Should I or Should I NOT change the automatic transmission fluid?

[1995 540i]

Ok so here goes…I have a 1995 540i automatic with now 83,500 original miles, I’m the second owner and as far as I can tell it’s never been done. I’ve been reading up on this and have read about some BAD stories of people who have touched it and then they have transmission problems after. As of now I have NO shifting or transmission problems but would like to take it to my local BMW dealer and have it done. Should I or should I not since its a “closed circuit type fluid?” Any input or advice would be great… really should I have it done or just leave it alone? Thanks guys…

[John B.]

With only 83k on it I'd definitely do it along with the filter. Our 95 525iT was done at 45k, 95k & 140k.

[Tiger]

Change it out. I got the same car. No worry at all. However, I wouldn't want to waste money at BMW dealer... the fluid they use is super expensive and will run you into $500+ to change it out.

Instead, I'd use your local BMW specialist to have them change out the fluid and filter. I would use Amsoil Multi Vehicle ATF. Absolutely ne need to use BMW specified fluid. My transmission is already 11 years into aftermarket fluid... I used the Pennzoil MultiVehicle ATF. Now I am Amsoil guy so I'd use Amsoil products... they are great fluid and cost effective.

[1995 540i]

ok great, thanks for your input guys, there is a special shop walking distance from my house the guy wrks on BMW and Mer. so Ill prob just take it there, def. didnt know about the filter so ill have that done as well. thanks!!

[genphreak]

I'd use the Castrol green Synthetic, here in Oz its called Transmax Z (http://www.castrol.com/castrol/multipleproductsection.do?categoryId=8000015&contentId=7000381) we get different stuff to the US fluids, but this is an OE spec fluid.

It costs double what Mercon/Dexron costs, but given the value of a ZF 5 speed I pay it, and do a change every 50,000km as I don't want to have to do much to it. Any older e21-e39 ZF trans that uses those red fluids can have this put in instead, and will give smoother changes with it.

[Ross]

Yes

[shogun]

a transmission which fails after a proper fluid and filter change, already was on the way out.
I have reman so many 4HP24 meanwhile and did plenty of fluid changes and filter changes on these transmission and valve body rebuilds.
One cannot imagine what dirt is accumulated there over the years, sometimes I even found water/coolant from defective radiators with built in trans fluid coolers.

A proper filter and fluid change, and best is a valve body cleaning too, makes a trans always shifting smoother.
In your case, I just would change fluid and filter.
Or, if they are pro's, ask them to do it the same way as ZF is doing it, many pics here
My visit at ZF Dortmund for Gearbox maintenance.(very, very long!) HUGH RESULT!! (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/527361)

[1995 540i]

thank a lot guys ill keep u posted!!

[Bill R.]

Thanks for the post Shogun, that was interesting.

[shogun]

Bill, try it in your shop when customers come in and complain about rough switching gears etc.

Here my collection of links

rebuilding a ZF 4HP22/24 (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/422325)
already from 2007, but most of the repair links still work, also ZF4HP22/24 valbe body repair is in there