Automatic transmission oil change | BMW

You have to decide for yourself what is right.....

Personally, I think that even an automatic transmission does not work entirely without mechanical parts. So there is also wear and abrasion.....

Take a look at the oil from vehicles that have run 150tkm. It doesn't look like new oil anymore.

Even if BMW thinks it is not necessary, the manufacturer knows better.

But as I said, you have to decide that for yourself

Manufacturers often claim a lifetime oil fill in automatic transmissions, but this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. An oil change or automatic transmission flush is definitely recommended.

ZF would refer me to a workshop, but they're asking for €950 for the work, including the oil. That amount scares me a bit, especially if BMW says it's not necessary.

Regards, Oliver Biernat

Most manufacturers say so. I would change the transmission oil on every vehicle between 50-100k km, depending on driving style.

Then let's calculate: what does a transmission cost? You should think about the follow-up costs when purchasing a vehicle.

If I were you, I would act at my own discretion. Better to change it than to have a high damage. That's my opinion.

In any case, I would change the automatic transmission fluid and filter after 100,000 km, as the transmission fluid is subject to wear. You can see time and again that problems occur if the transmission fluid is not changed.

You should definitely change the oil in the transmission regularly. If you have problems with shifting/response or the gears shift too slowly, it is usually too late or it will be really expensive. Wear and tear is always there, as is abrasion. And the more dirt/abrasion there is in it, the worse the valves shift and the oil runs worse through the 1000 oil channels.

Hi,

For these vehicles, 'lifetime' is defined as 180,000 km.

Why 180,000 km?

Lease agreements for companies are usually set for 3-5 years or 180,000 km.

This allows the leasing company to save a lot of money 💸.

It's irrelevant for the leasing company even if the transmission shifts poorly or is defective afterward.

The vehicles are sold off beforehand.

Fabucar, keep up the good work.

Great resource for us professional automotive experts.

Also for hobby mechanics.

Kind regards,

Christian Groß

That's what I recommended, too. But I wouldn't necessarily flush it. Normally, changing the oil and filter should be enough.....

That's way too much. I paid around €300 at BMW. I'd have to look for the bill. That was at 200,000 km. At 300,000 km I had it changed again including the control piston, that cost me €600 complete with everything at a specialist. Gearbox shifts like new again now 👍🏼

Do not change the transmission oil, but rather flush the automatic transmission and change the filter. Every 100,000-120,000 km. BMW specifies a lifetime fill of 180,000 km.

I myself had an E90 with a 6-speed ZF and a colleague had an F30 with an 8-speed ZF, and for both, a transmission oil flush, even if BMW didn't think it was necessary, was correct and bitterly needed in retrospect. In my E90, the mechatronics were also overhauled, and that was a difference like day and night for both vehicles. Before that, you could clearly feel the gear changes, and in my opinion, it didn't shift well in some cases. After that, everything was smooth as butter and like new. In my opinion, it's money well spent once you have 120,000 km or more on the odometer.

ZF recommends an oil change every 6 years or after 90,000 km. I had no problems with the transmission and had the oil change and flush done as a precaution. The costs amounted to almost €550 including spare parts, i.e. the oil and the new transmission oil pan in which the filter is permanently installed. My engine also gets an oil change every year, although BMW suggests a 30,000 km change interval, it can't hurt.

I now have an appointment in August for €399 to have the transmission flushed and a new oil pan installed. Regards, Oliver Biernat

Where did you have this done?

And where do you have this done?

I only have an appointment with OZ-Performance in Bochum on 08/09/21