DCT Transmission fluid shortage?

Go Autobahn · 06-19-2010, 10:11 AM

I have a 2011 M3 that will need the 1200 mile break-in service soon.
When I did my break-in service for my last M3 (a 2008 M3), they told me that there was a critical "shortage" of the special transmission fluid for the M-DCT, and so there was a service bulletin saying that the transmission fluid should not be changed, even though the user's manual clearly stated that it should.
Has anyone had their M3 break-in service recently, and are they including the transmission fluid change these days?

FStop7 · 06-19-2010, 10:32 AM

They're not supposed to change trans fluid for the break in service.

Go Autobahn · 06-19-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FStop7

They're not supposed to change trans fluid for the break in service.

According to my user's manual, they ARE. It clearly states to do this at 1200 mi.

BlackLight · 06-19-2010, 11:12 AM

Go Autobahn · 06-19-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLight

Searching now. Thanks for the reminder. I'm lazy this morning.

Dascamel · 06-19-2010, 11:21 AM

Make it simple, MT yes they change it. DCT NO lifetime fluid... Above all else make sure they don't put in the MT fluid into the DCT.

FStop7 · 06-19-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

According to my user's manual, they ARE. It clearly states to do this at 1200 mi.

They changed the procedure a long time ago

6MT gets fluid change

DCT does not

Finnegan · 06-19-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dascamel

Make it simple, MT yes they change it. DCT NO lifetime fluid... Above all else make sure they don't put in the MT fluid into the DCT.

Correct. OP be very happy they did not mess with the DCT. When it first came out several folks had their "fluid" changed (with manual transmission fluid). and the transmission died a painful death.

That left them waiting while the dealers claimed the transmissions were "normal operation"; only when the transmission finally died was it "discovered" there was a screw-up; and the owners were left waiting weeks while new transmissions were sourced and installed.

Go Autobahn · 06-19-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Correct. OP be very happy they did not mess with the DCT. When it first came out several folks had their "fluid" changed (with manual transmission fluid). and the transmission died a painful death.

That left them waiting while the dealers claimed the transmissions were "normal operation"; only when the transmission finally died was it "discovered" there was a screw-up; and the owners were left waiting weeks while new transmissions were sourced and installed.

Yikes! My worries about little metal shavings piling up at the bottom of my DCT just went away, now replaced by much bigger worries of the SA ordering the fluid incorrectly to be changed. Thanks!

bknight · 06-19-2010, 01:14 PM

Definitely do not let them touch that DCT fluid!

aus · 06-21-2010, 12:32 AM

It's probably not a true critical shortage too. BMW has purposesly not made the fluid easily available in the US in case a dealer screws up and tries to change the fluid.

Sandye90m3 · 06-21-2010, 09:23 AM

This isn't about the break-in service, but I have a 09' DCT M3. I took it in for service last week and I had a faulty oil cap that is located in the rear part of the car. I ordered the part in, and 2 weeks later it came. I dropped the car off at the dealership. And then I get a call saying, I am leaking transmissions fluid. Then they told me that they need to contact BMW NorthAmerica. I awaited their response. 3 days later the dealer tells me they need to replace the Tranny. I'm quite pissed off, what should I do? Should I ask for something? They told me to go rent a car from Hertz or Budget or something and they will pay for it.

06-19-2010, 10:11 AM	#1
Go Autobahn Second Lieutenant 29 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 64 VW Beetle Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	DCT Transmission fluid shortage? I have a 2011 M3 that will need the 1200 mile break-in service soon. When I did my break-in service for my last M3 (a 2008 M3), they told me that there was a critical "shortage" of the special transmission fluid for the M-DCT, and so there was a service bulletin saying that the transmission fluid should not be changed, even though the user's manual clearly stated that it should. Has anyone had their M3 break-in service recently, and are they including the transmission fluid change these days?
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06-19-2010, 10:32 AM	#2
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	They're not supposed to change trans fluid for the break in service.
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06-19-2010, 11:12 AM	#4
BlackLight Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 239 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Surrey, BC iTrader: (1)	Make sure they don't
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06-19-2010, 11:21 AM	#6
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel 48 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA iTrader: (0)	Make it simple, MT yes they change it. DCT NO lifetime fluid... Above all else make sure they don't put in the MT fluid into the DCT. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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06-19-2010, 01:14 PM	#10
bknight Captain 60 Rep 609 Posts Drives: F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Definitely do not let them touch that DCT fluid!
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06-21-2010, 12:32 AM	#11
aus Major General 892 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	It's probably not a true critical shortage too. BMW has purposesly not made the fluid easily available in the US in case a dealer screws up and tries to change the fluid. __________________ 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."
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06-21-2010, 09:23 AM	#12
Sandye90m3 Major 167 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Calgary, CA iTrader: (0)	This isn't about the break-in service, but I have a 09' DCT M3. I took it in for service last week and I had a faulty oil cap that is located in the rear part of the car. I ordered the part in, and 2 weeks later it came. I dropped the car off at the dealership. And then I get a call saying, I am leaking transmissions fluid. Then they told me that they need to contact BMW NorthAmerica. I awaited their response. 3 days later the dealer tells me they need to replace the Tranny. I'm quite pissed off, what should I do? Should I ask for something? They told me to go rent a car from Hertz or Budget or something and they will pay for it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote