BMW Transmission Repair & Service – Mission Viejo, CA
BMW Transmission Service
BMW cars and SUVs are designed to use “lifetime” transmission fluids. These synthetic-formulation automatic transmission fluids (ATF)are intended to last around 100,000 miles under normal conditions. Despite that, there are good reasons to change your BMW’s ATF more frequently during the vehicle’s service life.
Regardless of the formulation of ATF, they all start to lose their viscosity and lubrication and cooling properties over time. Heat is the enemy of any brand of ATF, and the transmission itself, and many cycles of heating/cool-down are what degrades the ATF. Contaminated and compromised transmission fluid in a BMW can lead to shifting problems and possibly even total failure of the transmission.
High Mileage Transmission Fluid Changes
The clutch plates in a BMW transmission will wear out eventually, just like any moving parts can. When an older transmission is flushed and refilled with new ATF, it can actually be too slippery for the worn seals and clutch plates. The result can be low fluid pressure through the transmission, slippage and other problems. In addition, if a transmission has not been flushed in a long time, the flush can dislodge bits of varnish and other contaminants that can start to circulate through the transmission, clogging internal passages, pumps and valves and leading to transmission failure. That’s why we advise anyone with a BMW that’s past the 100,000 mile mark to carefully consider whether to change transmission fluid if it has never been changed before.
Check your transmission fluid, according to the procedure in the owner’s manual. The fluid should be magenta in color and have a slightly sweet smell to it. If it’s darker and smells burnt, or if you’ve been noticing transmission slippage or hard shifts, make an appointment with Mark Davis Motorworks for transmission service today. A little bit of maintenance can save you a lot of money and trouble down the road!