need a definitive answer....

should i or should i not change the tranny fluid and filter in my 2003 530iA? (60k miles) and if so, what should i use?

thanks guys

need a definitive answer....

should i or should i not change the tranny fluid and filter in my 2003 530iA? (60k miles) and if so, what should i use?

thanks guys

Drain, fill, replace filter. Do it now before the trans goes bad. You can use new OEM stuff if you want, or the generally preferred ATF for BMWs by the majority of this board is Royal Purple. Redline WILL kill the trans. Change the fluid and filter every 30k-40k miles. Now would also be a good time for diff fluid, and possibly coolant, as the stuff needs to be changed out every 2 years.

great thank you!

now... OEM or royal purple? which is better?
and, dealer... or DIY? (remember i dont have a lift)

thanks!

Best thing to do, jack up your car or go to the
nearest service station and lift your car up.
See what kind of tranny your car has. I think
you have A5S 325Z, a ZF auto tranny. You must
confirm this yourself tho'. It should have a label
that says what tranny it is.
Fluid type, it's your call, but Esso is the only
approved type on yours.
If you don't have a lift, it's a pain in the butt
in just about everything that needs to be done,
from dismounting of the pan, changing filter,
putting the pan back on with a new gasket,
refilling the fluid, and so on.
I am lucky to have a buddy who has a shop,
so all I have to do is use one of his lifts
for 2-3 hours and pay him like $50.00 & a 6 pack.

Here's a very good write-up on tranny fluid change.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto.htm