e36 transmission flush
 

Hey, I've got a 92 325i auto. I was thinking of getting the transmission fluid changed but then i was told that bmw puts in a lifetime fluid and that i shouldn't get it changed because it wouldn't do it any good.

I was told this by a mechanic that works on bmw's.

New stuff yes. Old stuff, No so much. Is the tranny working properly? If so I'd say just check the level add IF NEEDED and leave it alone. Sometimes flushing the trans (especially if its high mileage) can kill the tranny by washing out the clutch disks. That actually holds true for just about all makes and models.

It's got 275k on it and the tranny works fine. The fluid looks blackish greyish but i'm assuming that's normal if it's lifetime fluid.

I thought dark tranny fluid was bad and should be a reddish color.

The fluid is kind of low, what kind should i be adding? Is there a special bmw fluid i should get?

Drop the pan change the filter and top it up with recommended fluid, drive it till it dies then get a new one. Drive another 300,000+ miles. As far as recommended fluid it depends on which one is in your car, the ZF or the Hydromatic, should be in the owners manual.

BMW ZF5HP19 Steptronic Trans Factory Defect...
 

...Look on website Atlanta Auto Repair Buckhead (larry Johnson) he is expert on transmission and describes the hundreds of defective BMW trans he has repaired...

jimjim, blow it out your tail pipe. YOUR screw up has NOTHING to do with macneil's tranny. Stop being a worthless idiot or you're going to get rightfully banned.

More myth and misconception surrounds automatic transmissions than almost anything...

1. BMW USED TO HAVE 'lifetime fluid' but have stopped doing that and gone back to servicing them. They were also very quiet about doing this, for obvious marketing and corporate image purposes. I do know under a normal schedule it would be due to be changed at least one time by 100,000 miles. (Not sure since you didn't list which transmission you have.)

2. Be absolutely sure you are using the CORRECT FLUID for your transmission. BMW lists at least four kinds across the board. This could take some research to find out. Check the pan bottom, there should be a label.

3. In any transmission make, heat is the mortal enemy. However there must be enough friction to make the clutch packs engage - hence, they're engineered for a happy medium. Friction and heat cause the fluid to break down - causing more friction and heat - causing more fluid to break down. See where this can go if you do any towing or drag racing?

4. Changing will NOT harm the transmission, it will preserve it. The myth of "changing fluid will kill it" came from the Detroit scrap iron mentality. ie: 'Leave it in there until it gives you trouble.' BY THE TIME IT GIVES YOU TROUBLE (starts to slip, flare or shudder) THE FRICTION DISKS ARE NEARLY GONE AND IT'S TOO LATE FOR A FLUID CHANGE TO HELP. It is NOT from; new fluid burning the clutches, new fluid dislodging dirt or the transmission computer and/or valve body 'recognizing' new fluid and not knowing what to do with it. CHANGE IT BEFORE IT GIVES YOU ANY PROBLEMS.

The good news is changing your filter and fluid isn't that difficult but remember to check the level warmed up and running. If you don't have a dipstick MEASURE HOW MUCH COMES OUT AND PUT BACK THE SAME VOLUME of correct fluid, preferably at the same temperature.

Also, look up and do some reading on Mario Esteed of ATSG (automatic transmission service group) in south Florida.

I'm not sure as to what tranny i have, i will check that out sometime.

One thing my tranny started doing recently is on a cold start up i take off and it shifts into 2nd fine (my tranny is auto) then before it will shift into 3rd i have to rev it up to 3000rpm or more before it shifts again. But it seems after it shifts into 3rd gear once then it just shifts normally after that.

After a while of driving (10-15mins) when the car is heated up, when i take off normally 3rd gear feels like it's slipping, but when i come right onto it, it shifts perfect.

I don't know when the fluid was changed last (it's looks pretty dark colored) and i was told not flush it just add some if any was needed. Well about 2 months ago my power steering was kinda winding and the fluid was a bit low so i went to napa and they gave me some ATF, said it was the proper stuff. Could that be affecting what it's doing now cuz i've only had the car about 4months and i don't remember it doing that when i first got it.