i recently changed my transmission fluid. it took about 7 quarts and the mechanic said it was the worst he'd seen. he didn't think anyone had ever changed it. it has 150,000 miles on it. i was experiencing hard shifting and hearing a grinding noise when i changed the gear from park to drive or reverse. that stopped after the fluid change but it's starting up again. i've read that you have to flush it out 2 or 3 times. would that really be a good idea? thanks in advance.
2007-11-14 12:09:54 · 6 answers · asked by Sarah 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
Normally, 150,000 miles is quite high for a transmission fluid change, but you know what they say... better late than a new transmission.
You will need a new filter, and if the fluid was simply drained and filled manually, there will be some old fluid stuck in the transmission... which of course will mix with the new fluid.
If you are absolutely wanting a 100% clean fluid, then yes, you would at least need to change the fluid one more time.
Again... 150,000 miles is kinda high. You can only cross your fingers that it is still salvageable with a tranny fluid change.
My tranny died at 115k miles on its factory fluid. BMW USA reimbursed me half the cost of replacing it with a rebuilt unit after I wrote in to complain along with online printouts of some 17 other cases of the same model.
Now I'm doing a tranny fluid change every 50k-60k miles.
2007-11-14 15:16:14 · answer #1 · answered by Snowie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no dip stick. That's why Sarah is asking! These are "lifetime transmission fluid" sealed transmissions. This is a TSB from BMW on the checking of ATF. SUBJECT Transmission Fluid Level Checking Procedure and Application Chart MODEL All with the ZF and GM automatic transmission SITUATION Checking the fluid level may be necessary if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint related to fluid level or in the event repairs are made to the transmission. NOTE: USE ONLY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT IS APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION AS INDICATED IN THE ATTACHED FLUIDS APPLICATION CHART. ALL OTHER FLUIDS WILL CAUSE NON WARRANTABLE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. PROCEDURE Fluid Level Checking Procedure for all Transmissions without a Dipstick: 1. The transmission temperature must be between 30C and 50C before checking can begin. Use the DIS or the MODIC to determine the transmission temperature. 2. The vehicle must be level and without load. With the engine running, switch on the air conditioning. This will increase the idle speed and ensure that all oil passages in the transmission are filled with oil. 3. Step on the brake firmly, apply parking brake fully and move the selector lever through each gear position, pausing briefly in each gear. 4. With the engine running and the selector lever in Park position, remove the filler plug located on the transmission (see picture for location). If a small stream of oil runs out, the fluid level is correct. 5. If no oil runs out when the filler plug is removed, the fluid level is too low. Add oil until it starts to overflow. 6. With the engine running, reinstall the oil filler plug and tighten to proper torque. There are many complaints for this trans. You may have to get it fixed or replaced but definetly check the fluid level first. Hopefully that's all it needs. Good luck
2016-05-23 04:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by shannon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you changed the filter when this flush was done? Otherwise you will not remove any old particulates in the system. Did it smell burnt? Was it discolored? 150k is not huge mileage on these cars as long as it was not a tow vehicle. Generally, if you have only changed the fluid due to issues with the gearbox instead of doing it as part of regular maintenance, you might be too late.
2007-11-14 12:21:14 · answer #3 · answered by Rob J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off was the mechanic from the BMW dealership? When you are dealing with cars like BMW and Infiniti and Mercedes and etc. its really important to go to the dealer for service even if it isn't under warranty. It normally is good to flush it out a couple of times only if it has never been done before. I would make sure you are going to someone reliable though so you don't get ripped off!
2007-11-14 12:15:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the torque converter and passages will hold dirty fluid. Best bet is a transmission flush with a machine. It replaces 100% of the old fluid.
2007-11-14 12:15:38 · answer #5 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Servicing the transmission on a trans that has 150K miles on it is only buying it time. Your tranny is at the end of its life.
2007-11-14 13:41:11 · answer #6 · answered by WANDA L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋