Recommended interval between ATF changes?

[SEN5241]

Hi,Am hoping some kind member here could let me know how often the ATF for a local 1996 E34 525 should be changed, i.e. every 'how many' '000 km? Many thanks.

 

[kelvinjb]

Normally it is every 2 year if i not mistaken.

 

[mizhan]

i replace all fluids after i get my annual bonus

 

[SEN5241]

Thanks kelvin and mizhan. Much appreciated.

 

[pussy]

about 40,000kms.. that's equal to 2 years or earlier...

 

[astroboy]

What about ATF filter?

 

[Mouse]

should be around 40,000km, unless u have some spare to burn, then change it at 30,000. But i did change at 30,000 once, when the mechanic drain the ATF, its still golden brown (meaning its still clean and mechanic also confirm its still clean), so change at 40k next time save $$$$

 

[astroboy]

What about ATF filter?

 

[mizhan]

What about ATF filter?

once a year change the oil, one shot change filter lah..

 

[SEN5241]

about 40,000kms.. that's equal to 2 years or earlier...

Thanks pussy. I appreciate the info.

 

[lane34]

Recommended interval between ATF changes

Heloo!! friend...I m a new member here...my pass experience...is depend on what kind of model your transmission..If trans 4HP22 normally is 20,000 km for the service (Dextron II ATF) but if , using Synthetic ATF it can be up to 40,000km. Anyway this is my experince that we can share here. Simple tips...why not try to use a tissue paper to inspect the condition of ATF fluid. If the color change from Dark REd to Brown it mean the fluid is expired and have to change it.

Regards.

 

[SEN5241]

Thanks lane34. I appreciate the detailed reply.

 

[aangavatar]

not mend to discourage u, i have been regularly change the ATF every 30k to 40k km, still my 96 525's AT kong, already 2 AT kong last 4 years, the recondition AT cost me RM5k.

 

[kelvinjb]

What sort of Oil u use? For ZF, there is 2 type of oil - 1 for 4speed gear and 1 for 5speed gear or Steptonic.

If i'm not mistaken....

 

[SEN5241]

not mend to discourage u, i have been regularly change the ATF every 30k to 40k km, still my 96 525's AT kong, already 2 AT kong last 4 years, the recondition AT cost me RM5k.

Thanks bro. No worries about discouraging me - in fact I appreciate hearing about people's experience and welcome any information about the E34 525.

If the price of a reconditioned AT is so close to the price of having the gearbox overhauled, maybe it would be better to overhaul instead. At least that way, you'll know that all the parts needing to be replaced have been replaced. One member (5201) wrote about the pros and cons of reconditioned vs overhauled here:

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4923&page=2

(he wrote it in 2006, so the prices need to be adjusted for inflation)

 

[aangavatar]

another don't mean to discourage u, in my case overhaul AT is bullshit, i sent to this famous and big AT specialist repair centre ( don't want to mention name)they charged u premium price but they don't change all parts but only those spoil / not working one but of cause they will tell u they change every thing, fr my previous experience i have to sent d car back many, many times to b rectify, every time they will clean / change the valve, it is free but time & frustration is unbearable and over time u may encounter more repairs, so when my AT kong again i decided to change the whole gear box to Jetco 5 speed 2nd hand, whole thing plus the wire harness and rear differential cost me RM6k but the future replacement will b cheap, probably less than RM2k and it supposed to be more tahan. Most importantly i m damp happy now!

 

[aangavatar]

& u know what? i am not going to change anymore ATF untill this AT koyak, we shall see how long this Jetco AT can last.