525it new owner

[Geoff Hoad]

Jeff,

It's an interesting point. Not all BMW automatic transmissions are Getrag units. Many are ZF's. I spoke to Mike Martin about this at length at one time and he supported your view and wouldn't do it. But he also noted it really depends on the condition of the unit and its mileage, and as I understand it, the driving conditions of the car.

Another alternative, and one I do have experience in, is to change the fluid every 15,000 miles but not flush the unit. That is, you are changing only the ATF in the transmission but not any of the fluid capured in the torque converter. Have been doing this for the last 100,000 kms without a problem.

It has been explained to me that there is enough new fluid going into the unit to refresh the ATF that's there, but not enough to clean out all the residual gunk and therefore potentially create a problem.

Mine is a 5 Speed ZF adaptive unit and can be used as a manual without problem.

As I noted before, its important to see what unit is in the car. I suspect that he does have a Getrag.

[Geoff Hoad]

As an addendum to this I recollect that BIll R uses the same change procedure on his car excpet he changes his ATF when he changes his oil.

[632 Regal]

I agree that if you keep it clean and change it regularly is the real ticket here. Empty the trans pan the same time as an oil change is an awesome idea but not too many of us have such a nice example.

I assumed that ZF made all the Getrag units? I may be mistaken.

The general rule is that if the fluid isnt clear then its a real mistake to flush that thing out and to do it as Kirt suggested.

I havent even gotten into mine because I am afraid I will break the car jacking the rear up while the fronts on ramps, going to get an extra floorjack so I can take care of it and see how ugly mine is. Dont need it traveling down the hill without me in it. I have NO records about the tranny and am afraid of it...LOL

[Geoff Hoad]

Jeff,

Agree about not knowing the condition of the tranny. I bought mine with 50,000 km on the clock as an Approved Used Car from a dealer with full service history. Have maintained the car as new since. When I first had the tranny serviced the ATF looked like new. I also forgot to mention that I always replace the filter when I have the fluid changed. The clean ATF rule is a good one to remember.

Understand your reluctance and the idea about putting the car on four stands makes me think twice as well.

Don't know if Getrag units were made by ZF or not.