Oxford5er
02-27-2006, 04:29 PM
Okay, before anyone tells me to do a search, I did. And before anyone tells me how much slushboxes suck, my BMW is my 3rd car and my dad often uses it, and he hasn't driven a stick since the 70s....so converting it to a manual is out of the question....My two VWs are 5-speeds, so I hope I can redeem myself!
Anyway, I have a '95 530iA with 110k miles and no transmission trouble so far (knock on that huge piece of walnut wood around your gearshifts...). It is the 5hp18 5-speed auto. Anyway, I have been told by my dealership as well as Mike Miller from the BMWCCA that the lifetime fluid isn't really lifetime, and now it's too late to flush it because there may be sludge that could dislodge and cause problems (kinda like a thrombosis for you fellow health professionals out there). What are your experiences with older trannies as far as signs and symptoms and replacing or rebuilding? How much should I expect to spend? Should I do it at the dealership or find an independent BMW mechanic? Does anyone have any experience with the ZF Life2 trannies? Like I said, it is shifting smoothly now, but I am keeping my eye on it. Thanks for your help!!!
Anyway, I have a '95 530iA with 110k miles and no transmission trouble so far (knock on that huge piece of walnut wood around your gearshifts...). It is the 5hp18 5-speed auto. Anyway, I have been told by my dealership as well as Mike Miller from the BMWCCA that the lifetime fluid isn't really lifetime, and now it's too late to flush it because there may be sludge that could dislodge and cause problems (kinda like a thrombosis for you fellow health professionals out there). What are your experiences with older trannies as far as signs and symptoms and replacing or rebuilding? How much should I expect to spend? Should I do it at the dealership or find an independent BMW mechanic? Does anyone have any experience with the ZF Life2 trannies? Like I said, it is shifting smoothly now, but I am keeping my eye on it. Thanks for your help!!!