I have heard alot of things about the trasmission fluid looking like sludge on the 99-03 3 series, I don't have this issue right now, but could someone give me some advice on how I might prevent it, it's got 67,000 miles on it and still runs great, I would have bought a manual, but the Mrs, can't drive one. Any information would be helpful. Thanks, This is my first Bmw and I'm tearing my eyes out because I want a 01-05 M3 SO BAD RIGHT NOW I CAN'T SEE STRAIGHT! I love this car, but I have spent alot of money on it because of a coolant overflow tank, that cracked and CAUSED ALOT OF ISSUES!
Replace the tranny fluid is pretty much your only option. Its a 99 so it been in too long and hopefully wont cause any problems when changed. At least the miles are low. I have not heard of tranny fluid turning to sludge. Seems unlikely.
Get it serviced. The trans fluid won't turn to sludge, but it will lose the properties that help it lubricate and do all the slushy things that those slushboxes do.
I replaced mine at 64,000 miles I have 201 325i sedan steptronic. after a week the trans shift very smooth. I used ESSO procured from Bavauto.
Amsoil ATF is a much cheaper alternative to ESSO. His 99 E46 has a different tranny, GM not ZF, and uses Texaco 7045E.
I paid 16 bucks per quart and used 4.5. I still have 10 quarts on hand for future fluid change. My Steptronic is smooth as a butter.
msmilby5 I had the fluid changed on my 2002 325cics at 50k 3 years ago at private shop. The trans shifted hard as if a shift kit was installed. BMW found through a tech bulletin a pinched wiring harness occured during pan reinstall - $800 repair. Otherwise okay ever since.
I changed my tranny fluid on my '99 323i at 90K by using an indy shop. The fluid was dark as can be and looked thick as well. After chaging it, the tranny was quiter and was smoother during shifts. I'm now at 147K and will change it again at 150K. Nothing wrong with the tranny but I want to do a pm on this.
