Auto tranny fluid/filter change schedule? (archive)

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You might want to post a question to the board on the auto tranny fluid/filter change. From my understanding from auto owners here that have posted, BMW states that the fluid doesn't need to be changed?!! However, most on here have been recommending fluid/filter change each 50K (going from memory on that, don't quote me). I would just post the question and you are sure to get lots of responses. I change out all my fluids once per year, except for oil change every 3-5K miles. I do have a theory on oil changes though, don't fret too much if you miss them, the new oils can go far beyond 3-5K. *see my story at the end of this post.

Fluids are: transaxle, brake fluid, coolant, transmission (in my case gear box oil for manual tranny), hydraulic (brake boosting, power steering, EDC--if you have it, which I don't, a/c system oil/charge check, and batteries. Filters: air (change each oil change), hydraulic system filter, ASC, a/c drier filter, fuel filters.
Wheel alignment and balance are important to the overall health of the shocks and suspension. I have ORIGINAL shocks and each time I have the techs check them they say they are fine although I am finally about to change them at 140,000 miles! Hope this helps.

Be sure to clean your throttle bodies once a year with throttle body cleaner (remove the mass air sensor box first and spray in the throttle body directly--not throught the mass air sensor!). Also, I check all sensor electrical output yearly to be sure the management software is getting good data. GIGO! Oxygen sensors are recommended to change at 50-60K. A lot of this stuff is covered in the Level II diag., which can cost upto 1500.00 from what I have heard here (my last one was 3500.00 due to my request to replace everything at once, filters/fluid/worn parts/etc.).

*In 1997 I was involved in an accident in my Ford T-Bird and had the car rebuilt even though the insurance company totalled it. I bought it back and had it repaired since it was paid for and I have kept it in pretty much pristine condition. Well, knowing that it is pretty much worthless at this point with a salvage title I have made it an endeavor to see how little I could spend on this car. In the three years and 90,000 miles, I have changed the oil the air filters once and put on one set of tires. That's it! If the oil level gets low, I just do the old lawnmower engine thing and add oil. I have averaged about 50,000 miles between oil changes!!!!!!!!!! Now, before anyone starts trying to tell me HOW HORRIBLE that is for the car, let me state that the car has 250,000 miles and is running fine (and still looks showroom new). Be sure that if anyone here tries to hammer me, tell me how many miles you have on YOUR car first. In other words, I am experimenting on this car just to see how much an engine can take (since if I kill it, it will just go to the junk yard), and I can state that with current oil and fluid technology, it seems to take a hell of a lot to kill a car. WARNING: Don't try this at home and NEVER EVER ON A BMW!!!

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