98 318ti should I change the tranny fluid?

[Aquacleaner]

So I'm at an independent BMW shop here in st petersberg and was discussing getting the tranny fluid changed on my 98 318ti with 171k miles

He's thinks I should do it but everybody else says not to

There's a sticker on the bottom of it from factory that says don't ever change, I never heard if such a thing

Shifts fine but I've always thought its good maintenance

What do u think?

Your input as always is greatly appreciated

JMD

[teen ti]

BMW calls it lifetime fluid, its not really, myself included theres quite a few guys on here who have changed it.

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...mission+purple

[mtlblue]

5spd or auto?

[Aquacleaner]

Sorry automatic

[teen ti]

Just get some new ATF in there and life will be good

[jca]

Your mechanic is giving you good advice. He has to drop the pan anyway to change the fluid, so install a new trans filter and gasket, too. You are correct; there is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid or fill. This was a marketing ploy on BMW's part...not their finest hour.

[Aquacleaner]

I guess my question n fear is-
The tranny is shifting fine
Miles 172k

Isn't there a risk with new fluid of it not shifting correctly

I've been told, old fluid produces friction needed for good shifting

Certainly not changing will mean lots of stuff in the filter which as it gets clogged may reduce the flow n cause undue heat build ip

[hotmilk400]

there is a risk if they use the wrong fluid. for example, in my 5 spd, in the winter, it i hard to shift into gear until the trans is hot. I have just been to lazy to fix it. you should be okay, i would not worry about it so much. changing transmission fluid is common in any car.

[spidertri]

The fluid's purpose is to reduce friction (and heat) and create smoother shifting, why would more friction be helpful?

The debate on whether or not to change auto trans fluid is based on new fluid possibly loosening built up dirt.

[Aquacleaner]

Originally Posted by spidertri

The fluid's purpose is to reduce friction (and heat) and create smoother shifting, why would more friction be helpful?

The debate on whether or not to change auto trans fluid is based on new fluid possibly loosening built up dirt.

Thanks

I'm such a worrier