[AX3]

Just had the fluids changed in my 2014. The BMW dealer wouldn't do it, thankfully. Have 68600 miles on it. There was no way I would be able do do it myself. I found an independent garage that did the deed for $928. Tranny fluid, filter, front diff., rear diff., and transfer case. I didn't expect to notice any difference BUT I think I do. It seems to shift and drive much smoother. Maybe just wishful thinking but it does seem different. Glad I did it as I want to keep this thing for a long time.

[dat1guy]

Originally Posted by Bufalo

If the shop is using the BMW branded filter kit and fluids, the price escalates very quickly.

Yeah the quote is for zf filters and all. I found them by searching for garages specialized in zf transmissions. I quickly looked at videos on how it's done and I don't feel confident enough to do it properly yet, but it's mostly a time issue. I'm spending all my weekends doing renovations on my place I stripped completely and I gotta spend all my free time on it.

One day I'll get to do my own maintenance work.

[jgX3]

After much procrastination finally banged out my F25 fluid flush. FCP euro Kit with original ZF for ~ $250. Fcp blog / diy, ZF instructions and BMW TIS all consulted and background diligence. After having done this on my 3-series a few years ago I knew what it takes - not difficult just a time sink. Especially without a lift to Jack the car. I too used ramps in front and Jack / jack stands in the rear. The 7 liters in the FCP kit is overkill. Like previous posts I drained 4.5 to 5 liters and following the entire refill process to the letter, refilled with the same amount to reach the slow drip from the fill hole. My Indy shop quoted $300 for labor (which in hindsight was an excellent rate) but I do have the satisfaction of knowing the job was done right. Cold beer afterwards never tasted so good...

[Bufalo]

Originally Posted by jgX3

...(description of excellent work)... Cold beer afterwards never tasted so good...

Laziness from my having kids, and my general reluctance to lay on my concrete garage floor in January has convinced me that this job can wait until spring. Glad to hear more success stories.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by Bufalo

Laziness from my having kids, and my general reluctance to lay on my concrete garage floor in January has convinced me that this job can wait until spring. Glad to hear more success stories.

its indeed a frustrating job. specially when you pump the oil back. My hose fall once, then the pump pressure make the hose pop and finally I accidentally kick a oil bottle on the ground.
Filling the transmission back, its a 2 person job when you're on the floor. exhaust getting hot, and you need to watch oil leak while the second person pump the oil.

This oil is a pain to remove, it smells very bad. My suit get washed 6 times with hot water, javel, oxyclean, tide, name it. Still smell. I had to do a tub clean with dishwasher soap after that.

If you have the money, find a independent shop. But in my case, if I don't do my maintenance, I would ride in a 2016 corolla, instead of a low mileage f25, n55, m pack, almost fully equipped...

[pungo]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

its indeed a frustrating job. specially when you pump the oil back. My hose fall once, then the pump pressure make the hose pop and finally I accidentally kick a oil bottle on the ground.
Filling the transmission back, its a 2 person job when you're on the floor. exhaust getting hot, and you need to watch oil leak while the second person pump the oil.

I use one of these which makes filling the trans a breeze.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by pungo

I use one of these which makes filling the trans a breeze.

Attachment 2218197

indeed this is way better.

all I had is a manual pump, which is more relevant for me since I won't do this everyday.

[TheCoolX3]

I did the change and fill procedure to a T. After about 100 MLS of gentle driving, I rechecked the trans fluid and added 1/2 quart for a steady trickle out of the fill hole. I'd recommend checking it within the first couple hundred miles of a change.

[jgX3]

The motive filler is great if you have one. I followed the advice in this old 3 series DIY. (1) placed the fluid - a few quarts at a time - into a bucket to prevent tipping individual bottles and (2) used the Harbor Freight orange pump you see depicted in the pictures - that I think cost $8 bucks - to get the job done. It’s a messy job regardless, no way around that fact. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367729