so i need to change the fluid and filter on my 92 325i. i'm getting the cog with the !(electronic shifting control) in the middle light about once a week(avg. 500 miles a wk.). does it really matter if i use say an autozone filter or bmw's. autozone's kit has the filter & gaskets for $17.99. bmw wants $57 for just the filter and another $35 for the gasket !? was just wondering if anyone has used the local auto parts filter with any luck ?

also what brand atf fluid do you guys suggest ?

bmw service also says if i change the fluid and filter the light and limp mode will still occur until i get it serviced to clear the codes ! so how will i even know if the fluid/filter change fixes the problem for sure if i don't take it in ?? any way to clear the code w/out taking it to the dealer ?

thx in advance !

ttt

Auto zone filter is fine (probably mae by the same company). As for fluid, my personal experience is to use RedLine D4. I had issues with Mobil synthetic, others have had success.

Take a look at this post, at bottom some good info on the trans controller software reflash:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=869132

What fault code is present? Depending on what fault is causing the light to come on a fluid change may be a waste of time or money.

i havent pulled any codes. the gear w/ the ! in the middle is coming on in the middle of the dash(have been told there's 2 lights that look the same) and it bogs down when it is on(limp mode i guess).

my cousin says my trans is shot if its going into limp mode ! but he knows nothing about bmw's as he drives chevy trucks and is basing his info from how chevy trans's react.

You have to pull the codes to know what's going on. That probably means a trip to a dealer or BMW indie shop. If you are lucky the problem will be fixable without replacing the transmission. But if the fault is internal to the transmission a replacement is going to be required.