[bloodline129]

Evening guys, I was wondering if there's anyone here locally who has done the transmission service on their BMW's and who did they use? Has the work been done to satisfactory level? Recommendations?

And average pricing to expect?

Appreciate the input

[dakoo12]

Transmission Service ? how many kms do you have and what are you looking to do? fluid change, flush, filter. etc ?

I did a transmission fluid and filter change on my e90 a few years back. I didn't do a flush because I was at 180,000km and I didn't want to risk pushing debris around and screwing things up. The shifting was a lot smoother after, but unfortunately totalled my car a month later.

I own a 2013 335xi now and I'm not even going to consider touching the transmission service until 100,000 kms. If a shop provides a good price I'd do it through them. It's really messy draining and replacing the fluid. You need a fluid transfer pump. This procedure is delicate and extremely expensive if you screw up.

If your in the Vancouver area I'm definitely following to see what shop would do it. I also like providing the parts myself that way I know exactly what's going in there and usually order from the states.

[bloodline129]

Originally Posted by dakoo12

Transmission Service ? how many kms do you have and what are you looking to do? fluid change, flush, filter. etc ?

I did a transmission fluid and filter change on my e90 a few years back. I didn't do a flush because I was at 180,000km and I didn't want to risk pushing debris around and screwing things up. The shifting was a lot smoother after, but unfortunately totalled my car a month later.

I own a 2013 335xi now and I'm not even going to consider touching the transmission service until 100,000 kms. If a shop provides a good price I'd do it through them. It's really messy draining and replacing the fluid. You need a fluid transfer pump. This procedure is delicate and extremely expensive if you screw up.

If your in the Vancouver area I'm definitely following to see what shop would do it. I also like providing the parts myself that way I know exactly what's going in there and usually order from the states.

ZF8 auto transmission service (fluid/filter change)

I've talked to Stan's transmission (very good reviews) in Vancouver and got quoted 700 tax in, for the job that's with mfg fluid. Or I can save 150$ of the total with going with some equivalent fluids. I find that actually a fair price considering the kit at fcp Europe is 300$ usd shipped+ tax n duty if you get hit after impor

I almost want to order the kit myself and let them perform the service but I'm not to sure if they will provide warranty if I do it that way.

Dealer quoted me 1200~

Car has 72000km

ZF recommends fluid changed every 60/80k miles. So 80/100km

Waiting for a quote from Nixon automotive as well.

[bloodline129]

Originally Posted by dakoo12

Transmission Service ? how many kms do you have and what are you looking to do? fluid change, flush, filter. etc ?

I did a transmission fluid and filter change on my e90 a few years back. I didn't do a flush because I was at 180,000km and I didn't want to risk pushing debris around and screwing things up. The shifting was a lot smoother after, but unfortunately totalled my car a month later.

I own a 2013 335xi now and I'm not even going to consider touching the transmission service until 100,000 kms. If a shop provides a good price I'd do it through them. It's really messy draining and replacing the fluid. You need a fluid transfer pump. This procedure is delicate and extremely expensive if you screw up.

If your in the Vancouver area I'm definitely following to see what shop would do it. I also like providing the parts myself that way I know exactly what's going in there and usually order from the states.

ZF8 auto transmission service (fluid/filter change)

I've talked to Stan's transmission (very good reviews) in Vancouver and got quoted 700 tax in, for the job that's with mfg fluid. Or I can save 150$ of the total with going with some equivalent fluids. I find that actually a fair price considering the kit at fcp Europe is 300$ usd shipped+ tax n duty if you get hit after impor

I almost want to order the kit myself and let them perform the service but I'm not to sure if they will provide warranty if I do it that way.

Dealer quoted me 1200~

Car has 72000km

ZF recommends fluid changed every 60/80k miles. So 80/100km

Waiting for a quote from Nixon automotive as well.

[bloodline129]

Originally Posted by dakoo12

Transmission Service ? how many kms do you have and what are you looking to do? fluid change, flush, filter. etc ?

I did a transmission fluid and filter change on my e90 a few years back. I didn't do a flush because I was at 180,000km and I didn't want to risk pushing debris around and screwing things up. The shifting was a lot smoother after, but unfortunately totalled my car a month later.

I own a 2013 335xi now and I'm not even going to consider touching the transmission service until 100,000 kms. If a shop provides a good price I'd do it through them. It's really messy draining and replacing the fluid. You need a fluid transfer pump. This procedure is delicate and extremely expensive if you screw up.

If your in the Vancouver area I'm definitely following to see what shop would do it. I also like providing the parts myself that way I know exactly what's going in there and usually order from the states.

ZF8 auto transmission service (fluid/filter change)

I've talked to Stan's transmission (very good reviews) in Vancouver and got quoted 700 tax in, for the job that's with mfg fluid. Or I can save 150$ of the total with going with some equivalent fluids. I find that actually a fair price considering the kit at fcp Europe is 300$ usd shipped+ tax n duty if you get hit after impor

I almost want to order the kit myself and let them perform the service but I'm not to sure if they will provide warranty if I do it that way.

Dealer quoted me 1200~

Car has 72000km

ZF recommends fluid changed every 60/80k miles. So 80/100km

Waiting for a quote from Nixon automotive as well.

[dakoo12]

I think $700 is not bad at all including the parts. I would stick with OEM fluid too. You dont want to cheap out on the transmission servicing since its an integral component of the car. You'll feel more confident and at ease knowing you put proper TF in. Just my advice and again I would wait until you hit 100,000 kms, but your call.

Thanks for the info regarding Stans. Wow they do have excellent reviews. I would feel pretty confident in their work considering they specialize in transmissions too.

Let us know what you end up doing.

[bloodline129]

Originally Posted by dakoo12

I think $700 is not bad at all including the parts. I would stick with OEM fluid too. You dont want to cheap out on the transmission servicing since its an integral component of the car. You'll feel more confident and at ease knowing you put proper TF in. Just my advice and again I would wait until you hit 100,000 kms, but your call.

Thanks for the info regarding Stans. Wow they do have excellent reviews. I would feel pretty confident in their work considering they specialize in transmissions too.

Let us know what you end up doing.

I'll keep this updated. Yea I'm debating to wait for now until at least 90k I just kind of want it out of the way so I don't have to worry for another 100k... considering I only drive about 15k a year it will be a long time before I have to do it again hehe

Hope the money I put aside doesn't go in other crap I want serviced lol.

Debating to do the plugs and coolant as well lol.

[bloodline129]

Pulled the trigger, just ordered the kit from FCP Euro 400cdn after the 6/8 day UPS express shipping option. May have to pay 48$ in taxes and duties.
As stans transmissions would have to buy the fluid from the dealer ( as I specifically requested ZF lifeguard) where I was quoted 598cds plus taxes for this kit (no stock) and was told I had to buy the kit and not just the fluids at BMW dealer(s) I opted to go the above mentioned route.

When the fluid arrives I plan in providing them the kit to do the labour for the tranny service and at the same time I'll let them do transfer case/diffs. Cheers

[dakoo12]

Originally Posted by bloodline129

Pulled the trigger, just ordered the kit from FCP Euro 400cdn after the 6/8 day UPS express shipping option. May have to pay 48$ in taxes and duties.
As stans transmissions would have to buy the fluid from the dealer ( as I specifically requested ZF lifeguard) where I was quoted 598cds plus taxes for this kit (no stock) and was told I had to buy the kit and not just the fluids at BMW dealer(s) I opted to go the above mentioned route.

When the fluid arrives I plan in providing them the kit to do the labour for the tranny service and at the same time I'll let them do transfer case/diffs. Cheers

That's great news that Stan's will allow you to provide the parts. I'll definitely consider them when it comes time to do mine. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[bloodline129]

No problems, will let you know how it goes as this service scares the crap out of me haha.

[bloodline129]

Just completed the service at Stan's today, done the rear diff/transfer case and transmission fluids all in one shot. Drove back to SURREY without a issue yay.

Parts from fcp euro for transmission kit (450cdn) shipped n duty

Parts n labour at stans was 290$
They supplied the transfer case fluid and diff fluid

Out of pocket 750cdn for all of the above.
Supper happy with the cost and service provided at stans.

Cheers

[dakoo12]

nice !

[uncleruckus]

Awesome! Thanks for the info bloodline129.... will definitely consider that shop when I do the transmission service

[bimmaBart]

bloodline129 just wondering if there was any reason you did this other than preventative maintenance? I'm getting a weird Clunking/mechanical noise @ 6600rpm gear shift between 3-4th. will be getting this looked at soon

[bloodline129]

Originally Posted by bimmaBart

bloodline129 just wondering if there was any reason you did this other than preventative maintenance? I'm getting a weird Clunking/mechanical noise @ 6600rpm gear shift between 3-4th. will be getting this looked at soon

I've just done for preventative maintenance. In hopes of keeping the car for 10years 💪🏻

What model do you drive? Mileage?

[bimmaBart]

I drive a 2013 335xi 73k

[bloodline129]

Originally Posted by bimmaBart

I drive a 2013 335xi 73k

Is it only happening between 3rd and 4th? I've heard that our transfer cases are prone to failing more so than the transmission.

You have the ZF8 or zf6?

Take it to a transmission shop that only works on drivetrains for diagnostic, that would be your best bet imo.

Good luck

[dakoo12]

So I've finally hit 98K and I'm looking to do this service as we discussed before both on my 335xi and x3. How has the car been bloodline129 any issues from over a year ago?

Thanks



Updated Jan 21, 2021

I went ahead and contacted Jim at Stan's transmission (he's an old school guy). Online you would think they only serviced old classics but they are in a newer shop now and he does everything. They even have bmws come in from Jessel and BMW Store. There is so much information out there about lifetime fluids in BMWs. dont do transmission fluid or do it flush or not. etc etc. From my research and what I learned is i wouldnt recommend a "flush" of your transmission unless you were having issues with it. But definitely get it serviced around 100k for a filter change, drain and fill. if you plan on keeping your car and having it running smooth do it Same thing with diffs and transfer cases. the addiditves in this oils break down over time. This OP thread and talking to Jim gave me confidence in doing the change and man I'm glad I did. I got my X3 serviced at 128k for transmission filter change, fluid drain and fill. transfer case drain and fill and front and rear diffs fluid drain and fill. I gotta say my X3 runs like butter. so happy with the service. look at his reviews. I scheduled the same service for my 335xi now in a couple weeks.

[bloodline129]

Hey man, sorry totally forgot how to find my own threads 😂

I think my car has been holding up. I'm at 95k km now.

Transmission seems good but I notice it hanging in first on cold starts while trying to leave for work. I'm a typical "sport mode" right away guy ,but never rev above 3k rpms prior car being warmed up. (People say this is normal)

Which fluids did you use?

[dakoo12]

I serviced my f30 335xi as well now at Stans. All is well. I ended up using the fluids he provided which he claims are to spec. Even when he services the cars from jessel or bmw store he uses the same fluid. I forget the name, but he wouldnt be screwing around and having people come back with fluid issues since he is mainly a transmission shop. for the transfer case he uses BMW fluid and diffs im not sure. but i trust the shop and service was excellent. both my vehicles are good for a while now.