2012 128i Transmission & Differential Oil Change

[128_Pilot]

I have searched, and did not find much about this.

This week I am taking my 2012 128i M-Pkg with 2000 miles in for an oil change using Castrol 0W-30 oil. Also I feel the front camber needs to be dial in some, so they are going to adjust to the factory max setting for negative camber.

My question to the all the members here is, would you also replace the transmission and differential oils at 2000 miles, if you planned on keeping the car for many years? I was quoted $370.00 for the transmission and $100.00 for the differential to be changed out.

$370.00 seems to me as a lot of money for this service, and as you can see I am questioning the value in doing so.

Thank you in advance for your input.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by 128_Pilot

I have searched, and did not find much about this...

That price is waaaaaay too high. IF you can change the oil on your car you can also change the manual trans fluid and diff fluids out.


I did mine myself. Here is my DIY... post #70...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...f+fluid+change


IF you don't want to do it yourself try to find a good indi shop or another dealer. They should not charge you more than ONE hour's labor rate. You do have a 6MT trans right?

I paid about 30 euros per liter (you need two liters) plus 1.5L of dif oil: Castrol SAF-XJ. The diff oil was 10 euros per 0.5L bottle.

You will also need some fluid sucking device to get the old diff fluid out (since BMW did not give us a diff drain - we have only a fill hole/plug).

It is a pretty easy job once you have all the propwer fluids and tools.


Dackel

[128_Pilot]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

You do have a 6MT trans right? Dackel

Thanks Dackel, I've read more than a few of your posts, but missed that post.

No I have a auto transmission, and beside the money factor... do you think this a good idea or waste of money to do at 2K miles?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by 128_Pilot

Thanks Dackel, I've read more than a few of your posts, but missed that post.

No I have a auto transmission, and beside the money factor... do you think this a good idea or waste of money to do at 2K miles?

Ok, you have an automatic. Yea, I would wait to do the trans fluid change. Do it around 40K miles. That price sounds about right for an automatic. Thats because the auto box hold 9L in the auto plus another 3L in the Tq convertor. You will never get all the old fluid out - unless the shop has a machine that runs clean fluid thru your trans as it runs. There is also a flat paper filter inside the trans oil pan. You have to remove about tweenty bolts around the pan to get at that paper filter. Its not hard but its a PIA to do. There are also a drain plug on the A/T trans pan - incase someone want to flat rate (change it the easy, wrong way) lol

IF you have the trans fluid changed also change that paper filter element.

A while back I saw this report on German TV about how the BMW auto boxes seem to fail after 100 to 200K kms. This shop in Essen that repaired the Tv show, Auto Motor und Sport's 330d said they recomend changing trans fluids every 40K kms - I think. I thought that was way too early - but I think every 40K miles is fine. Plus IF anything goes bad... you might be able to get BMW to cover a trans replacement.


Problem with BMW’s Automatic transmission 5L40e…

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ssion+5L40e%85


PS: I would still change the rear diff fluid say at the first or second oil change interval though. I waited until 30K miles on my car. But I really should have done it sooner. I will from now on.

[128_Pilot]

Thank you again Dackel... that is the sort of info I was hoping to find.

I am inclined to bite the bullet and just change out all the fluids this week. Seems like a lot of money... but in the long run... I can see the value in doing so. That said... I am still not sure.

[Guildenstern]

Wow only $370? My shop quoted me $500. Made the number up on the spot. Apparently there's no book for that work so it's whatever the shop feels like.

[128_Pilot]

Originally Posted by Guildenstern

Wow only $370? My shop quoted me $500. Made the number up on the spot. Apparently there's no book for that work so it's whatever the shop feels like.

Yeah lol they buy tires from us, so perhaps they cut me a break since we are business partners?

[DriveHard]

Auto Transmission service on a 128 in the USA will be about 1.7 hrs >> a dealer may round up to 2.0 + Fluid ( its Dextron 6) and yes you need a lot of it..

The trans also has to be topped off only at a certain temp that the shops use there diag equiptment for, and then reset everything.

2.0hrs at 135 / 140 per hour = 280.00 ish labor + fluid

2k miles is just too early for this trans.. follow dakles advise on the diff

[128_Pilot]

Like to say thank you to all who chimed in on this thread! Think I will make a compromise, and wait to change the tranny and dif until I take it back in for the 15K oil change.

Changing the engine oil out tomorrow, along with a front end alignment to gain max neg camber per factory specs, and buying a spare media filter, filter wrench, warning triangle, and jack set... think that is enuff coin for them to make me part with for one trip.