Auto gearbox lifetime oil change

StewieG · Post by **StewieG** » Fri Dec 02, 2011 9:37 pm

Hey folks,

Sorry i been gone, was made redundant, but started a new job a week later, and working for myself now, so no more redundancies

Anyways, was just wondering, my 05 E53 has done 61k and heard that I should have my Autgearbox lifetime oil changed out. What do you guys think?

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Fri Dec 02, 2011 10:17 pm

Hey Stewie,

Sorry to hear that and hope you're in a much better place mate!

Gearbox oil is 'supposed' to be sealed-for-life. So unless you feel the gearbox is not behaving correctly I'd not bother.

IF you do decide to still go ahead with an ATF change then ask to see what the condition of the oil is - burnt, filing contamination, etc.

BUT still only change it if you feel the gearbox is misbehaving. Oh and get the filter changed at the same time!

Also, what about the breather assembly - thought about that on your diesel? Helps the turbo life - quick search will reveal all.

5wany · Post by **5wany** » Fri Dec 02, 2011 10:37 pm

Have a read here, some good points for both sides. Personally I take the opinion "if it aint broke......"

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/ ... nance.html

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 11:02 am

I only changed mine at that mileage as I had a leaking sump seal.

The good thing was though, that after the oil change the "lurch" had gone. Coincidence?

IanP · Post by **IanP** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 12:53 pm

I think that the lifetime oil tag is a bit misleading, as it only really means that the oil will last for as long as the vehicle is under BMW warranty!! It would appear that problems occur if the oil is changed when the box has a fair mileage under its belt as the new oil has the effect of moving the deposits around in the box due to its dispersancy(?). This can block the solenoid block galleries up.
It appears that the main cause of box failure is the torque convertor, when this starts to fail the the swarf can also block up the solenoid block.
I have seen reference that if the sump is removed due to leakage etc then the old oil should be saved and reused.
If you do change the oil, then I would take it to a specialist as just draining the sump only removes about 50% of the oil, the rest is in the convertor, I did hear that there is a pump wich can be fitted to the sytem to flush it which will get all the old oil out.
PS the oil is specific for the box and quite expensive. The filter will need doing at the same time.
I have part changed mine due to the ineptitude of a local Indy, and it made no difference, so just waiting for the box to die now!!!

jason@bwchiptune · Post by **jason@bwchiptune** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 12:18 am

We offer a full rebuild on e53 with new converter with the correct long life oil parts and labour fitted for 1550 for xdrivers members

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