How Often Should the Transmission Fluid in a BMW 5 Series Be Changed?
2 Answers
BMW 5 Series transmission fluid should be changed approximately every 40,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid is a type of maintenance oil used for cleaning and needs to be replaced every two years or every 40,000 kilometers to prolong the lifespan of the transmission system. Transmission fluid can be categorized into automatic transmission fluid and manual transmission fluid. The BMW 5 Series is available in two versions: a fuel-powered version and a plug-in hybrid version, both of which come with optional M Sport Package and Luxury Package exterior kits. The vehicle's dimensions are 4998mm in length, 1901mm in width, and 1559mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3070mm.
As a long-time BMW 5 Series owner, I'll discuss transmission fluid changes based on experience and manual recommendations. BMW typically suggests replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but this depends on your driving habits—frequent traffic congestion or aggressive driving accelerates fluid degradation, warranting 60,000-mile intervals. Neglecting changes causes fluid to darken to a muddy brown with a burnt odor, leading to rough shifting, transmission overheating, or internal damage. I perform basic fluid checks every 5,000 miles using professional tools to assess color and viscosity. Preventive maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs—my service records prove adhering to recommended intervals extends transmission lifespan by 5+ years. Never cut corners here to save money.
