fpan

I made an enquiry at a specialist for changing the gearbox oil in my wife's 120d and guess what was the question I was asked:

"can you tell me why the gearbox oil needs replacing as it is life time oil in it"

Yeah right, what's this magic juice then and let's put it in our engines and even drink some, we will all live a million years.

So question to other BMW users, what do you use and how often?

WTF?!

Gigsy

The transmission fluid in the Z3 is supposed to be lifetime too - apparently changing it is a bit of a PITA too.... like you, I'm not sure I believe them either about lifetime oil.

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Was MY03 FXT (262bhp) MY03 WRX (271bhp)
Now MY05 MCS, Z3 2.8, X3 3.0d, Vespa ET4 & BMW F700GS

fpan

Thread Starter

I found a "how to" guide.

It doesn't seem anymore difficult than changing rear diff fluid

babybmw.net • View topic - How To Change Your Gearbox Oil

So has the oil in yours ever been changed Ian and what grade should I use?

A specialist quoted 120 including VAT for oil and labour.

crewzer

We have a 2006 530xiT (E61) with the N52B30 gasoline engine, six-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive.

I just don't buy this lifetime fluid concept. BMW, however, seems to be serious about the "lifetime fluid" claim. For example, the rear diff housing does not have a drain plug; old fluid must be siphoned out via the fill plug.

IIRC, our E61 has ~57,000 miles on the odometer. Between 40K and 50K, I changed the coolant (2x), the brake fluid, the power steering fluid, the front diff fluid, the manual transmission fluid, the AWD transfer box fluid, and the rear diff fluid. The engine oil and oil filter are changed regularly.

(Note: I'm on travel and will verify the odo numbers after I return home).

I have a Bentley maintenance manual, and I use fluids that meet BMW specs. For the AWD transfer box, I had to use BMW brand fluid (made by Shell), and I used BMW brand coolant. Ate, Pentosin, Red Line, and others make fluids that meet BMW specs. For example, I used Pentosin MTF 2 to change the MT fluid in the E61.

There was some confusion about the actual MTF requirement spec for our car (ATF 6? MTF 2? MTF 3?). I ended up checking the fluid spec label on the right (U.S. passenger) side of the gearbox.

A universal challenge is the car's low road clearance, plus the belly pans under the engine and transmission. Fortunately, our older son is an independent Porsche and BMW mechanic, and I have access to a lift in his shop.

I hope this helps, and best of luck!
Jim / crewzer

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12 Forester 2.5X FB25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV
09 Forester 2.5X EJ25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV (sold 7/2011)

Gigsy

No idea if it's ever been replaced but I doubt it. I'd like to do it for peace of mind though.

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Was MY03 FXT (262bhp) MY03 WRX (271bhp)
Now MY05 MCS, Z3 2.8, X3 3.0d, Vespa ET4 & BMW F700GS

Pindie

Leave the oil out. That way the box will seize and you will have an excuse to get rid and get something else.

mdg

Didn't know you needed an excuse to get rid of a Z3.

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Less than 123BHP/Even less lb.ft
FOTM May 2010

fpan

Thread Starter

To all BMW haters you should drive one first ;)

fildigger

Had many BM's, many with the Tiptronic box....common consensus of opinion among enthusiasts is to replace around the 100K miles period...but then many say, if the Box/transmission is working fine then leave well alone!

I personally think extracting most of the oil, replacing filter and filling with the correct specified oil can not be a bad thing!

As for 'Lifetime' oil and BMW's feeling on this......well, it sounds good in the sales brochure and in the motoring reviews but then BMW are really only concerned about what goes on within the warranty period !!!!....your on your own after that!

On a side note, KIA offer a 7 year warranty on their cars...what is there view on lifetime oils??

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Fozzy F-STi (309 BHP)
Holden Monaro
Legacy 3.0 R

wagonwheels

Not sure about the 1 series but the 5's and 7's use similar boxes to Vag cars.They used to say not to change the oil and now specialists say 40-60k to drop the oil.It was very expensive as ive done it to a W8 passat and S6 i had and had to be done at a specialist garage as the oil had to be a certain temp and perfectly level etc.

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330bhp 378lbs and gearbox not loving it

fpan

Thread Starter

A specialist told me the oil had to be cold and the car would have to be in from the night before.

Are they worried of burning their fingers?!

wagonwheels

They are just fussy things.I tried to do it myself at the garage where i work and £2300 later it was fixed :)

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330bhp 378lbs and gearbox not loving it

fpan

Thread Starter

new gearbox?!

wagonwheels

Yea i killed it lol
I do see a pattern here of me killing gearboxes!

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330bhp 378lbs and gearbox not loving it

deebom

I just did mine last week. E46 328i estate. The general opinion seems to be 100k miles or ten years. Twas not a hard job. The hard job was new power steering pump, wishbones and water pump.
Anyone wanna buy it? £1500...

I bet you don't do you? Good for doriftos round corners and will wheelspin in 3rd gear...

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1999 UK Wobbly S Turbo. Auto.