Grey gunk on trany magnet

[Kistoni]

I just dropped the sump off my auto tranny to change the filter and renew the fluid. It had been leaking from the output shaft seal (which I have also replaced) and I was experiencing a little slippage when cold starting and also on inclines/braking which I put down to low fluid due to the leak. Anyway the sump magnet was like a grey donut with about twice its volume of grey gunk stuck to it.

The car has done just over 60k miles, is it usual to have this much metalic dust or is it a sigh that something is on the way out?

It is the first time I have owned an auto and I dont really understand the inner workings of the thing. I do tend to drive it manually sellecting the gears (ie 1-2-3 as opposed to using D) and engine braking so maybe i am wearing something down by doing this?

Its been a long week end spend under the car and it looks like I am going to be using taxis until my new flex disk arrives... Nearly 3am Monday morning here(day ahead of US), I gotta crash... I hope I wake up to some good news from u gang...

[c1apton]

usually on first trans fluid change that "grey goo" is common. It should be done every 30k but in later years BMW promoted "lifetime" fluids & longer intervals which equaled more service repairs to auto trans'. Just get into routine of doing it every 30k and it'll be good for a long time. Maintenance on a regular schedule is beneficial to ALL BMWs. They're not built sloppy so a regular maintenance schedule is critical to it's longevity.

[Kistoni]

Thats reassuring. Thanks for your continued input clapton.

Now just my body feels broken after my mechanical marathon and only 4hrs sleep. Nearly there on my drivetrain renovation. Just need to fill the fluids, pull the center bearing off and replace. Then get my hands on the right flex disk and put it all back together.

After that I have got the parts to replace the valve cover and service the engine. And there was I thinking I would get it all done in one week end...