My M3 is done *Updated*

[OneSickM]

Originally Posted by byroncheung

I remember reading somewhere that it is bad to replace the trans fluid in an old transmission, if it has never been replaced / drained. is there some truth to it, and does that apply to DCT as well?

i was thinking about draining it when mine hit 60k miles... bad idea then?

Yes I have heard the same thing on Porsche PDK. I was told by couple of dealers that if PDK fluid wasn't changed at 60K miles, they wouldn't recommend doing it at 120K

[SohoE93]

Do you want to sell it?

[azndrunk74]

swapping in another DCT transmission isn't a big deal at all. with that being said, how much for the car as is? lol.

[WingZeroX5]

So I got the preliminary update as the tech was able to put it on the lift...cost to fix is $800 w/o discounts applied yet - New clip, cap, and DCT oil

For some reason, the circlip that holds the cap/filter in place popped off (Yes, it popped off). For those who know how hard it is to get these off, it's a mystery.

Also, it sits in this groove behind the lip, so it's even more of a mystery. Of all the times I removed it and put a fresh one on, I always made sure it's secured

The tech said he found the clip on the DCT protective under tray. No damage to the cap though.

I wonder if it's the initial "clunk" from P to R gear change popped it off?

Originally Posted by byroncheung

I remember reading somewhere that it is bad to replace the trans fluid in an old transmission, if it has never been replaced / drained. is there some truth to it, and does that apply to DCT as well?

i was thinking about draining it when mine hit 60k miles... bad idea then?

Originally Posted by OneSickM

Yes I have heard the same thing on Porsche PDK. I was told by couple of dealers that if PDK fluid wasn't changed at 60K miles, they wouldn't recommend doing it at 120K

The DCT fluid was changed out at 100k, 150k and 170k. The car shifted like smooth butter when first changed out at 100k, and another noticeable improvement at 150k. Nothing really significant to feel at the 170k change.

Originally Posted by SohoE93

Do you want to sell it?

Originally Posted by azndrunk74

swapping in another DCT transmission isn't a big deal at all. with that being said, how much for the car as is? lol.

Lol both of you are interested?

[sibhusz06]

interesting, ironically I bought a dct cartridge from rock auto to save some bucks but the aftermarket black cap wouldn't seat in the bore all the way which prevented the circclip from seating properly in the groove. Ended up have to install the old black cap in place to allow the circlip to seat properly...

[brettcp]

Wow, I'd say you got fairly lucky. I'm at 96k miles on my '12 E93 M3 and am thinking of doing my DCT service soon as well (very small leak, common from what I've gathered).. Guess I'll be extra careful with that circlip/cap.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

So I got the preliminary update as the tech was able to put it on the lift...cost to fix is $800 w/o discounts applied yet - New clip, cap, and DCT oil

For some reason, the circlip that holds the cap/filter in place popped off (Yes, it popped off). For those who know how hard it is to get these off, it's a mystery.

Also, it sits in this groove behind the lip, so it's even more of a mystery. Of all the times I removed it and put a fresh one on, I always made sure it's secured

The tech said he found the clip on the DCT protective under tray. No damage to the cap though.

I wonder if it's the initial "clunk" from P to R gear change popped it off?





The DCT fluid was changed out at 100k, 150k and 170k. The car shifted like smooth butter when first changed out at 100k, and another noticeable improvement at 150k. Nothing really significant to feel at the 170k change.





Lol both of you are interested?

so you don't need to swap the DCT?

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by brettcp

Wow, I'd say you got fairly lucky. I'm at 96k miles on my '12 E93 M3 and am thinking of doing my DCT service soon as well (very small leak, common from what I've gathered).. Guess I'll be extra careful with that circlip/cap.

Yup just make sure it's secured

Originally Posted by Honda

so you don't need to swap the DCT?

Nope...for now, they have to make sure tomorrow the area where the circlip sits isnt damaged for some reason

[Timujin]

IT LIVES!!!! Congratulations and you apologize to your M3.

[Dr. Dre]

Glad everything worked out.

[Helmsman]

Hey, what a great update! I bet your old lady will be up running in no time after some fresch fluid.

[Kamen]

M'kay, a circlip 'accidentally' popping out 'by itself', after a couple of months the DCT being serviced by the dealer.
Anyway, it's good, that it's going to be an easy fix

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by Timujin

IT LIVES!!!! Congratulations and you apologize to your M3.

"how could i have ever doubted you?!"

Originally Posted by Kamen

M'kay, a circlip 'accidentally' popping out 'by itself', after a couple of months the DCT being serviced by the dealer.
Anyway, it's good, that it's going to be an easy fix

Actually, the DCT was never serviced by the dealer, I did the work. As far as I remember, however, the circlip was firmly secured on the 170k fluid change just like it was during the past two. But, there is a possibility like a few members have just noted here, that the cap may not have been able to go all the way in, thus making the circlip not secured in its intended position. Could have been a out of spec filter cap. I'm not sure. I do remember that I the cap didn't go in as far as it would, but after putting on the clip and everything "seemed secure," I just let it go...until what happened happened.

Regardless, I'm glad that it's going to be back on the road soon, unless I get a surprise of some sort. Lesson learned is probably double check the part fitment, despite being OE/OEM and make sure nothing else seems out of the ordinary from the part being replaced. From experience, I had control arms, tie rods, and sway bar links fitment issues that passed quality inspection (Long story short, I had KARLYN arms that came all torn from the factory), now DCT filter cap/clip.

[spiderspider]

I'm not quite dead yet

[MidnightM3]

Can't wait to hear when she hits 200k miles, what a machine.

[SoCalRPM]

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

Purchased it dirt cheap for 19K in in early 2014 with 50k miles and have since drove the crap out of it.

Wait wait wait. So, you put 120k miles on this car in 4 years? Damn!

Originally Posted by ///mawana

Time for a 6mt swap,...

I'd be here for the build journal if it ever happens.

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by SoCalRPM

Wait wait wait. So, you put 120k miles on this car in 4 years? Damn!

I'd be here for the build journal if it ever happens.

Yes, 120k in that short time. I was driving about 600mi/week for 4 years, plus 4 trips to the south and twice to Miami

[sibhusz06]

Just to follow up, if you get the beck arnley cartridge from Rockauto, ECS etc, its made by Vaico and the black cartridge cap won't bottom into the bore which prevents the c clip from engaging the groove. So stay away from this cartridge, only the getrag or oem cartridge kits will fit properly. I went through the same thing but fortunately caught it early.

[Mvy]

I love it when a plan comes together.

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by sibhusz06

Just to follow up, if you get the beck arnley cartridge from Rockauto, ECS etc, its made by Vaico and the black cartridge cap won't bottom into the bore which prevents the c clip from engaging the groove. So stay away from this cartridge, only the getrag or oem cartridge kits will fit properly. I went through the same thing but fortunately caught it early.

I got mine from FCP's warranty, it's the OE Getrag replacement. Maybe my cap was defective?

All said and done, $850 parts/labor & got the blower motor cable recall done. Lesson learned. All good now!

[Honda]

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

I got mine from FCP's warranty, it's the OE Getrag replacement. Maybe my cap was defective?

All said and done, $850 parts/labor & got the blower motor cable recall done. Lesson learned. All good now!

What is the lesson learned?

[Honda]

Originally Posted by sibhusz06

Just to follow up, if you get the beck arnley cartridge from Rockauto, ECS etc, its made by Vaico and the black cartridge cap won't bottom into the bore which prevents the c clip from engaging the groove. So stay away from this cartridge, only the getrag or oem cartridge kits will fit properly. I went through the same thing but fortunately caught it early.

I bought the exact cap from Rockauto but I didn't install it yet. Are you saying, I should not install it when changing the filters?