04-12-2016, 02:13 PM | #1 |
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Engine Oil, transmission and differential fluid changes
There have been some great posts and replies on this subject.
I totally agree that if you are buying a $50k car, it makes great sense to change the engine oil & filter at end of initial break in period - 1,200 miles. Feedback from my dealer is that the transmission and differential fluid should follow the factory replacement guidelines. Here's the question for those with direct knowledge on this topic (assuming one drives their M235i coupe "normally" with some occasional sporty driving): For (hopeful) long term owners: any issues with changing trans & diff oil at factory intervals? Thanks! |
04-12-2016, 02:37 PM | #2 |
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If I'm not confused, the Tech editor or tech q&a writer for the BMW car club magazine on his maintenance checklist has trans & diff change out somewhere either at initial brake-in or about two or three years - whatever it is it's sooner then what you often find when you ask a BMW service advisor.
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04-12-2016, 03:45 PM | #3 |
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I have a custom diff that diffsonline built. It is a clutch-type like the MP LSD. The maintenance guidelines are a 1,200 mile (or one track weekend) break in, and then a oil swap every 12000 to 15000 miles.
I get my oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (I track the car, so just to be on top of my maintenance), so every third engine oil change I do the diff oil. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a drain plug to get the oil out of the diff, and don't need to uninstall it. Most mechanics have a tool that sort of works like a long straw that pumps the oil out. That being said, a finned diff cover with a drain plug isn't a bad idea. I contacted VAC Racing and they said they should have one for the F series differentials in a few months.
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04-12-2016, 05:02 PM | #4 |
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Thnks for the fast reply. I'm going to definately change the oil. I'm wondering if I should do the tranny & differential at 1,200 miles at the same time or wait till the normal change interval.
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04-12-2016, 05:07 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
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04-12-2016, 05:10 PM | #6 |
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If your not doing the trans and diff yourself then I'd wait till about 7500 or so ( get more opinions ) to get the moving parts settled and most of any particles formed by wear complete, then you'll be set for a two year run before considering a change. If you have an automatic then I might hold off till thirty or fifty thousand miles - I wouldn't do an auto at 1200.
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04-26-2016, 11:56 AM | #7 |
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I found a local repair shop in Gainesville, that specializes in German cars. Their recommendation, IF you intended to keep the car for 10 years or so:
1 - change initial oil around 1200 miles or so. 2 - If owned, not leased, changed oil at either 5,000 or 6 months, whatever occurs first ($120). 3 - Open Differential - change at 5,000 miles then every 30,000. 4 - Automatic transmission fluid and filter - BMW says 60,000 is, he says 30,000. Drain and fill, no flushing. 5 - Coolant / Anti-Freeze - every 3 years if not in freezing weather, 2 years up north, just drain and fill - no flushing. 6 - Brake fluid - flush and fill every 2 years. 7 - At 75,000 miles, thermostat and water pump (preventative). If not keeping the car for 10ish years, then the above maint will just be a gift to the second owner. |
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