When to do the transmission oil change?

S

skurup

Member
Hi,
I have a 2005 BMW Z4 e85, automatic transmission, with around 105,000 miles on it currently.
When I took the car for the oil change recently at the BMW service center, I asked them if I have to change the transmission oil but to my surprise they suggested me not to change it now. I told them it's over 100k miles but they said since the transmission is a 'sealed unit' (whatever that means), they wouldn't changing the transmission oil until it shows issue with gear changes.

What are your thoughts on this?
I was under the impression that if I don't change transmission oil once I get to 100k miles mark, it was bad for the car. Let me know what you guys think? Anyone here with a bad experience with transmission after having the oil change?
 

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My inde mechanic recommended that I do a change very 50k kilometers. I bought Z4 at 36,500 km and I did all the fluids immediately including the gearbox. They have a one piece plastic pan that has the oil filter and the metal collecting magnets. These are relatively pricey (250 NZD, not sure what they are in GBP but probably cheaper :) ) but make it a pretty fast job to do. BMW state that they used 'lifetime' oils which from what i have read is 100k miles for gearboxes.

If it were mine and you cannot find any receipts for an oil change, at 105k miles, I would go for it.
 
Is the auto box on these the same as the E90?
If so then around 100k miles is what I have seen recommended online. We did our 335d just before it hit 100k. Now on 150k with no issues.
Costs around £600 if it is the same job, as fluids alone were £250 iirc.
 
The issue I have seen with the auto boxes on BMW’s is that you change the oil and they immediately go wrong. It tends to disturb all the “bits’ that have been lying around in the bottom and they get into the valve chest etc. I know it makes sense to want to change the oil but I think the garage you took it to does not want you to say “ you broke my gearbox, you changed the oil and it now doesn’t work” .
 
I'm not surprised a BMW Service Centre refused to change it, because according to BMW the transmission is "Sealed for Life".

Mine is a manual and I had the fluid changed at 80K miles, and gear changing felt a bit better afterwards, but I don't know about possible issues with an Auto.

If you do want it done I'd try asking an Independent BMW Specialist.
 
Hmmm. So what I'm hearing is most of you guys have done it before 100k. Probably I will have to get it done from an BMW specialist outside of the BMW center soon. :?
 
Jl-c said:
The issue I have seen with the auto boxes on BMW’s is that you change the oil and they immediately go wrong. It tends to disturb all the “bits’ that have been lying around in the bottom and they get into the valve chest etc. I know it makes sense to want to change the oil but I think the garage you took it to does not want you to say “ you broke my gearbox, you changed the oil and it now doesn’t work” .
Click to expand...

This is really a thing? I struggle to see how leaving 105k old oil and not replacing with new can provide a better outcome for the next 50k miles or more?
 
scarlet-jester said:
Jl-c said:
The issue I have seen with the auto boxes on BMW’s is that you change the oil and they immediately go wrong. It tends to disturb all the “bits’ that have been lying around in the bottom and they get into the valve chest etc. I know it makes sense to want to change the oil but I think the garage you took it to does not want you to say “ you broke my gearbox, you changed the oil and it now doesn’t work” .
Click to expand...

This is really a thing? I struggle to see how leaving 105k old oil and not replacing with new can provide a better outcome for the next 50k miles or more?
Click to expand...

I just speak as I find.
 
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