ATF - is prevention really better than the cure?

emiffy

Well-Known Member
All autotranny have a fixed lifespan. One school of thought says - engineer it such that the ATF will last the normal-usage lifespan of the autotrans, usually 150k or thereabouts.

The other school of thought says - change ATF regularly and frequently.

Usually, in countries where labour costs are high (Europe, US), most will go for the former.

In our part of the world, I think it's prudent to change.

HOWEVER, since your autobox has lasted you 100k with no problems, I'll be a little hesitant. Reason I'm saying this is my previous E36, when I took over at 120k km, I changed the ATF, and 10k later, the valve body seized. Probably not an isolated case, I know of three other MB (W124, W201) and another E36 owner with similiar experience.

Usually, change around 50k km. And always go for the manufacturer recommendation for ATF.

Good luck, hope this is of some useful info to you.
 
Thanks Emiffy,

This means... if aint broken (at 100K), why fixed it ?

By the way, I heard that some workshop can buy 1 year warranty for auto-tranny ( in case your PML expires)... is it true? If so, I will buy asap!
 
JHLim,

the last I heard I think Khang's Automatic Transmission (KATC?) offered a 1-yr insurance on any autotrans replaced by them. I think it's more of a insurance programme than any manufacturer's warranty.

The good news is -- replacement (rebuilt) autotrans (5 spd auto) for our cars are cheaper now than they were 2-3 years back., I believe in the region of $1.6k to $3k depending on what needed to be changed.
 
JHLim,

I changed the ATF on my previous ride an E46 318iA when the clock showed 89,000km, the experience was anything but good. After the oil change, I started to encounted "knocks" which I previously never experienced, the down shift also become noticeably jerky.
 
anyone has any experience in the strengthening of autobox by adding stronger clutch plates? you think khang can do it?
 
Racebred said:
anyone has any experience in the strengthening of autobox by adding stronger clutch plates? you think khang can do it?

Ask M&Q Chia for info.

He did his E30.
 

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