E39 auto - oil change?
E39 auto - oil change?
Author
Discussion

LordGrover

Original Poster:

34,185 posts

242 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
I have a 2001 525i auto with nearly 50k miles on it. I know the gearbox and diff are sealed for life but does anyone recommend changing the oil in either or both? I ask because the auto box died on my E46 and was the better part of £2k to get refurbed/replaced so I'd prefer to take preventative action if it'll help.

Luca Brasi

885 posts

204 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
Isn't 50k a bit early? Or is it also an age-related problem? In that case maybe I should also be looking to change mine (2002 car, now at 71k)?

taylor86

134 posts

202 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
Got a 2001 auto e46 with 45k and I also want to change these soon. What price Would it roughly be do people think? I'm in Surrey/Berkshire.

paprika

5,512 posts

197 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
I change mine every November without fail. The auto that is.

Diff is done every inspection 2 no?

B'stard Child

31,152 posts

276 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
Blimey this one does come up often

Bit of a how too (specific to E38 with a sealed for life box)

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Some more threads with good info

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Good links in this one

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

LordGrover

Original Poster:

34,185 posts

242 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
Oops! I searched for selaed for life going back a year but didn't get those. Thanks. Just spent 30 mins reading them and I'm still undecided. hehe
The idea of taking it to Dortmund is daunting at this time of year, but it sounds like the preferred option if I can justify the time. I have a good indy so will probably get him to do a fluid change if he fancies it then pop on the ferry next spring. scratchchin ... maybe...

B'stard Child

31,152 posts

276 months

Monday 13th December 2010
quotequote all
LordGrover said:
Oops! I searched for selaed for life going back a year but didn't get those. Thanks.
No probs - I've bookmarked them now..... just in case like

LordGrover said:
Just spent 30 mins reading them and I'm still undecided. hehe
Thats the problem - strong opinions on both sides

LordGrover said:
The idea of taking it to Dortmund is daunting at this time of year, but it sounds like the preferred option if I can justify the time. I have a good indy so will probably get him to do a fluid change if he fancies it then pop on the ferry next spring. scratchchin ... maybe...
I think the key aspect is making sure the damn level is right - I did several completely cold checks before I was finally happy the level was right

Denis O

2,141 posts

273 months

Friday 17th December 2010
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Knew I'd find this link eventually which might be useful for those considering an oil change

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/527361/

fildigger

1,095 posts

235 months

Friday 17th December 2010
quotequote all
Jeez !!

Ok, Bm say they are filled for life, if you're Ok with that then fine....If not, get to a good indy and get the oil changed, if you need the piece of mind then it has to be worth it!

Had several Tiptronics, none have ever given any problems and i have never changed the Transmission fluid in any!

However, my personal opinion is that if you have ANY reservations on the scaremongering about these Gearboxes, then have it done (particularly if the mileage is high and you intend keeping the car)

I suppose if your care & are enthusiastic about your motor, then you will have it done regardless .