# Changing Transmission fluid **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** transmissions, fluids\ **Created:** [October 1, 2007, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341 "2007-10-01T02:41:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![agurji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/258eb7/32.png) [@agurji](https://community.cartalk.com/u/agurji)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341/1 "2007-10-01T02:41:20Z")
I have a 2001 325 with 100k miles on it. I dont now believe that the transmission fluid has ever been changed. There is alot of discussion on the bmw “lifetime” transmission fluid, however about 6 months ago, they now recommend changing it at 100k miles. My question is, is a 100k mileage too late to change the transmission fluid? It seems like a flush is out the question, but is just dropping the pan and draining half the fluid good enough? So far I have had no problems with my trasmission, but would like to do PM work. and the same question applies to the diff fluid as well. Thanks for response. Aqeel ---
**Author:** ![MG-McAnick](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mg-mcanick/32/188_2.png) [@MG-McAnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MG-McAnick)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 2:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341/2 "2007-10-01T02:48:48Z")
So change it already. What’s the question? It’s time. A F&F won’t change the filter, but will get MOST of the fluid. Dropping the pan will allow you to change the filter, but only part of the fluid. ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 11:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341/3 "2007-10-01T11:26:19Z")
Drop the pan, change the filter, and refill with clean fluid. Avoid flushing. Replace the differential oil, too. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 1:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341/4 "2007-10-01T13:54:30Z")
Drop the pan, change the filter, and refill with clean fluid. Avoid flushing. Replace the differential oil, too. ``` I agree. You never get 100% fluid change, but unless you know there is a serious problem with the fluid, I believe that the drop with filter change is the best bet. The flushes, while they may (or may not) change more fluid, they don't replace the filter. I will add one additional note. It is not uncommon for a transmission to fail not long after doing either type of service. Of course since most people don't service their transmission until it has some sort of a problem, it is usually a case of too little too late. Servicing a transmission that is not showing any bad signs will only extend its life. ``` ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 7:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341/5 "2007-10-01T19:39:37Z")
As already stated, fluid & filter change would be OK as long as the transmission is working OK now. A qualified shop can then also make whatever adjustments are needed. Use long life transmission fluid approved by BMW. ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/51bf81/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2007, 4:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changing-transmission-fluid/5341/6 "2007-10-02T04:41:50Z")
Never too late unless the transmission is failing.