2004 530I Transmission Oil

[alirzn]

Hi,
I have a 2004 530I with 74,000 Miles. Do you think that I need to change the transmission flush? What do you guys suggest?

[Lord Vader]

If it's never been done before then yes. You should change it out. The manufacturer of the transmission ZF recommends regular service intervals of the transmission fluid. Usually 50,000 miles or once a year.

[alirzn]

What kind of Oil do you prefer?
Do the stores like Jiffy Lube or Firestone can change that or I should only take it to the dealer?

Originally Posted by Lord Vader

If it's never been done before then yes. You should change it out. The manufacturer of the transmission ZF recommends regular service intervals of the transmission fluid. Usually 50,000 miles or once a year.

[Lord Vader]

I prefer Castrol. It's the OEM fluid. Of you take it to the dealer they will probably give you some nonsense about how it doesn't ever need to be changed (which isn't true) and charge you a very large sum of money. I would never trust a job like this to a place like Jiffy lube. You need a new filter and gasket kit. A place like jiffy lube wouldn't have the kit Southey would just drain the fluid and refill but that leaves the 8 year old filter still inside. It doesn't accomplish much.

[alirzn]

So where do you think is the best place to change it and they change the filter and gasket with cheap price?
Should I use Syntec or not?

Originally Posted by Lord Vader

I prefer Castrol. It's the OEM fluid. Of you take it to the dealer they will probably give you some nonsense about how it doesn't ever need to be changed (which isn't true) and charge you a very large sum of money. I would never trust a job like this to a place like Jiffy lube. You need a new filter and gasket kit. A place like jiffy lube wouldn't have the kit Southey would just drain the fluid and refill but that leaves the 8 year old filter still inside. It doesn't accomplish much.

[Lord Vader]

Personally, i do the work myself. On Turner Motorsports a filter and gasket kit is $30-40.

I cant recommend a shop to you, but you should call around and find a reuputable shop willing to do it, and ensure they use the OEM filter.