Re: What oil/transmission fluid to use? (archive)

Kay,
Not to trump what Richard said..but...I will
anyway..there are clearly different schools. Richard didn't elaborate but in your case with unknown history...its "possible" if the fluid hasn't been changed in a while..what could happen is fresh fluid can break down or dislodge setiment in the valve body or in the trans cooling lines for example and result in a trans failure....why incidently a power flush is a risky affair. The catch 22 is if you don't change your fluid, the broken down fluid will do the following:
1. create harder shifts due to less lubricity.
2. contaminated fluid with accelerate clutch pack
wear and decrease seal life due to increased
abrasivity/fluid carries particles of worn
clutch packs.
3. Fluid is more Neutonian, i.e. broken down fluid
will not resist thickening/viscosity will
increase more rapidly relative to
temperature as compared to mfr.
specification ... incidently the biggest
single benefit of synthetic trans fluid.
These are the tradeoffs...I would change the fluid
and the filter as soon as possible.
George
90 735il/145K...change my fluid frequently.

Hi;
I just bought a '92 735iL with 173,000 miles on it. I'm a virgin where BMW's are concerned.
It's in beautiful condition and runs like a champ. I don't have any maintanence records on the car, only what info the carfax gave me before I bought it. The owner's manual in the glove compartment is for the 740/750iL. I need some help in regard to what would be the best oil and transmission fluid to use. It is a gas hog but I live in florida, so i'm sure using the ac doesn't help! I'm really enjoying the car, it's a great ride. I appreciate any input you guys can give me so that i'm not a complete idiot on the subject!
Thanks,
Kay
'92 735iL

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