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First, I am deeply cynical about BMW's "lifetime fluid" recommendations and pretty aware that the marketing phrase only came into use when BMW started selling maintenance packages.

That said, I'm not sure it applies as well to automatic transmission fluid, in that my dealer is quite reticent to do it even though I would be paying for it. They claim that there are actually more reports of transmission failures AFTEr such a change than if people just leave well enough alone.

It matters to me because my wife and I are now retired (on "fixed income") and want her X1 to last for quite a while. I am fastidious about maintenance -- especially fluid and filter changes -- so am wondering what is the best thing to do. Anecdotes are welcome but even more someone who can verify that BMW is saying.

Thanks for any help.