|
|
10-07-2017, 08:30 PM | #1 |
the doctor
285
Rep 432
Posts |
$800 Transmission Fluid Change
I recently contacted a local independent BMW repair/race shop. I asked, about getting my transmission fluid (DCT) changed on my E92. They quoted me a price of $800. This seems crazy.
The guy on the phone kept saying it takes a long time because the trans fluid is hot so the car has to sit. I understand that the car needs to sit for a long time but it's not like someone's working on it while it sits cooling down. Is this price inflated or is there something i'm missing? Could the price reflect the fact that it's a DCT? |
10-07-2017, 08:46 PM | #2 |
F15 daddymobile
2420
Rep 3,573
Posts |
rip off. thats worse than BMW dealer pricing.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2017, 09:06 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
2195
Rep 3,703
Posts |
Yep, proof again that independent shops are not necessarily the best, despite all I hear/read on this forum. Although obviously this is just one shop were talking about.
In my experience, the top rated indy shops are equal or more expensive than the dealer. And they're not open weekends, not open early or late, no service loaners, lucky if they have a shuttle service... Not very convenient! |
Appreciate
1
timothy2001857.50 |
10-07-2017, 11:22 PM | #7 |
Stop the hate, get a V8
3858
Rep 8,625
Posts |
Yes, even if you go to the aftermarket. Still, $800 is laughable.
__________________
Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan
Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP |
Appreciate
0
|
10-08-2017, 04:23 AM | #9 |
Major General
4586
Rep 7,208
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-08-2017, 08:55 AM | #10 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
3946
Rep 2,964
Posts
Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas
|
I don't know what they did for $40 but you didn't get a DCT flush for that...
It shouldn't cost $800 at an indy, but lets break down what it costs to properly service a DCT: -OEM DCTF1 fluid alone costs $27 per qt (Dealer price is $35 per qt) You'll use 5-6 or 10+ depending on how aggressive you want the flush. = $162-$275 -New Mahle aftermarket DCT suction and cartridge filters w/new O-rings = $100. -OPTIONAL new pan and gasket (if current pan is leaking) $275. -Access to BMW ISTA (or similar) software to activate transmission service module -Approximately 2 hours shop labor @ $100/hr = $200. You're at almost $500 for a basic quality independent job, at dealer price for labor and all components you could ultimately see $800. The job is tricky because you can only level check the fluid while at a certain temperature and engine running at 2krpm which necessitates special care and attention during the process. A proper flush will necessitate new filters as well.. You can skimp on the job to save a few bucks by using aftermarket DCTF1 and skipping new O-rings, but it won't ever be a cheap job- even if you try to do it yourself. |
Appreciate
5
|
10-08-2017, 02:15 PM | #11 |
Lieutenant
450
Rep 465
Posts |
Deansbimmer, is it a bad idea to leave OEM DCT fluid unchanged till 75K miles, assuming there are no leaks anywhere?
__________________
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." Steve MCQueen
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-09-2017, 07:30 AM | #12 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
3946
Rep 2,964
Posts
Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas
|
No. DCT fluid is a "lifetime fill". There is NO reason to flush the fluid, replace filters, etc unless there is a leak you need to remedy or there is some other problem you are trying to resolve. 75k miles is no problem for factory fluid. Most DCT fluid is still dark honey color at around those miles. It doesn't get contaminated and need flushing like regular ATF does in automatic transmissions.
|
10-09-2017, 11:06 PM | #13 | |
Stop the hate, get a V8
3858
Rep 8,625
Posts |
Quote:
Most of the DCTF-1 analyses I've seen on here showed that it's perfectly capable of handling 75k unless you were really beating on it day-in and day-out. I changed mine at 50k and could've easily gone to 75k or longer.
__________________
Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan
Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP |
|
10-09-2017, 11:08 PM | #14 | |
Stop the hate, get a V8
3858
Rep 8,625
Posts |
Quote:
Protip: you don't have to use the OEM/Pentosin fluid. Motul, Castrol, Red Line, Fuchs, Torco Liqui-Moly, and many others make compatible fluids. DCT fluids are actually just a 75w85 GL4 with some extra additives. I opted for Motul Multi DCTF.
__________________
Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan
Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP |
|
Appreciate
1
Datka450.00 |
10-10-2017, 07:45 AM | #15 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
3946
Rep 2,964
Posts
Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas
|
Yes I mentioned there are aftermarket fluids. In fact, I run Red Line in mine. I don't think these fluids have seen much real life analysis after 100k miles to assume they are as equally up to the task of a "lifetime fill" as Pentosin. For customers expecting to only have to replace their fluid once during their car's lifespan, I prefer to recommend OEM/Pentosin.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-10-2017, 09:18 AM | #16 | |
Stop the hate, get a V8
3858
Rep 8,625
Posts |
Quote:
Fair point, but they're basically just a 75w85 GL4 gear lube. I have no worries about using them repeatedly.
__________________
Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan
Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-11-2017, 01:10 AM | #17 |
Major General
903
Rep 9,034
Posts |
Next question is are those $1,000 larger, finned aluminum DCT pans worth it?
Thanks for the great info. .
__________________
Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-11-2017, 07:57 AM | #18 | |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
3946
Rep 2,964
Posts
Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas
|
Quote:
If you live up North in a cold climate or mostly shift yourself with little clutch slippage, then it's probably going to be a frivolous expense. Edit: I thought you were talking about coolers...Pans rarely come up since they're somewhat new to the market. The pans won't do much for you. Yes they'l increase your fluid capacity which *may* help reduce temps through reduced heat soak, but I think they're more of a novelty item than they are a practical one. |
|
10-11-2017, 10:53 AM | #19 | |
Stop the hate, get a V8
3858
Rep 8,625
Posts |
Quote:
Not unless you are tracking the car in absurdly hot temps and having problems with heat. The DCT is fairly robust. Plenty of guys running OEM fluid, OEM clutches, OEM pan, no extra coolers, etc. on the track year after year without problems.
__________________
Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan
Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP |
|
Appreciate
1
aus903.00 |
10-13-2017, 12:08 PM | #21 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
1347
Rep 1,882
Posts |
Quote:
Coming from shop side of this, consumers are too quick to throw forum "knowledge" at shop owners to argue a better price. if we had more people like Deansbimmer on the forums, then this wouldn't be a problem. I have changed my approach with customers now, if they start quoting internet hearsay to me, I usually kindly ask them to go elsewhere for repairs. |
|
Appreciate
1
Harryc910.50 |
10-13-2017, 02:43 PM | #22 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
3946
Rep 2,964
Posts
Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|