[drf30]

Hey all, I just wanted to get an opinion on whether or not I should do a trans fluid flush on my car.

I have a 2013 F30 335i with the ZF8 transmission. I bought this car this July with about 101k miles on it and its at about 106.8k now. As far as I know, the trans fluid has never been replaced on this car as the car had all maintenance done under warranty at BMW, and as we all know, they claim “lifetime” trans fluid so they never did it. At this point, my transmission runs pretty smoothly, apart from some 1-2nd gear shift jerks when the car is cold and the occasional lurch forward when downshifting.

Do you think it would be worth changing the trans fluid this late if the car is running alright overall? Or should I just keep it as is and ride it out as changing the fluid now may possibly cause more issues than benefits?

[schernov]

Originally Posted by drf30

Hey all, I just wanted to get an opinion on whether or not I should do a trans fluid flush on my car.

I have a 2013 F30 335i with the ZF8 transmission. I bought this car this July with about 101k miles on it and its at about 106.8k now. As far as I know, the trans fluid has never been replaced on this car as the car had all maintenance done under warranty at BMW, and as we all know, they claim “lifetime” trans fluid so they never did it. At this point, my transmission runs pretty smoothly, apart from some 1-2nd gear shift jerks when the car is cold and the occasional lurch forward when downshifting.

Do you think it would be worth changing the trans fluid this late if the car is running alright overall? Or should I just keep it as is and ride it out as changing the fluid now may possibly cause more issues than benefits?

Change it.

[AspektUSA]

100k is about right on the money per ZF.

It's just a drain, filter, and fill - not a flush.

Meyle has a great video, but would say get the ZF LG8 fluid kit instead of theirs.
They mention also replacing the sealing sleeve for the wiring harness connector that's a common source of leaks.

[drf30]

Originally Posted by AspektUSA

100k is about right on the money per ZF.

It's just a drain, filter, and fill - not a flush.

Meyle has a great video, but would say get the ZF LG8 fluid kit instead of theirs.
They mention also replacing the sealing sleeve for the wiring harness connector that's a common source of leaks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyoNOReHtnA

Ahh ok. I thought I was too late and much beyond the point of saving 😮‍💨 That’s good to hear.

I’ll definitely look into it. Do you think the kits off of FCP Euro would suffice? I think its about $225 for my car. And do you think this is something I could DIY or should I have it done by a shop?

[keithyo88]

If and when you change it good guide at:
https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-chan...smission-fluid
I changed and used 4.5L, ran through gears, added 0.5L. Could not have done it without the Fluid Transfer Syringe noted in the video.

[AspektUSA]

Originally Posted by drf30

Ahh ok. I thought I was too late and much beyond the point of saving 😮‍💨 That’s good to hear.

I’ll definitely look into it. Do you think the kits off of FCP Euro would suffice? I think its about $225 for my car. And do you think this is something I could DIY or should I have it done by a shop?

Yeah FCP for the kit and sleeve, which you may as well replace while you're down there.

If you have the tools and a scan tool it seems easy enough.

Otherwise would have an indy Euro shop do it with those parts.

[keithyo88]

Good point about the sleeve. I missed that one.

[AspektUSA]

Originally Posted by keithyo88

If and when you change it good guide at:
https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-chan...smission-fluid
I changed and used 4.5L, ran through gears, added 0.5L. Could not have done it without the Fluid Transfer Syringe noted in the video.

Would add to this that ZF outlines a couple steps missed in the FCP video, as alluded to in the comments:

https://aftermarket.zf.com/app/contr...505690da53.pdf

Namely how to do the 3 step fill, holding engine at 2,000 rpm for a bit, overfilling by 500mL if there's a transmission cooler (assume yes).

[drf30]

Originally Posted by AspektUSA

Yeah FCP for the kit and sleeve, which you may as well replace while you're down there.

If you have the tools and a scan tool it seems easy enough.

Otherwise would have an indy Euro shop do it with those parts.

Sounds good. Time to order!

Originally Posted by AspektUSA

Would add to this that ZF outlines a couple steps missed in the FCP video, as alluded to in the comments:

https://aftermarket.zf.com/app/contr...505690da53.pdf

Namely how to do the 3 step fill, holding engine at 2,000 rpm for a bit, overfilling by 500mL if there's a transmission cooler (assume yes).

Good point. I’ll definitely take it into account. I plan on getting it done in the next month or so once the kit arrives from FCP. Hopefully all goes well 🤞🏽

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by drf30

Hey all, I just wanted to get an opinion on whether or not I should do a trans fluid flush on my car.

I have a 2013 F30 335i with the ZF8 transmission. I bought this car this July with about 101k miles on it and its at about 106.8k now. As far as I know, the trans fluid has never been replaced on this car as the car had all maintenance done under warranty at BMW, and as we all know, they claim “lifetime” trans fluid so they never did it. At this point, my transmission runs pretty smoothly, apart from some 1-2nd gear shift jerks when the car is cold and the occasional lurch forward when downshifting.

Do you think it would be worth changing the trans fluid this late if the car is running alright overall? Or should I just keep it as is and ride it out as changing the fluid now may possibly cause more issues than benefits?

Change it. No worries

[_y5]

I'm looking at buying a 2018 with 430i with 95k miles. Did you ever do the transmission change at 101k? I'm wondering if you had any problems after the fluid change. Thanks.

[captainfast]

Just change it. I did mine close to 100k km's since I'm running a bootmod3 and xhp tune. Remember to change the transmission pan while you're at it.