Automatic Transmission Fluid Changing Strategy -- Opinions Please

[Russell]

Having read the pro's / cons of changing auto trans fluid, consensus seems to be:

- if it's been changed (at least once / 60k mi.) it can probably be safely changed again. No worries.
- If it hasn't, could destroy trans with one change. (Me... Worries).
- Flushing is not recommended under either circumstances.

Mine may never have been changed, though the trans works well now. Not looking to mess it up!~ ('95 525i 139,000 mi. auto trans, model: A4S 310R).

Tentative Plan:

1) Change filter, pan gasket, securing nuts.
2) Replace only 1/2 - 1 liter of fluid as a test.
3) Drive car 500 mi before changing more fluid.

If new issues begin, hold breath and prey it doesn't get worse. If the trans feels happy, change out another liter. Drive another 500 miles. If this continues to seem fine, then (and only then) do a bigger change.

It's a lot of trouble, but the alternative of ignoring the fluid until the trans dies is hard on my brain cells. I want to approach changing the fluid without taking tremendous risk.

Any thoughts on my procedure?? Thanks, Vic

'95 525i 139k mi. Owned 3 months.
'86 Benz, 420SEL. 110k mi. (Father was original owner).

Change the fluid and filter. Blow out the oil cooler lines with air. Use Dextron VI trany fluid. I use Valvoline. This will replace about 1/2 the fluid. Keep in mind that the 95 has no dipstick and fulid level must be checked when level and at a specific temp. Not much fun without a lift. FYI, I change mine every 30,000 miles.