[Rob27e]

So I have a 2006 e90 n52 330i sedan with the ZF GA6hpa92 transmission and 165k miles.
What I do know:
Transmission fluid is not "lifetime" and mine has never been changed, (wish I wasn't so gullible in "lifetime") . The problem:
I'm debating whether to change the fluid (NOT flush) OR Just check and see if the fluid is low and refill with 1 or two liters of lifeguard6 from the fill plug. I'm at a crossroad as my mileage is high!!. After reading stories about whether it is safe to change or not I'm on the fence. I called a few INDY shops in town and they all advised not to change it ( drop pan and refill w/6 liters) as it could wreak havoc.
Two questions:
I would preferably like to hear from people who have high mileage and who have done the pan drop w/the 6liters or who have topped of the fluid.
Any problems after??? weeks , months or even a year later? (blown tranny, slipping etc..) Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[frisbeeguy]

Definitely change it. Indy shops do not want to be "liable" if the tranny has issues with it after the fluid change. First slightly loosen the drain bolt, let some fluid out, then tighten it back up. If you see metal bits, then do not change the fluid and just top off. Otherwise loosen the bolt and do a fluid+filter change. DO NOT FLUSH. In a BMW you should reset the tranny adaptations with ISTA after you change the fluid. Many mechanics sadly don't do this.

[N54_e90]

Originally Posted by frisbeeguy

Definitely change it. Indy shops do not want to be "liable" if the tranny has issues with it after the fluid change. First slightly loosen the drain bolt, let some fluid out, then tighten it back up. If you see metal bits, then do not change the fluid and just top off. Otherwise loosen the bolt and do a fluid+filter change. DO NOT FLUSH. In a BMW you should reset the tranny adaptations with ISTA after you change the fluid. Many mechanics sadly don't do this.

Any steps on how to do this?

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by Rob27e

So I have a 2006 e90 n52 330i sedan with the ZF GA6hpa92 transmission and 165k miles.
What I do know:
Transmission fluid is not "lifetime" and mine has never been changed, (wish I wasn't so gullible in "lifetime") . The problem:
I'm debating whether to change the fluid (NOT flush) OR Just check and see if the fluid is low and refill with 1 or two liters of lifeguard6 from the fill plug. I'm at a crossroad as my mileage is high!!. After reading stories about whether it is safe to change or not I'm on the fence. I called a few INDY shops in town and they all advised not to change it ( drop pan and refill w/6 liters) as it could wreak havoc.
Two questions:
I would preferably like to hear from people who have high mileage and who have done the pan drop w/the 6liters or who have topped of the fluid.
Any problems after??? weeks , months or even a year later? (blown tranny, slipping etc..) Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Here's your answer

[Efthreeoh]

My sister had a 2004 X3, 2.5L with the ZF automatic in it. At around 145,000 miles, she was having a problem with the trans not shifting into gear until it was fully warmed up. She had never changed the transmission fluid. I sent her to a trusted BMW shop near her home (we live in different states) and had the transmission fluid changed. I had this same discussion with the shop owner who I've known for the better part of 25 years. The shop BG flushed the trans and replaced the plan and filter. It solved the shifting problem and for the 3,000 or so miles or so she had the X3 afterwards, the trans was fine. Months afterwards she got rear ended which totaled the X3, so I don't have a long term result for you, but there was immediate improvement with her trans and no ill effect immediately afterwards.

[desertman123]

There's a bunch of conjecture involving trans fluid, and my policy/anecdote is this:

The trans operates via hydraulic pressure, and if the fluid that's inside gets out of spec with age and wear, the trans won't be as happy as it could be.

Do a drain and fill with filter replacement, not a flush. If the trans is unhappy with a drain and fill you might have other issues at hand.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by desertman123

There's a bunch of conjecture involving trans fluid, and my policy/anecdote is this:

The trans operates via hydraulic pressure, and if the fluid that's inside gets out of spec with age and wear, the trans won't be as happy as it could be.

Do a drain and fill with filter replacement, not a flush. If the trans is unhappy with a drain and fill you might have other issues at hand.

This.

I've done drain and fills on many transmissions for family/friends, some of them on higher mileage vehicles that had never been changed. Never had any issues and usually resulted in better shifting. Just make sure you use the correct fluid and fill it to the proper level.