Gearbox service

[Nightsman33]

Hi guys im thinking of getting a gearbox service done as im on 155k mileage.

Ryns fine and is smooth for the mileage but thinking of doing it for piece of mind.

Is this recommended would like your oppinions pleasemany thanks

[X5Sport]

Has it ever had one done? Many haven’t.

Has the box ever been replaced/rebuilt - a lot have been due to issues with the 5-speed and 1st gen 6-speed? Second gen 6-sp (very late 2006 onwards) are much better and generally more reliable.

Probably worth trying to get a sample of the oil out of the box. If it’s clean then changing it is a good thing to do.

If however it is a burnt colour and smells burnt then tread carefully. Boxes in that state have been known to fail soon after a fluid change where the box is misbehaving (yours isn’t) and/or the tranny fluid is toasted.

If you’re having the box done, it’s probably worth having a full driveline fluid change (gearbox, transfer box, both diffs).

I had a full change done on my X6 last year and it’s a different car, almost like new again.

[Nightsman33]

Mines the last year the E53 was made i believe iv got the 2007 E53 3.0D automatic.
Full service history although no record of gearbox service/rebuild
Many thanks

[Alan Gunn]

I did mine in my 2002 e53 on 167k when i first got it for piece of mind as well.
The fluid that came out was well burnt brown to black in colour.
Didn't use BMW parts on it but got away with it.
It was smooth before the change but after it was smooooooth as silk.
Fluid and filter cost me ??? £85/90 it was nearly 5 years ago and i am old so can't remember the exact price lol and it is to early to dig out the invoice.

[X5Sport]

Mines the last year the E53 was made i believe iv got the 2007 E53 3.0D automatic.
Full service history although no record of gearbox service/rebuild
Many thanks

Sounds OK. BMW won’t do a fluid change because in their opinion it’s ‘Sealed for Life’, which we know is rubbish! ZF do service kits with all the required parts included.

[Nightsman33]

I will get it done then guys thanks.
I am in wales so need to look around for someone to do it.

There is a guy named peter i was passed to but cant get reply i assume hes very busy and from.what i read on forum replys there long wait for him to do it

[henrym3]

ZF recommend every 60k. Was nervous of doing mine around 100k because it was good and smooth but like x5 after change it was even better. Done another at 150k and now heading to 170k and still good.

[Nightsman33]

ZF recommend every 60k. Was nervous of doing mine around 100k because it was good and smooth but like x5 after change it was even better. Done another at 150k and now heading to 170k and still good.

I am in wales i will try and find a reputable company who will do the gearbox service for me and get it done then.

Thanks for the reply

[Alan Gunn]

Are you far from Anglesey.

[Greydog]

Sadly and due to BMW insisting that the box is "sealed for Life" many people never tried a fluid and filter change until there was a real problem. New fluid can't repair damage it just helps delay wear and damage occurring.
Like Henry my E53 is knocking on the door of 165k and I changed the gearbox fluid and filter for the 2nd time along with diffs and transfer case earlier this year
The poor old gearbox and diffs are probably the most abused parts of most cars on the road rarely getting attention until it's too late
Get it done for peace of mind

[Nightsman33]

Are you far from Anglesey.

Down in south wales i am mate.
Many thanks

[Nightsman33]

Sadly and due to BMW insisting that the box is "sealed for Life" many people never tried a fluid and filter change until there was a real problem. New fluid can't repair damage it just helps delay wear and damage occurring.
Like Henry my E53 is knocking on the door of 165k and I changed the gearbox fluid and filter for the 2nd time along with diffs and transfer case earlier this year
The poor old gearbox and diffs are probably the most abused parts of most cars on the road rarely getting attention until it's too late
Get it done for peace of mind

More than happy to get it done just need tl find somwhere to do it i dont mind traveling a few hours if needbe.