530i automatic transmission advice

[Oxford5er]

Okay, before anyone tells me to do a search, I did. And before anyone tells me how much slushboxes suck, my BMW is my 3rd car and my dad often uses it, and he hasn't driven a stick since the 70s....so converting it to a manual is out of the question....My two VWs are 5-speeds, so I hope I can redeem myself!

Anyway, I have a '95 530iA with 110k miles and no transmission trouble so far (knock on that huge piece of walnut wood around your gearshifts...). It is the 5hp18 5-speed auto. Anyway, I have been told by my dealership as well as Mike Miller from the BMWCCA that the lifetime fluid isn't really lifetime, and now it's too late to flush it because there may be sludge that could dislodge and cause problems (kinda like a thrombosis for you fellow health professionals out there). What are your experiences with older trannies as far as signs and symptoms and replacing or rebuilding? How much should I expect to spend? Should I do it at the dealership or find an independent BMW mechanic? Does anyone have any experience with the ZF Life2 trannies? Like I said, it is shifting smoothly now, but I am keeping my eye on it. Thanks for your help!!!

[E34 530]

I have a 94 530ia with 60k miles. I wasn't sure if the PO ever changed the tranny fluid, so I had a tranny service (complete seal, filter and other part replacement) My mechanic (BMW specialist, only works on them and races many M3's) told me to not change ALL of the fluid at one time, it might cause problems. I think he changed most of the fluid but left some original or something like that. It isn't lifetime fluid. BMW also reccomends 15,000 mile oil interval changes, so don't always listen to them. I would definetly look into some kind of fluid change/flush.

[632 Regal]

I just changed the filter and the fluid that came out during that procedure. This is what was recommended to me by Kirt Koller a ZF trans specialist, he also said to do the same each 30k miles. Use synthetic Dextron III like royal purple or similar., was 3.00 a QT and you should get 4 qts, they say youll only need 3 but that was about half a qt too low.