Transmissions and oil changes

[kevinandis]

I apologize for the Noob question in advance:

I was recently debating whether I would change the transmission fluid in my 2011 328i with 104,000 and decided against it. However when talking with a local indy, they said don't change the transmission fluid and that it is more important that you change your oil frequently to keep a good transmission. How are oil changes related to transmission health?

[cheech1]

You need to find a new indy shop. If the trans fluid hasn't been changed yet, you really should do a drain & fill.

[Pilgrim]

Agreed.

[NY Scotsman]

I just did mine with 95k miles. I have a 328x too and it is a relatively simple but messy diy project.

Most of the BMW specialist online stores eg tischer or ecs sell kits for around $200. Seems like an inexpensive insurance policy for your transmission.

However if you have better use of your time and money then don't sweat it.

[Thaniel]

they said don't change the transmission fluid and that it is more important that you change your oil frequently

Transmission fluid IS oil. So this makes no sense. Do they mean ENGINE oil VS Transmission oil? And the 2 are unrelated The oil doesn't circulate. There is also Differential oil (in the very back gear box). 3 independent oil boxes.

Engine oil gets carbon in it from the burning of the fuel. Trans and differentials don't have this issue so they can go much longer. How much longer??? you'll get all sorts of opinions.

You can look at the OEM recommendations for one opinion. Keep in mind they want the intervals LONG to reduce the reported maintenance costs (used when comparing which car to buy). Shops want the interval SHORT to increase their profits. It's up to the owner to choose what to do.

[Pilgrim]

It's never a waste to change auto trans fluid (or manual trans fluid) by 100K miles.

[thanhnguyen2409]

you should change tranny fluid now before all your gears get grind up and you have to rebuild whole new transmission