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Message: <blockquote data-quote="r424" data-source="post: 134880" data-attributes="member: 1838">Here's part of a response to this issue trying to explain the rationale of changing or not changing the ATF.Changing the auto trans fluid on a high-mileage BMW is definitely not recommended, and the reason you were given was correct; dislodged gunk will clog the small valve bodies that control the transmission. We've seen a number of high-mileage auto trannies go ka-boom soon after a fluid change.However, and this is the key point that must always be repeated when telling the story as above, if you change your auto trans fluid at a low mileage, say under 30K, and regularly every 30K afterwards, you should have no problems whatsoever and better performance over the life of the car. I would recommend Redline D4-ATF. There is nothing terribly special about the BMW autoboxes, they are the same as used in GM cars (which is a good thing, GM has the best automatics in the world).If I bought a new BMW automatic, I would change the fluid along that schedule. But if it was purchased used with over 60K, leave the fluid alone until the transmission eventually dies.- Rob Levinson</blockquote>