[alphawawa]

Hi there,

Knock on wood, my 2012 F25 N55 has been pretty great for its first 150k miles (had 100k warranty, water pump failed just before so all generally good since then). Does anyone have a list of or link to answer the following:

1. What is typically done at the 150k mile service (according to BMW)?

and

2. A list of preventative maintenance items to inspect/replace at this milestone?

Recent repairs (past 10k miles):

* The only constant issue is the need to top up the oil with a quart every 1500 miles or so. There was a small leak at the charge pipe at the throttle body, but replacing that did not solve the oil consumption.
* Radiator and associated hoses sprung a leak around 145k miles, all since replaced.

Thanks.
Rob

[Wgosma]

If you haven't already done so:

- New serpentine belt and tensioner w/pulley
- inspect oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets for leaks
- inspect shocks/struts, control arm and thrust arm bushings (they are fluid filled, look for cracks and any leakage of fluid).
- inspect engine and transmission mounts
- new fluid in differentials, transfer case, transmission, brake system
- replace Oxygen sensors as PM item

[alphawawa]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

If you haven't already done so:

- New serpentine belt and tensioner w/pulley
- inspect oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets for leaks
- inspect shocks/struts, control arm and thrust arm bushings (they are fluid filled, look for cracks and any leakage of fluid).
- inspect engine and transmission mounts
- new fluid in differentials, transfer case, transmission, brake system
- replace Oxygen sensors as PM item

Thanks for that list!

We have never replaced the transmission fluid (user manual and supplier documentation says "unnecessary for lifetime of unit" or similar), and I've read different opinions as to whether or not it is a good idea to do so at this high mileage, confusingly. Some people seem to think doing a transmission flush can actually initiate problems, which doesn't make sense to me. Any experience here one way or the other? Is there a right way versus a wrong way so I can make sure I pick the right mechanic?

[Wgosma]

Mechanic: get a word of mouth recommendation on a shop.

Transmission: the normal service is drain/refill fluid and filter is changed; Not all of the systems fluid is removed. In a flush job all fluid is removed/replaced…this is not typically done much anymore, and I think this is where higher mileage tranny services caused issues.

Ask your mechanic for a recommendation about this.

A good shop/mechanic who works on German cars will know what other items (like my list) should be inspected, etc.

[pungo]

Your trans fluid has double the amount of miles the trans manufacturer recommends.
The pan needs to be replaced, then follow a very specific fill procedure while the vehicle running and the fluid is the correct temp range, definitely want someone that knows what they're doing with this trans.
If the transfer case fluid is original, it's gone 3 times the amount miles it should have.
If you plan to keep the vehicle, have all the drivetrain fluids changed.

[okayr]

Not any advice but congrats on keeping an X3 going that long. Most people don't even want to attempt much after 100k on these cars! I have mine under warranty for another 1.5 years or until 110k and I'll probably jump ship right around that time LOL.

[najnad]

My 2011 X3 35i is approaching 142k, about to do tensioner and belt, recently did plugs and have done pretty much everything else recommended

[pr0gi]

My X4 30d is almost 186k miles and running just like the day I got it from the dealer. Not a single issue. Thinking about the timing chain but still unsure. Most of the people I ask say that the chain and the tensioner were in very good condition. I'm planing to sell it for a 2022 X3 M40i and still making about 600 miles a week. Hard to justify the money I'm gonna put in this car when the new owner won't even appreciate it. But if you plan to drive it even more chaging what others said is good to be done but with great care.

[Wgosma]

Timing change I don't think necessary, I've seen many Bimmers with the I-6 (gas) motors run easily over 300K with original timing chain.

[heticor]

here is a good video how to perform the oil change on the transmission.

[alphawawa]

Another data point on the transmission fluid debate:

I just got my X3 serviced (a "Vehicle Check") at the dealership, and my service advisor, similar to what some have said, advised *against* changing the transmission fluid for the first time at this high mileage, citing that it would cause more issues than fixes at this stage. I should note there are no issues with my trans currently. I asked him what he's seeing happening in the field, and he said some people change the fluid and filter at 50k, and most do not, and he is not seeing many failures either way, though mine is on the higher end of mileage. His advice: just monitor for leaks or slipping, and then make a decision.

Overall, a strange move by BMW to have a service policy that contradicts its supplier, but here we are.

Thanks everyone for your inputs. I wish this bulletin board had a poll function so we could get some real data on transmission issues.

[Bdavi011]

These transmission are very well built. One of the best transmissions on the market. But i would honestly follow the manufacturers recommendation to service it at 50k miles. BMW just doesn't want to spend extra money on its maintenance program. Lifetime fluid for BMW is 100k. After that, if it breaks down, it lived up to its "expected" life expectancy.

I'm not here to tell you what to do, it is your car, but if I was in your shoes I would service the transmission. Replace the pan, fill with new fluid following the correct procedures and then drain and refill with more fresh ZF fluid after 5k miles to get as much of the old fluid out.

[evilchargerfan]

A local shop (Temecula CA area) did mention, that for a trans fluid service, if they drain fluid and find metal shavings..... they will not proceed with the service and refill with the same fluid.

Why they do this? I am not 100% sure. So perhaps the dealer has some truth to what they are telling you.


Personally, I would drain and refill with fresh ZF fluid, but that's me.

[alphawawa]

Good feedback, thanks.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

A local shop (Temecula CA area) did mention, that for a trans fluid service, if they drain fluid and find metal shavings..... they will not proceed with the service and refill with the same fluid.

Why they do this? I am not 100% sure. So perhaps the dealer has some truth to what they are telling you.

When the fluid has never been changed on a high mileage vehicle, there's some amount of metal and clutch dust circulating through the transmission. It's said, that these particles are providing extra grip therefore preventing the clutches from slipping and by putting in new slippery fluid, the friction from the old fluid is lost, then the trans starts slipping. If changing the fluid causes the trans to fail, it was on its last leg and was ready to fail anyway.

Since the filter has never been changed, the fluid flow is reduced due to being partially clogging, which is really bad for the trans, plus the magnets are coated therefore can't attract any additional metal so it continues to flow throughout the trans. I've changed the original fluid on many trans, with 200k or more miles and never seen a failure afterwards.

Personalty, I think it's bad advice not change the trans fluid and filter. BMW claims lifetime fluid so the cost to maintain their vehicles is reduced. The trans manufacture has fluid/filter change intervals because they know from experience, this maintenance will increase the longevity of their trans.

[Lizann86]

My X3 2012 is making a winning noise once it gets warmed up. Does anyone know what could be the problem. Please help!

[Bdavi011]

Originally Posted by pungo

When the fluid has never been changed on a high mileage vehicle, there's some amount of metal and clutch dust circulating through the transmission. It's said, that these particles are providing extra grip therefore preventing the clutches from slipping and by putting in new slippery fluid, the friction from the old fluid is lost, then the trans starts slipping. If changing the fluid causes the trans to fail, it was on its last leg and was ready to fail anyway.

Since the filter has never been changed, the fluid flow is reduced due to being partially clogging, which is really bad for the trans, plus the magnets are coated therefore can't attract any additional metal so it continues to flow throughout the trans. I've changed the original fluid on many trans, with 200k or more miles and never seen a failure afterwards.

Personalty, I think it's bad advice not change the trans fluid and filter. BMW claims lifetime fluid so the cost to maintain their vehicles is reduced. The trans manufacture has fluid/filter change intervals because they know from experience, this maintenance will increase the longevity of their trans.

I have a 95 525i that had 156k miles when it started to have shifting issues. When I took it to a shop and had them service it, the fluid came out black and gray. The tech said it seemed like it had never been serviced and doing the service can be risky. The service was done anyway and the car shifted much better. I then decided to do 3 more drain and refills myself every 500 miles until the fluid began to come out red instead of dark red/black. It has 297k miles on the same transmission and it was still shifting. It developed a hardships into 3rd gear several years after but I believe the service extended the life of it.

Now I can just be lucky, but I have become a firm believer since that experience to drain and refill a transmission regardless if it has been serviced or not.

Didn't mean to thread jack you, just wanted to share a personal experience!

Originally Posted by Lizann86

My X3 2012 is making a winning noise once it gets warmed up. Does anyone know what could be the problem. Please help!

I would honestly start a new thread with your car info to better help with the problem and not get to out of topic for OP's thread.

[alphawawa]

Great inputs everyone. I am leaning towards doing a proper servicing (multiple fluid flushes along with filter changes). Can anyone recommend a shop in the Bay Area that has confidence and experience servicing these transmissions with high mileage? Thank you.

[evilchargerfan]

Originally Posted by pungo

Thanks for the insight Pungo.

That makes sense.

[evilchargerfan]

Originally Posted by Lizann86

My X3 2012 is making a winning noise once it gets warmed up. Does anyone know what could be the problem. Please help!

This may or may not be the solution to your problem, but perhaps you're low on trans fluid (due to improper fill?)

I know when I did mine, my initial fill was low and made some noises.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=16

After correcting my failure, the noise went away.

Good Luck!

[Lizann86]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

This may or may not be the solution to your problem, but perhaps you're low on trans fluid (due to improper fill?)

I know when I did mine, my initial fill was low and made some noises.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...8;postcount=16

After correcting my failure, the noise went away.

Good Luck!

Thank you, do you know what type of transmission fluid I need?

[383vett]

Originally Posted by alphawawa

Great inputs everyone. I am leaning towards doing a proper servicing (multiple fluid flushes along with filter changes). Can anyone recommend a shop in the Bay Area that has confidence and experience servicing these transmissions with high mileage? Thank you.

H&B in Berkeley has been good for my X3.