Gerabox Oil Change

PioneerSSM · Post by **PioneerSSM** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 10:59 am

Hi all
I've a simple question regarding when its deemed necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. Yes I am aware that this topic has been covered many times, and there really isn't a definitive answer. I read many of the posts on the forum regarding this and the various advice on offer some saying leave it well alone if its running ok, and other saying change at 60k & 80k or 100k. I realise that dealer advice is "sealed for life"

I have also read, leave the oil alone until such time as you feel the first effects of the old oil breaking down and problems start to occur.

What I would appreciate is information, from anyone who has run their box, either with or without the oil changed. And what are their thoughts or advice on this.

Many thanks

Steve

rj1986 · Post by **rj1986** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 5:31 pm

I asked my local about this, they said you could if you want, but it's not a vital thing.

The problem is the gearbox is part of the sump, so the whole floor needs to come out.
Plus the gear box oil is about 10-20 a litre.

i was quoted about £450 all in to do it

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 6:11 pm

I think you mean underbody shields and the transmission is behind the engine, not part of it and not in part of the sump! It isn't a Mini. There are two covers underneath guarding the engine and gearbox that need removing.

BMW quote the 'life' as 3-years or 60,000 miles only. Talk to a ZF Specialist and see what they suggest would be my suggestion. As said, the oil is expensive, but cheaper outside the Dealer network who seem to add a 100% markup!

PioneerSSM · Post by **PioneerSSM** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 7:29 am

Hi all thanks for the comments. Yes I fully agree with all your comments, and contacting ZF certainly would be be of value. I'm interested in people's experience of changing oils and thier thoughts on this. I have spoken to numerous people who haven't changed the oil and have clocked high miles without any trouble.

Regards

Steve

jagr · Post by **jagr** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 11:42 am

I had mine changed for peace of mind.
Too me it is like the updated swirl flaps, you don't need too remove them but I was always concerned knowing they were there....till they weren't.

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:07 pm

[quote="PioneerSSM"]
Hi all
I've a simple question regarding when its deemed necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. Yes I am aware that this topic has been covered many times, and there really isn't a definitive answer. I read many of the posts on the forum regarding this and the various advice on offer some saying leave it well alone if its running ok, and other saying change at 60k & 80k or 100k. I realise that dealer advice is "sealed for life"

I have also read, leave the oil alone until such time as you feel the first effects of the old oil breaking down and problems start to occur.

What I would appreciate is information, from anyone who has run their box, either with or without the oil changed. And what are their thoughts or advice on this.

Many thanks

Steve
[/quote]

Had mine done at 93,000 miles when I had mine serviced at an automatic gearbox specialist. ( £175 + vat ), they said the old oil wasn't burnt and didn't have any signs of contamination.
Some wait until they have problems before having the oil changed, this can be too late.
You havnt said your mileage. Obviously mileage isn't the only factor, towing, or general abuse can deteriorate the oil too. Some manufactures recommended servicing the same box in their cars at 60 -80 K miles.

PioneerSSM · Post by **PioneerSSM** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 10:40 pm

Hi Horizon
Thanks for the information regarding your experience of oil changes. Thats a very good price for the service, I've seen quotes on here from the MD of well over £500.
Regarding milage I am at 67k and no towing ever, or hard driving come to that. It really is a cosseted motor. I'm more into road presence & looks with the occasional turn of acceleration, just to clean out the carbon you understand.
As you say i'll probably look to get it done sooner rather than wait for problems to develop, especially if I can find a local gearbox specialist as reasonably priced as yours.
Once again many thanks for the information, it's a real help in deciding which is the best maintenance plan for me.

Regards

Steve

Dannyh172 · Post by **Dannyh172** » Thu Nov 17, 2016 7:24 am

I bought my facelift E53 at 175k and although it has full Sytner service history had never had the gearbox oil changed! I run it for about 6k with no problems or symptoms but had it changed then purely for piece of mind.

Dan

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Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Thu Nov 17, 2016 8:10 pm

[quote="Dannyh172"]
I bought my facelift E53 at 175k and although it has full Sytner service history had never had the gearbox oil changed! I run it for about 6k with no problems or symptoms but had it changed then purely for piece of mind.

Dan

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[/quote]

It's funny that we think of cars having 175 k on the clock as being high mileage, but I worked and drove HGV's for many years and didn't think twice of them having 600 K on the clock. Maybe it's a motor industry fear factor thing to get us to buy new. A well treated, well maintained vehicle can surpass spaceship mileage

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Nov 17, 2016 8:47 pm

I think it's a holdover from when cars used to struggle to make 100k. Modern Diesel engines should last 250k, and many driveline parts will last as long.

600k on an HGV is barely run in...

PioneerSSM · Post by **PioneerSSM** » Fri Nov 18, 2016 5:06 pm

I quite agree with deisel high milers, and thier reliability. Especially with ZF auto boxes. I worked within national express network, operating coaches out of the North East to London. These were fitted with Daf engines and the first of the electro power shift ZF boxes (mid to late 90s) it wasn't unusual to see mileages well into 700,000k and beyond without any major work being undertaken to the boxes. If anything it usually the engines that required an overhaul well before the boxes failed.
I've spoken to a number of E70 owners who have run boxes without any maintenance well into the 100,000k miles.
It's my belief that if you drive a car with empathy and due consideration and care, major components shouldn't let you down.
As to the subject of oil the ZF PDF clearly states if driving at high speeds, and under heavy load towing, it's 8 years or 120,000k for changes. I'll likely bite the bullet and get it done. But the cost is I feel outrageous. But that's one of the pleasures of running high performance motors.

RRH · Post by **RRH** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 3:00 pm

Would you mind me asking who changed it for you?

I'm on a similar mileage, tow quite a lot, and would like it done if only for peace of mind.

My E53 got me to 192k without too many issues- although I have the gearbox oil and filter done at about 100k.

Thanks
Simon

[quote="Horizon"]
[quote="Dannyh172"]
I bought my facelift E53 at 175k and although it has full Sytner service history had never had the gearbox oil changed! I run it for about 6k with no problems or symptoms but had it changed then purely for piece of mind.

Dan

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[/quote]

It's funny that we think of cars having 175 k on the clock as being high mileage, but I worked and drove HGV's for many years and didn't think twice of them having 600 K on the clock. Maybe it's a motor industry fear factor thing to get us to buy new. A well treated, well maintained vehicle can surpass spaceship mileage

Dannyh172 · Post by **Dannyh172** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 3:37 pm

A company called Bell Automotive in deeside, North Wales. A friend of mine used to work there and the guy who mot's my cars recommends them. They've always done a good job for me, as I had to have my manifold changed as it split a fortnight after buying it!

What model do you have now and how long did you have the E53 Simon?

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RRH · Post by **RRH** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 4:01 pm

Thanks for that, I'll check them out. I saw that you were in Bury, I work in Bolton so thought they may have been local. That said, we pass deeside regularly going down to Anglesey so I'll have a chat with them and get mine booked in.

I have an E70 SD now and love it- and a 635D that I'm about to have mapped. We had the E53 for best part of ten years, and other than quite a lot of suspension woes (that we couldn't do much about, viably, as everything had seized up) the only major issue was a split inlet manifold!

Dannyh172 · Post by **Dannyh172** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 8:02 pm

[quote="RRH"]
Thanks for that, I'll check them out. I saw that you were in Bury, I work in Bolton so thought they may have been local. That said, we pass deeside regularly going down to Anglesey so I'll have a chat with them and get mine booked in.

I have an E70 SD now and love it- and a 635D that I'm about to have mapped. We had the E53 for best part of ten years, and other than quite a lot of suspension woes (that we couldn't do much about, viably, as everything had seized up) the only major issue was a split inlet manifold!
[/quote]
I'm not sure why it says I'm in bury, I live in Holywell, North Wales, near deeside! I'm loving my x5, had it a year now and made up, it's even alright on fuel!

Do you find your x5 heavy on fuel at all? I'm considering upgrading but concerned as someone I know says his e70 is really thirsty!

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