Question for a novice: Transmission Oil change

sdanseo

Quick question here from a relative novice. The most complex thing I've done to date is minor bodywork and installing radios - but I'd consider myself pretty handy.

My BMW E90 needs an auto transmission fluid change. Apparently. I'm sceptical because the combination of fault codes don't seem to point to the symptoms which are jolting and jerking of the car through gear changes - Indy is saying it's low on fluid although I don't think he's done a manual check and I haven't noticed any leaking. An apparent lack of pressure inside. Been quoted €610 (!!) and €500 elsewhere both of which sound nothing short of absolute extortion.

Is this something that's reasonably easy to do? I've looked at Voodoomelon's tutorial but he makes it look pretty simply. Should I be tackling this?

I do have access to an inspection pit belonging to an older relative who doesn't really do this stuff any more (and I wouldn't ask) so hoping that will make things handier.

Am I mad?

landmarkjohn

Not mad. Especially if you have a pit.

There are a couple of Youtube videos for tranny oil change on BMW. I researched a bit on 6 speed ZF in 2007 E65 7 series.

If it was me I would stick with the manufacturer recommended fluid (probably ZF lifeguard 6). Change the pan and integrated filter (if it the same as my gearbox). Change it again after a week so but don't change the pan this time. I would measure what comes out as well.

It is quite a technical procedure (I have never done it, on the to do list, wish I had a pit!). You need to have the car on diagnostics and measuring temperature of the fluid as you finish the top off to get the right amount in there. User Voodoomelon on here did a write up on it.

If I could get it done including the flush using ZF fluid and had confidence in the mechanic for €500 I would probably go that route. A pan and 8 litres ZF fluid is about €270.

sdanseo

landmarkjohn wrote: »

Not mad. Especially if you have a pit.

There are a couple of Youtube videos for tranny oil change on BMW. I researched a bit on 6 speed ZF in 2007 E65 7 series.

If it was me I would stick with the manufacturer recommended fluid (probably ZF lifeguard 6). Change the pan and integrated filter (if it the same as my gearbox). Change it again after a week so but don't change the pan this time. I would measure what comes out as well.

It is quite a technical procedure (I have never done it, on the to do list, wish I had a pit!). You need to have the car on diagnostics and measuring temperature of the fluid as you finish the top off to get the right amount in there. User Voodoomelon on here did a write up on it.

If I could get it done including the flush using ZF fluid and had confidence in the mechanic for €500 I would probably go that route. A pan and 8 litres ZF fluid is about €270.

I was looking at around that for the parts alright.

The issue I have is money - I was planning to change in the next six months anyway. Spent most of today chatting to VW about a new Golf and am loathe to spend money on this car if the gearbox is going to end up needing rebuilt anyway. It's slipping through gears at every junction and even jolting when already stopped - quite violently. The cynic in me is saying that my mechanic only wants the money for the fluid change only to then tell me that the gearbox has bigger issues and proceed to screw me for thousands.

ddire33

If they are fixing the pressure issue (may need a new pressure valve) and changing the oil and filter then the quote seems fair, if its just oil and filter then too much. But i would not be feeling that's more than 50% chance of giving long term fix anyway.

Done it my self on e46 and its not that hard but you need to get all 4 corners up fairly high, level and safe & its messy.

You could get a good used box around 500-800, fitting at a good Indy 300, plus the oil / filter 300 so around 1500 all in.

sdanseo

ddire33 wrote: »

If they are fixing the pressure issue (may need a new pressure valve) and changing the oil and filter then the quote seems fair, if its just oil and filter then too much. But i would not be feeling that's more than 50% chance of giving long term fix anyway.

Done it my self on e46 and its not that hard but you need to get all 4 corners up fairly high, level and safe & its messy.

You could get a good used box around 500-800, fitting at a good Indy 300, plus the oil / filter 300 so around 1500 all in.

Able to point me in the right direction?

Hal1

http://www.traynors.co.uk/ they do a delivery twice a week to Dublin from the north. They offer a warranty on their parts.