing issues with shifting of the box that indicated that it needed work or was it just a precautionary move?

Also any indication on cost to do this? i guess this was just a fluid flush with maybe a change of filter (as that filter pan looks new)?

Also did you find any bits in the old pan indicating clutch pack break down?

[Mechz]

I got mine serviced and the 'learning mode' reset before my last track day in November.

It was clunky before and clunky after. The guys at BMTech said they would have to pull it out to check anything further which would be $1500+ so I'm just resigned to the fact that it's not super smooth. Disappointing really.

[1911A145]

Originally Posted by minijet

Hi Peter,

Why was the Step service done? ie was the owner experiencing issues with shifting of the box that indicated that it needed work or was it just a precautionary move?

Also any indication on cost to do this? i guess this was just a fluid flush with maybe a change of filter (as that filter pan looks new)?

Also did you find any bits in the old pan indicating clutch pack break down?

Also interested...

It looks pretty good to me under there... Unless I am missing something.

[Kiwi Peter]

To do a full service and flush will cost around $675.00 inc gst Forum members only.

10 ltrs fluid
1 pan/filter
labour
Autologic update

[Kiwi Peter]

Originally Posted by 1911A145

Also interested...

It looks pretty good to me under there... Unless I am missing something.

The owner said it didnt feel rite through the upshifts, there was some product on the two magnets in the pan but still OK, the fluid was burnt and the smell is not good, the oil in a glass jar is very brown.

The car in this case is not stock

[1911A145]

Originally Posted by skycat

To do a full service and flush will cost around $675.00 inc gst Forum members only.

10 ltrs fluid
1 pan/filter
labour
Autologic update

[Dackelone]

This does not surprise me one bit! BMW AG says its a lifetime fluid... while the people who make the trans (ZF)... say to change the fluid every 80K kms. Some transmision service places over here say every 60K kms!!


Skycat - do you know where I can buy some ZF Lifegaurd fluid over here in DE? I have a 5HP24 trans in my e39 535iA V8 and need to do a trans service soon.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by 1911A145

That is not a bad price. Over here ZF charges around 500 euros(!) for the same service.

[1911A145]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

That is not a bad price. Over here ZF charges around 500 euros(!) for the same service.

Well I guess as long as I only have to change the fluid once in a lifetime it isnt sooo bad... hehe

[Kiwi Peter]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

This does not surprise me one bit! BMW AG says its a lifetime fluid... while the people who make the trans (ZF)... say to change the fluid every 80K kms. Some transmision service places over here say every 60K kms!!


Skycat - do you know where I can buy some ZF Lifegaurd fluid over here in DE? I have a 5HP24 trans in my e39 535iA V8 and need to do a trans service soon.

If you were in Sydney / Aust i could help you out but over your way sorry i have no idea.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by skycat

To do a full service and flush will cost around $675.00 inc gst Forum members only.

10 ltrs fluid
1 pan/filter
labour
Autologic update

That price is very reasonable. Do you recommend changing the fluid again in say another 1-3k. Do you know exactly how much fluid is in the torque converter?

[Knightelf]

Speaking of service I just dropped mine in today for the 15000km service (I bought the car 5 months ago with 8000km on it). $800 quoted for fluid, oil, air filter changes etc. didn't check the rest, I guess I'll see on the invoice when I pick it up

[BBK]

That wouldn't be for a trans fluid change though Knightelf?

[Kiwi Peter]

Originally Posted by Knightelf

Speaking of service I just dropped mine in today for the 15000km service (I bought the car 5 months ago with 8000km on it). $800 quoted for fluid, oil, air filter changes etc. didn't check the rest, I guess I'll see on the invoice when I pick it up

Mr BMW will not change the trans fluid, as it is there for the life of the car so say BMW you should undertake to have this done at around 50,000-80,000km if its stock, and you are going to hang onto the car for a while.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by Knightelf

Speaking of service I just dropped mine in today for the 15000km service (I bought the car 5 months ago with 8000km on it). $800 quoted for fluid, oil, air filter changes etc. didn't check the rest, I guess I'll see on the invoice when I pick it up

That'll just be the engine oil and filter change, nothing to do with your trans.

[Drawn05]

Here is a picture of the AT fluid from a 335i with 81,000km on the clock.

(and to the best of my knowledge it is un-modified!!)



I doubt that coca-cola is a good lubricant for a transmission.

[kmli5]

Oil from my gearbox was pretty black as well when changed at 73000km.
Not as black as the one above though.
Will change again at 80000 to freshen it up.
Much easier and cheaper to do a manual
.

[Knightelf]

Turns out my service was actually free

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by Knightelf

Turns out my service was actually free

Did they actually do anything?

[Drawn05]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Colour isn't indicative of quality esp with synth oils

Colour, in this case black/brown ATF is indicative that it has overheated and oxidised. Overheated fluid, or even enigine oil, will loose its viscosity and therefore its ability to lubricate.

[Knightelf]

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Did they actually do anything?

I hope so? lol. I have 12 months free service since I bought the car from a dealer.

I haven't picked it up yet because they're "running behind" so I get a fat slow X3 2.0 overnight...