Transmission oil change

[AspenSpencer]

I have a 2002 330i with nearly 80K miles. Since my warrenty has expired, I met a mechanic who only works on high end European cars and has done several maintenance procedures, tire changes, etc. at a reasonable price. I called him today because I need new rear tires and I thought a transmission filter and fluid change was in order along with other regular maintenance items. He told me my car had the "lifetime" fluid/ filter and changing the fluid/ filter was not something I needed to do- I only needed to check it regularly to make sure it was never low. On the surface, I question this, but I can't imagine someone who could profit from doing this would suggest I don't need it.
Is he correct?

 

[Big Daddy]

According to BMW he is, however that said I believe oils get contaminated and dirty thereby loosing some of their friction properties, I would suggest a change of the fluid it cannot hurt and besides have you sever smelled 80k trans fluid, smells burnt.

 

[AspenSpencer]

I agree. I drive 90+% on interstate with no traffic. I average over 50 MPH and 26 MPG each time I fill up. The car has an easy life for the miles.: ) Since there is a "lifetime" tranny fluid, should I simply have him pump the fluid out and replace it with new fluid or is there a filter that can be changed too (removing the pan, etc.)?
Don't mean to be a pain with the details.....
Thanks,

 

[andreyiv]

I would think the pan has to be removed anyway. There is a magnet on the bottom of the pan collecting metal shavings that preferably needs cleaning. Am I correct Big Daddy?

 

[Big Daddy]

I would assume that there is, however I have never had the pan off the new cars with the "lifetime" fluids. Regardless I would remove the pan to clean it and inspect for wear. If you can replace the filter I would, if clean the pan, use a new gasket and put her back together. Refill with "lifetime" fluid or Redlines synthetics and your good for another 50 - 80k. Keep in mind this is simply my opinion. I just checked and Pelican Parts for example sells a transmission service kit for your car, so someone else must agree that "lifetime" is a misnomer!

 

[PhatBimmer]

I think filter and oil is best bet like the above have said, I don't really think anything is lifetime, but I guess they base that off their calculations. Filters get clogged up with those shavings over time which reduce the flow and I would figure more wear and tear and etc.. etc... On another note if he checked your oil pan and saw everything else it might be the reason for not recommending the new trans oil (ex: pan not that contaminated with debris).

But I dunno I'd go for the flush if it were my car I guess it would reduce headaches in the future. But thats me you decide

 

[andreyiv]

Hmm, how would the mechanic know what is inside the pan by the condition on the outside? If you mean the inside of the pan, then why in the world would a mechanic pull down the oil pan to just check on the oil? The gasket needs to be replaced anyway so I would think replacing the oil is just a few bucks more and would take barely a few minutes longer.

 

[PhatBimmer]

Oh I meant inside, I dunno I was just venturing a guess because when I was in my trans class I pulled down my pan at home to see if it was nasty and it was really nasty and I found out it will be needing a rebuild soon but not yet.

 

[andreyiv]

Ahh, ok, I see, nevermind then.