What gearbox fluid to use please

[Gazdon]

I'm thinking of changing the gearbox fluid but I'm on a budget so don't want to spend big money on over the top fluids so could you guys suggest a fluid that will do the job please on my 2002 3.0 diesel auto

[X5Sport]

Fluids listed here....

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e53- ... on/1MuBKi4

If you aren’t sure which box then use the last 7 of your VIN in Realoem (serial number) to pull up the right model...

It should be an A5S390R type.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=24_0986

The BMW TIS states no fluid change needed in some boxes during the service life. That ‘life’ is just three years - or as long as the BMW Warranty. It does not mean for the life of the vehicle - 18 years in your case.

[Greydog]

Only use the recommended fluids and filters or you can put your gearbox at risk. X5 Sport has given you where to look, now look on line for the deals and even with BMW they give discounts for older models.

A failed gearbox will cost a lot more than fluid and filters

Dave

[StuBeeDoo]

don't want to spend big money on over the top fluids

There are no "over the top fluids". There are plenty of "not up to the job fluids".

A failed gearbox will cost a lot more than fluid and filters

Definitely.

[Leslie]

and if your gearbox is going to fail changing the fluid won't stop it either ! My own opinion would be if its in 18 years best leave it alone , at that age you won't be fixing it if it goes anyway Some would say its more risky to touch it now than leave it be and the cost is quite high ...

[X5Sport]

There is that too. Changing the oil to clean can flush out the crud and cause a failure that the crud was preventing. It’s a hard call as most folks have absolutely no issues with a change whereas others need a new box within a month or so. If the current oil is very dirty then that’s not a good sign as the dirt is worn clutch and brake pack debris. As above, only use the specified oil as going cheap(er) might be an expensive mistake.

[Gazdon]

Thankyou guys for your advice and replying think I will leave as its fine at the moment