BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-30-2015, 10:21 AM   #1
neelkc12
Private
neelkc12's Avatar
United_States
21
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: x3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: boston

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW X3  [0.00]
Talking Preventive maintenance- Do not change tranmission fluid

My experience
----------------
Decided to go ahead and do good old fashioned preventive maintenance at 75K by a reputed BMW indy.
1) Change spark plugs
2) Perform fluid changes - Front and rear differential,transfer case, drop transmission pan and change transmission fluid.

Results - After 2k of driving here the status - After 100 miles or so of hard driving , if the car faces stop and go traffic, car jolts and goes into limp mode - transmission warning pop up on the dash.
With lesser miles of driven - say 30 to 40 miles commute nothing happens no matter how hard I drive or stop and go conditions.

Car is back to the Indy - Obviously they can't replicate it!.

I have spoken to several BMW indies before doing the transmission fluid change. Best advice I had was - leave the transmission alone - eventually it would leak and then you do what you got to do ! Damn , I went against and feeling fried.

Just sharing.
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2015, 01:07 PM   #2
Scandic24
Second Lieutenant
Scandic24's Avatar
Sweden
45
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: X4 30d MSport
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

What a bummer
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2015, 04:05 PM   #3
ba ba boosh
Second Lieutenant
45
Rep
208
Posts

Drives: Jalopy
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NYC

iTrader: (1)

Some techs say 100k is when you should change the tranny fluid. But the majority of posts I have seen with tranny fluid changed before 100k have not ended well for the vehicle owner.
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2015, 10:53 PM   #4
Barbera335
Captain
168
Rep
660
Posts

Drives: F25
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: socal

iTrader: (0)

Thats ridiculous. Either they didn't fill it correctly or used the incorrect fluid. I have been doing transmission fluid and filter changes at 60k intervals on all my cars including my X3 and never had an issue. Make sure you are using a reputable shop.
Appreciate 5
      12-31-2015, 08:06 AM   #5
jman103099
Private
United_States
7
Rep
73
Posts

Drives: 2011 E90 & 2011 F25
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central IL

iTrader: (0)

Yeah, my vote is for wrong fluid as well.

And I think a post above has it backwards - most people that do changes AFTER 100k miles have issues. There's a lot of debate on if you should touch it at all after 100k if you havent already.

I'm actually getting ready to go a transfer case fluid change soon. I did it on my last X3 as well. Probably wont have the car over 80-90k miles, so wont touch the tranny.
Appreciate 2
      12-31-2015, 01:51 PM   #6
The X Men
Colonel
99
Rep
2,323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

I think most owners run into problems when they do a tranny flush, not just a tranny fluid change. A tranny flush is a good way to replace all the tranny fluid and it can also clean the build up inside the tranny. The problem is that all that build up can sometimes end up potentially damage components or block tight passageways. When fluid is forcefully pushed back into the transmission, chunks of debris can be dislodged and possibly block narrow channels or one-way valves.
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2015, 02:25 PM   #7
epiphone3
Lieutenant Colonel
110
Rep
1,772
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
Thats ridiculous. Either they didn't fill it correctly or used the incorrect fluid. I have been doing transmission fluid and filter changes at 60k intervals on all my cars including my X3 and never had an issue. Make sure you are using a reputable shop.
Have you been doing AWD transfer case and front and rear differential fluids as well? Any thoughts on he intervals for those other drive line pieces? I know ZF recommends 89,000 km for the automatic transmission in our X3.
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2015, 09:28 PM   #8
Barbera335
Captain
168
Rep
660
Posts

Drives: F25
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: socal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by epiphone3 View Post
Have you been doing AWD transfer case and front and rear differential fluids as well? Any thoughts on he intervals for those other drive line pieces? I know ZF recommends 89,000 km for the automatic transmission in our X3.
Yes, the rear differntial is a bit of a pain though because it does not have a drain plug. Fluid has to be sucked out through the fill hole. I will say the transfer case fluid and diff fluids were very dark. The trans fluid was still fairly clear. I think the trans could of probably gone longer than 60k. The other components needed it at 60k miles.
Appreciate 0
      01-07-2016, 02:20 PM   #9
neelkc12
Private
neelkc12's Avatar
United_States
21
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: x3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: boston

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW X3  [0.00]
It was wrong fluid or say non OEM fluid.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jman103099 View Post
Yeah, my vote is for wrong fluid as well.

And I think a post above has it backwards - most people that do changes AFTER 100k miles have issues. There's a lot of debate on if you should touch it at all after 100k if you havent already.

I'm actually getting ready to go a transfer case fluid change soon. I did it on my last X3 as well. Probably wont have the car over 80-90k miles, so wont touch the tranny.
===================
I went back and mentioned that to the shop . They kept my X3 2 days in the garage and eventually gave in - Sucked up their pride - Got the BMW ATF fluid from then nearest dealer and drained and refilled twice. Previously , they used some RedLine product . Now Redlines have pretty good reputation , but may be they are not "EXACTLY" same as OEM . It's like FDA saying the Mcd food is edible

I still stand skeptical though on the entire experience.
Appreciate 0
      01-07-2016, 02:50 PM   #10
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by neelkc12 View Post
===================
I went back and mentioned that to the shop . They kept my X3 2 days in the garage and eventually gave in - Sucked up their pride - Got the BMW ATF fluid from then nearest dealer and drained and refilled twice. Previously , they used some RedLine product . Now Redlines have pretty good reputation , but may be they are not "EXACTLY" same as OEM . It's like FDA saying the Mcd food is edible

I still stand skeptical though on the entire experience.
The ZF Lifeguard 8 is pretty expensive stuff.
Appreciate 2
      01-31-2016, 05:02 AM   #11
Mywifes335
Major
Mywifes335's Avatar
United_States
1630
Rep
1,422
Posts

Drives: 2014 FBO M235i
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: DFW

iTrader: (1)

Agree with Barbera335 and The X Men.

Unless your Indy really knows newer BMWs just DIY or go to the dealer.

We made that mistake with our X5. Several Indy shops were just horrible in terms of diagnostics and putting NON-OEM parts on.

Don't get me wrong, for more basic maintence I don't mind going to an Indy. We just got burned too many times when it came to more complex issues.

If in NJ, you can check out Supertool Automotive in New Brunswick. If you want performance work (ie meth injection, turbo swaps and custom dyno tunes, go to Powerhaus Performance in Cherry Hill.
Appreciate 1
      02-07-2016, 03:47 PM   #12
OUGrad05
Captain
521
Rep
859
Posts

Drives: 2023 i4 and 2022 Acura MDX
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

That's odd. I've always changed auto trans fluid every 30k and told family to do the same. Granted I've only owned one auto car until now. Now both BMW's are autos.

I was thinking I would do the change every 30k, now I'm thinking 40k if people are really going 50, 75 or 100k on their fluids. But do them both before the warranty is over so if something happens its covered.
__________________
2023 i4 eDrive40
2022 Acura MDX
Appreciate 0
      11-23-2019, 07:09 AM   #13
dscollins
dscollins
United Kingdom
1
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 F25 2.0D SE 2014
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: LEEDS UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
Thats ridiculous. Either they didn't fill it correctly or used the incorrect fluid. I have been doing transmission fluid and filter changes at 60k intervals on all my cars including my X3 and never had an issue. Make sure you are using a reputable shop.
Do you no if bmw specify a milage before a oil change for auto box on a f25
Appreciate 0
      11-23-2019, 08:08 AM   #14
Wgosma
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
800
Rep
1,895
Posts

Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52)
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Northern Nevada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dscollins View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
Thats ridiculous. Either they didn't fill it correctly or used the incorrect fluid. I have been doing transmission fluid and filter changes at 60k intervals on all my cars including my X3 and never had an issue. Make sure you are using a reputable shop.
Do you no if bmw specify a milage before a oil change for auto box on a f25
Don't believe BMW has recommended fluid change interval - lifetime fill - ZF, tranny manufacturer, recommends drain/fill and new filter pan at 60-70K miles.
Appreciate 0
      11-27-2019, 08:35 AM   #15
richardodn
First Lieutenant
United_States
158
Rep
346
Posts

Drives: '12 X3 35iX/'20 440ix cabrio
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Denver, CO

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wgosma View Post
Don't believe BMW has recommended fluid change interval - lifetime fill - ZF, tranny manufacturer, recommends drain/fill and new filter pan at 60-70K miles.
This is correct. BMW does not specify a fluid change. ZF specifies it for cars with "severe duty", which is basically all of them.
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2021, 11:34 AM   #16
Asianoak
Lieutenant
Asianoak's Avatar
United_States
143
Rep
451
Posts

Drives: '11 E92 M3 & "11 X3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southern Oregon

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 M3  [0.00]
Well I had my trans fluid and transaxle fluid changed last week at about 105k miles and I can honestly say... DO IT!!! It feels like a new car, no more hesitations when accelerating from a stop, smoother shifts, faster acceleration, coasts smoother too.

I made sure before scheduling that it was a filter and fluid change, not a flush. And my indy shop uses OE parts for everything except oil changes (Mobile 1). Cost for both plus oil change and brake fluid was about $950. I had previously done the differential fluid myself.

They noticed a fairly high level of metal in the transaxle fluid which is concerning but so far so good.
__________________
Instagram: @dasianoak
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2021, 01:37 PM   #17
Wgosma
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
800
Rep
1,895
Posts

Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52)
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Northern Nevada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
Thats ridiculous. Either they didn't fill it correctly or used the incorrect fluid. I have been doing transmission fluid and filter changes at 60k intervals on all my cars including my X3 and never had an issue. Make sure you are using a reputable shop.
Agreed- My got Lifeguard fluid, new pan-filter at 75K, no issues.
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2021, 02:08 PM   #18
Bdavi011
Private First Class
54
Rep
119
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW X3 3.5i
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Just want to piggy back, I've done 3 services on my transmission with 2 filter changes since I've owned the car. Bought 2 years ago with 47k miles. I replaced filter and fluid with 50k, then drain and refill with 55k. Now has 85k miles and just recently did a service with filter change. Transmission is going strong with 0 issues. My personal advice is use ZF fluid and filter. Don't cheap out. No reason to risk it with different fluid and different brand filter. ZF knows what they are doing so only put what they put on initial fill.
Appreciate 1
      01-10-2021, 03:30 PM   #19
shoman24v
Second Lieutenant
103
Rep
219
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i, 2022 Highlander
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Fresno, CA

iTrader: (2)

When something breaks after you mess with it, who's to blame
__________________
| 2018 BMW 330i | 30k Miles | M-Sport Package | Driving Assistance Plus | Premium Package | Executive Package | Harmon Kardon | Active Blind Spot Detection | PDC | Mineral Grey Metallic/Coral Red Dakota Leather |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD |
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2021, 03:51 PM   #20
e30lover318i
Second Lieutenant
United_States
79
Rep
211
Posts

Drives: E30,E34T,E46,F48
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: RI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bdavi011 View Post
Just want to piggy back, I've done 3 services on my transmission with 2 filter changes since I've owned the car. Bought 2 years ago with 47k miles. I replaced filter and fluid with 50k, then drain and refill with 55k. Now has 85k miles and just recently did a service with filter change. Transmission is going strong with 0 issues. My personal advice is use ZF fluid and filter. Don't cheap out. No reason to risk it with different fluid and different brand filter. ZF knows what they are doing so only put what they put on initial fill.
Perfect response!! Moral of this on going auto transmission “myth” is if you replace the fluid and filter and the trans takes a dump, it was most likely going to happen sooner or later.

My e83 I did once at 150k and again at 200k without any issues.
My f25 done at 120k
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 09:00 AM   #21
evilchargerfan
Lieutenant
evilchargerfan's Avatar
United_States
269
Rep
595
Posts

Drives: 2012 F25 (N55), 2014 I01 (REX)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego / Menifee

iTrader: (1)

This thread needs to die, op has a lot of info missing

I'm with Barbera on this one, probably didn't fill it correctly or used the incorrect fluid. Also, no mentions of resetting adaptations after Transfer Case
Appreciate 2
      01-11-2021, 01:58 PM   #22
ClampThurst
Private First Class
33
Rep
119
Posts

Drives: 2018 M4-Silverstone, 2017 X3
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern California

iTrader: (0)

I did all of my own fluids on my 2017 X3 3.5i. 57,000 miles. Transmission, Transfer, front and rear diffs, NO RESET ADAPTATIONS performed. I used factory fill Fuchs Titan transmission fluid, Shell S-Tec transfer case oil, and Fuchs titan sintapoind 75w-90 for the diffs. Ive had zero problems and the transmission is smoother than ever!. Like everyone else, Im going with improper fluid/fill.
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:36 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST