BMW 330XI Transmission Flush

[Rtstrider]

Hey guys, I've dropped off my 2003 330XI (E46) for a transmission flush. I originally was looking into the BG flush service but was not comfortable with it due to not dropping the pan and changing the filter/gasket. Plus it uses a flush machine and is $179 before tax. I found a VERY reputable transmission shop that is going to drop the pan, change the filter (I saw the brand new filter they are going to put in and it is a gauze type filter), and change the gasket material for $150 before tax. They're going to use synthetic fluid to boot

. They can do this because the transmission on this car is a GM transmission and BMW has back speced this fluid to Dex IV. I have verified this by calling the parts department as well with my VIN. The car has 120k on it and I don't think the fluid has ever been changed. Also I know that in this case it would be best to just drain/fill, but wanted to flush do to no previous records of any service performed by the owners before me. Do you guys think I'm getting a good deal? Also do you think I went the right route with the pan drop/filter change over the bg service which just exchanges the fluid?

 

[SuperDave456]

I think you are going the right route.
By dropping the pan and changing the filter you are getting most of the solid contaminates out.
Since most of the solid contaminates happen within the first 30,000 miles or so you should be good to go with fluid exchanges from here on out.

Dropping the pan and changing the filter would be the first thing I'd do. After that it's easy to stay on top of periodic maintenance.

 

[Rtstrider]

I meant they're dropping the pan, changing the filter/gasket, then flushing

They said they're using valvoline synthetic which I would assume means Valvoline dex iv which is marketed as synthetic.

 

[Rtstrider]

So they flushed it with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. GF is driving it around now and says it's driving fine. So I'll have to see afterwork. I've googled and searched around, looks like maxlife has a bunch of good reviews

. I've seen a few complaining about the shifts, like it's not shifting fast enough. Anyone currently running maxlife or that have run maxlife have any input on this?

 

[Donald]

You got a good price if they replaced the filter and replaced all the ATF with Maxlife via a flush.

 

[Rtstrider]

Just a report back...The shifts are SOOOO much smoother. Like butter. And the transmission is no longer hunting for gears on downshifts. So far so good. My question now is, will the maxlife clean up varnish in there and if so will it be fast enough to hurt anything or slowly clean so it's safe?

 

[bmwtechguy]

Don't worry about varnish if it is shifting ok. Just drain and refill every 30k miles or so with Maxlife ATF to keep some new fluid in there and you should be good to go. The additives in the new fluid should clean some and keep the valves serviceable.

 

[cool_breeze]

Pretty sure, which means positive, all e46 xi models trans are GM models calling for dexron vi. Is Maxlife atf dec 6?

 

[antonmnster]

You'll be surprised how fast the new fluid will get dirty. I'd do another fluid/filter service in another 30k or so. I have a ZF unit that I don't like very much, but it's just fine at 180k.

 

[901Memphis]

Maxlife is dex 6 compatible and is a superior choice for any Dexron application. Valvoline does make a dex 6 to GM specs but the Maxlife is a fine synthetic atf on its own. The viscosity is extremely shear stable in the Maxlife from what I found out.