DCT Owners Beware: Dealers still don't know not to change transmission fluid

skierman64 · 05-30-2008, 08:49 AM

I dropped my DCT M3 off at the dealer this morning for the 1200 mile service and I had to convince the service advisor not to change the transmission fluid. They would have changed it if I hadn't said anything to them.

I'm not sure I totally convinced them that it shouldn't be changed on any DCT car, however I'm sure they won't change it on my car.

The SA wrote a big note on my service paperwork and even highlighted the paragraph where it said not to change the transmission fluid.

It's dissapointing that the word isn't getting out regarding this important information. It seems BMW needs a better method to get the word out to the dealerships.

gorun · 05-30-2008, 08:57 AM

Same story here, almost got into a fight with the service manager.

mkoesel · 05-30-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorun

Same story here, almost got into a fight with the service manager.

LOL, wow. I'm sure you'll still give them all perfect ratings on the evaluation tho, right.

skierman64 · 05-30-2008, 09:23 AM

I did a quick search but didn't find the answer. I'm sure it's here somewhere.

What is the TSB number for the DCT 1200 mile service where it says not to change the transmission fluid?

HammerM3 · 05-30-2008, 09:38 AM

is there something official that we could bring to the dealer to our 1200 mile service?

skierman64 · 05-30-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HammerM3

is there something official that we could bring to the dealer to our 1200 mile service?

Yeah, the TSB. I need to find the number of it. Does anyone here have a copy of the TSB that could be scanned and put on the forum here?

Davinhci · 05-30-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorun

Same story here, almost got into a fight with the service manager.

Kick his ass! j/k

man I can't beleive they haven't got the word across yet. I guess BMW thinks the transmission is cheap or something. That's crazy. Becareful people.

footie · 05-30-2008, 10:03 AM

I spoke to the dealer yesterday about my order, the fact that a E93 M3 with M-DCT was coming in to stock and the X6. During the conversation I asked about whether they had about news on how to service the car's with the new transmission, I told him of the examples in the US and suggested to check with BMW UK before undertaking any work.

I know I will be sitting on their shoulder when it comes to doing mine.

valeram · 05-30-2008, 11:58 AM

Do they really have that TSB for M-DCT no-Trans fluid change? It appears that most dealers/service have no clue about it. I find it unacceptable that Dearlers to/fro BMW communications is that bad. Come to think of it, they are bragging about highly trained technicians but a simple TSB (?) cannot even be simply implemented. Any Service Dealers in this forum who can shed lights into this so called TSB?

nusevad · 05-30-2008, 12:04 PM

O god, this is my worst nightmare if they really did change mine and lied to me when i asked them if they did. I guess ill wait for my service invoice to arrive to see if it was indeed changed.

swamp2 · 05-30-2008, 12:05 PM

Guys the case is not the same across all dealers. I have an early US M-DCT car and got to 1200 mi really early (probably before anyone else in the US). The place I took the car knew without me saying a word (very lucky for me) that the DCT fluid was NOT to be changed and it "lifetime" fluid.

This is a DEALER by DEALER issue!

MDCTFTW · 05-30-2008, 12:36 PM

Is the service indicator just the oil level indicator for the 1200? I don't see any sort of count down to when my car should go in. I must be doing something stupid.

Davinhci · 05-30-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

O god, this is my worst nightmare if they really did change mine and lied to me when i asked them if they did. I guess ill wait for my service invoice to arrive to see if it was indeed changed.

Can't you just ask your SA? That way you don't have to worry and put more miles on?

AwesomeM3 · 05-30-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

I dropped my DCT M3 off at the dealer this morning for the 1200 mile service and I had to convince the service advisor not to change the transmission fluid. They would have changed it if I hadn't said anything to them.

I'm not sure I totally convinced them that it shouldn't be changed on any DCT car, however I'm sure they won't change it on my car.

The SA wrote a big note on my service paperwork and even highlighted the paragraph where it said not to change the transmission fluid.

It's dissapointing that the word isn't getting out regarding this important information. It seems BMW needs a better method to get the word out to the dealerships.

I was just at the dealer, and I asked about your car being in for service. The SA confirmed that they would have changed the tranny fluid if you didn't warn them ahead of time. Very messed up that the Service Department isn't aware of this yet. Yours is probably the first DCT that they serviced.

nusevad · 05-30-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davinhci

Can't you just ask your SA? That way you don't have to worry and put more miles on?

Yea I did, he said it wasnt changed.

BUT he also said he would tell the techs no to wash my car after service after i requested to NOT wash car, after service i found out my car was washed. He also said that he was going to mail me my service invoice...1 week later and no invoice, i call him and he makes up some BS and says he will send one right away. WOuld you trust your SA after that?

bills742 · 05-30-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

Yea I did, he said it wasnt changed.

BUT he also said he would tell the techs no to wash my car after service after i requested to NOT wash car, after service i found out my car was washed. He also said that he was going to mail me my service invoice...1 week later and no invoice, i call him and he makes up some BS and says he will send one right away. WOuld you trust your SA after that?

I wrote "Please do not wash" on a piece of paper and taped it to the rear passenger window so you could read it from the outside. That worked.

skierman64 · 05-30-2008, 02:04 PM

I wrote, "do not change transmission fluid" and put the note down by the shifter. I think that should work.

SMSgt B · 05-30-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

Yeah, the TSB. I need to find the number of it. Does anyone here have a copy of the TSB that could be scanned and put on the forum here?

I have it but dont have a scanner until Monday at work. But here is the main info from the DCSnet Message:

Publish Date: May 13, 2008
Expiration Date: July 13, 2008

Subjct: M3 Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid

E90, E92 and E93 M3 vehicles can be equipped with a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT with M Drivelogic), Option Code 2MK. This new transmission requires a special lubricant/hydraulic fluid referred to as BMW DCT OIL 1.

This is an extended-life type fluid which DOES NOT require maintenance (replacement).

Currently the fluid is not available via your Parts Distribution Center. Until further notice, when DCT OIL 1 fluid is required, enter a PuMA Case and wait for a responce.

Above is word for word on it.

Mx3 · 05-30-2008, 08:47 PM

I think it is crazy that the service departments dont know about not changing the fluid. I'm getting my 1200mile next week and I'm glad I know about this.

Thanks

skierman64 · 05-30-2008, 11:14 PM

Thanks Senior B. Looking forward to the scan.

Mx3 · 06-05-2008, 01:06 AM

Even though it's a lifetime fluid and doenst require replacement...I would imagine it would not hurt to have it changed as long as it was the correct fluid right?

Also, anyword on the scan?

HammerM3 · 06-05-2008, 01:31 AM

anybody in the bay area have this happen?

05-30-2008, 08:49 AM	#1
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	DCT Owners Beware: Dealers still don't know not to change transmission fluid I dropped my DCT M3 off at the dealer this morning for the 1200 mile service and I had to convince the service advisor not to change the transmission fluid. They would have changed it if I hadn't said anything to them. I'm not sure I totally convinced them that it shouldn't be changed on any DCT car, however I'm sure they won't change it on my car. The SA wrote a big note on my service paperwork and even highlighted the paragraph where it said not to change the transmission fluid. It's dissapointing that the word isn't getting out regarding this important information. It seems BMW needs a better method to get the word out to the dealerships. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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05-30-2008, 08:57 AM	#2
gorun Lieutenant 46 Rep 528 Posts Drives: W166 ML63 PP Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Where the roads are crap... iTrader: (0)	Same story here, almost got into a fight with the service manager.
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05-30-2008, 09:23 AM	#4
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	Technical Service Bulletin I did a quick search but didn't find the answer. I'm sure it's here somewhere. What is the TSB number for the DCT 1200 mile service where it says not to change the transmission fluid? __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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05-30-2008, 09:38 AM	#5
HammerM3 Private First Class 30 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2008 AW DCT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SF iTrader: (0)	is there something official that we could bring to the dealer to our 1200 mile service?
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05-30-2008, 10:03 AM	#8
footie Major General 1109 Rep 8,013 Posts Drives: i5M60 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: No where fast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5M60 [0.00] 2022 BMW i4M50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	I spoke to the dealer yesterday about my order, the fact that a E93 M3 with M-DCT was coming in to stock and the X6. During the conversation I asked about whether they had about news on how to service the car's with the new transmission, I told him of the examples in the US and suggested to check with BMW UK before undertaking any work. I know I will be sitting on their shoulder when it comes to doing mine.
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05-30-2008, 11:58 AM	#9
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	Do they really have that TSB for M-DCT no-Trans fluid change? It appears that most dealers/service have no clue about it. I find it unacceptable that Dearlers to/fro BMW communications is that bad. Come to think of it, they are bragging about highly trained technicians but a simple TSB (?) cannot even be simply implemented. Any Service Dealers in this forum who can shed lights into this so called TSB?
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05-30-2008, 12:04 PM	#10
nusevad O! So Sour!! 552 Rep 15,615 Posts Drives: Fast 240z / Slow M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 'Merica! iTrader: (24) Garage List 1971 Datsun 240z [0.00] 2008 M3 [9.60]	O god, this is my worst nightmare if they really did change mine and lied to me when i asked them if they did. I guess ill wait for my service invoice to arrive to see if it was indeed changed. __________________
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05-30-2008, 12:05 PM	#11
swamp2 Lieutenant General 611 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	Guys the case is not the same across all dealers. I have an early US M-DCT car and got to 1200 mi really early (probably before anyone else in the US). The place I took the car knew without me saying a word (very lucky for me) that the DCT fluid was NOT to be changed and it "lifetime" fluid. This is a DEALER by DEALER issue!
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05-30-2008, 12:36 PM	#12
MDCTFTW Lieutenant Colonel 123 Rep 1,973 Posts Drives: E92 DCT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	Is the service indicator just the oil level indicator for the 1200? I don't see any sort of count down to when my car should go in. I must be doing something stupid. __________________ MDCT ... so you can drive and eat a hamburger at the same time.
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05-30-2008, 02:04 PM	#17
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	I wrote, "do not change transmission fluid" and put the note down by the shifter. I think that should work. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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05-30-2008, 08:47 PM	#19
Mx3 M 9 Rep 211 Posts Drives: 08.SpaceGry.DCT.19's,Tech,+ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Northern CA iTrader: (0)	I think it is crazy that the service departments dont know about not changing the fluid. I'm getting my 1200mile next week and I'm glad I know about this. Thanks
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05-30-2008, 11:14 PM	#20
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	Thanks Senior B. Looking forward to the scan. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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06-05-2008, 01:06 AM	#21
Mx3 M 9 Rep 211 Posts Drives: 08.SpaceGry.DCT.19's,Tech,+ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Northern CA iTrader: (0)	Even though it's a lifetime fluid and doenst require replacement...I would imagine it would not hurt to have it changed as long as it was the correct fluid right? Also, anyword on the scan?
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06-05-2008, 01:31 AM	#22
HammerM3 Private First Class 30 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2008 AW DCT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SF iTrader: (0)	anybody in the bay area have this happen?
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