Re: 1994 540i Auto Transmission Service and Fluid

[Henri Baccouche <henrib@xxxxxxxxx>]

>         It's not my car since I was really posting the question for a
> friend but how did you guess the 80-100K miles since according to my
> friend, it's 95k miles and the auto tranny isn't gripping the gears
> correctly or something and his friend who is one of Asia's famous sports
> racers said for him to change the transmission oil but he won't do it for
> it.  No idea about the updated valve body, how does one find out?

Run the Vin # at a dealer to see if the trans was updated.

>
>
> > First : Only use the special OEM ATF.......if you must.

The OEM oil is unique.......for this trans.
It is not Redline's version of Dexron 3 synthetic .......

>
>
>         Is there any thing special about it since it seems to cost a
> fortune and all the BMW Performance catalogs including Bavarian Autosport
> seems to sell the Redline stuff, is there anything wrong with it.  Also,
> my friend asked if Slick50 ATF is a bad idea.

OEM fluid only...!!!!

>
>
> > Second : I have been monitoring this issue, since the "lifetime  fluid"
> > craze began , and I think it's not worth it. The manufacturer doesn't
> > recommend this service as a
> > regular thing.

These ZF Electronic controlled transmissions units do not take kindly to hard
use........from what
I have observed at the shop. Basically, at ~100-125K miles there will be many
other parts on a BMW that are worn beyond specifcations.........so much so that
I would suggest that such a vehicle is not a good idea for non mechanics. The
trans is worn out like many other components.
The car runs, but many major systems are worn out.....if you care to examine.

For example:

Driveline
Front suspension  (complete from the wheel bearings to the strut bearings)
Rear Shocks and possibly the rear subframe bushings
Automatic Transmission
Head gasket + Excessive Carbon build up on the pistons
Cooling system if it hasn't been replaced already
Fuel Injectors
Steering Rack


Henri



>
>
>         Yeah... I read about that as well but the lifetime might mean
> the lifetime of the actual warranty.  Even the Koni shocks have a lifetime
> warranty, my friend did worn them out and new ones made a big difference.
>
> > There have been many reported failures at ~80K miles
> > and no anecdotal reports of ~150K miles without replacement.
>
>         Wow, so at 150k miles, it will need a $6000 AT replacement?
>
> Cheers,
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