[Yzandrl]

I know that the service question has been debated, but Dr. Google and e90/bmw/3series forum searches don't really yield much info.

I am considering getting a complete fluid change for the reason of the the break in results in metal shavings.

My only question that I cannot get answered is:

Are there any possible negatives to this early service other than cost? Are there any "special" fluids.

I cannot get an answer from multiple service advisors. Though one who hinted that they can only recommend the scheduled service intervals.

Thanks,

Yzandrl

[tctic]

No negatives. The engine will never be harmed with fresh lubricants. But do realize that the transmission fluid is permanant in a BMW. You can't change that. Regarding the engine oil, some people prefer to change it after break-in while some chooses to change at 5000 miles or so. But if you trust BMW, you change the oil when the OBC tells you to.

[Asiann]

Exactly! No need to change the trans oil since that was something that owners did in the past models. The E-90 doesn't need that. The oil is a personal choice.

[RichP]

Eh, its BMWs definition of lifetime, aka lifetime=the warranty period they are responsible for.

No harm in changing any of the fluids, although I can tell you the differential has no drain plug even, so you will either have to remove it and tip it over to drain it from the fill plug, or figure out some other way to get the fluid out. The trans still has a drain.

[Yzandrl]

I can schedule the transmission, differential, and oil with North Scottsdale BMW. The other dealerships said they would NOT do it for the Diff or Trans.

This dealership said they would do it; just that it would cost me about 600+ish for it. Including the fluid costs about $40/qt and I need about 8 qts.

I understand its a lifetime transmission fluid..etc.. But does it cause any potential harm to replace the transmission fluid or differential? I had two dealerships say they wouldn't do it period. This one said ok. I have a mix of opinions on the internet on "if it would help".

I don't care about the cost as I'm owning this one for the long haul. Just the issue of risk...

And thanks for the replies.

[qroc]

I don't see how it would cause any harm either. I'm considering doing the same thing as you are.

[rkg]

I did an oil change at 1500 and a complete fluid change at 3000. Replacing fluids are never a bad thing ... "lifetime" is a very fluid term ... punn intended.

I change my diff and transmission with redline. I had to pump out the fluid of the diff since there is only a fill and no drain plug ... go figure that bright engineering feat. Total cost: around $100

[Asiann]

Here is something that I lifted from the M3 boards. http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showt...t=fluid+change

[Asiann]

This might help but not sure about the differences between the models. DIY fluid change. Seems to be the concensus that Royal Purple is the choice for fluid replacement over the BMW OEM. http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showt...t=fluid+change

[Yzandrl]

Hmm. Did you do diff/tran at 3000 because of a specific reason or did it just work out that you didn't do them simultaneously?

[rkg]

my bigger concern was to get the engine oil changed within the first 1500 miles and the diff/trans in the first 3000 miles. At 1700, I would not hesitate to do all of them at once ... just want to remove any shavings ... check out august roundel, pg 122, guy did the same thing and found many shavings.

[corpsedub]

use a fluid pump to drain the diff. messy, but it works.

[pwrdbym]

Originally Posted by RichP

No harm in changing any of the fluids, although I can tell you the differential has no drain plug even, so you will either have to remove it and tip it over to drain it from the fill plug,

So I get that this is a very old thread, but I can't help myself in pointing this one out. So in order to get the old fluid out of the car, you're going to remove the entire diff from the car so you can tip it over and pour out the fluid?? Hmmm, or you could try a pump!

[axis]

Originally Posted by pwrdbym

So I get that this is a very old thread, but I can't help myself in pointing this one out. So in order to get the old fluid out of the car, you're going to remove the entire diff from the car so you can tip it over and pour out the fluid?? Hmmm, or you could try a pump!

Which corpsedub mentioned in 2006.. last post before your reply.

[Glim]

wow, a five year old thread revived from the dead...

Yes, they need to stand the car up on end to get the diff fluid out, they also need to flip the car over and bang on the underside a few times to make sure they get the last few drops out.

Or I hear some shops get around this by using a fluid extractor