$1,000 to change manual trans fluid

doug_999 · 04-13-2018, 11:16 AM

Of course the dealer could not duplicate my transmission issue.
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1481969

So I said
Out of curiosity, what would it cost to have the fluid changed?

"Probably about $1,000"

"BMW charges a ton for the fluid - we call it liquid gold"

Wow

p912guy · 04-13-2018, 12:48 PM

Wow is right. Wonder what kind of quote you might get from a few independents? Even if the fluid is "liquid gold" that just sounds ridiculous. I have an MT in my m235 and even though it's not part of scheduled maintenance, I have thought about changing mine around 50K miles. I love the MT but admit I have briefly ground the gears on 3 or 4 1st to 2nd changes when I was trying do some very quick shifts and let the clutch out a bit prematurely.

BoxKing · 04-13-2018, 12:49 PM

I had mine changed during my breaking service for $160... +/-
Manual only takes 2 quarts of fluid vs. DCT which I think is 6+, my assumption is that the dealer you got a quote from pulled the labor/parts cost from the DCT. I posted up my service receipt on here in a similar thread, look for it and present it to your SA... and ask them why they are charging you 7X that of another dealer doing the same service?

Downeaster1 · 04-13-2018, 12:52 PM

It should really be about $150. Find a new shop.

BoxKing · 04-13-2018, 12:55 PM

Here is the link to my old thread:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...ion+fluid+cost

Post #11 has my scanned PDF for reference.

Zed519 · 04-13-2018, 12:56 PM

Make sure the quote was for the mt vs dct, I’ve heard of folks being misquoted because the trans type being wrongly identified in the quote.

doug_999 · 04-13-2018, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxKing

Here is the link to my old thread:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...ion+fluid+cost

Post #11 has my scanned PDF for reference.

THANK YOU!

jmg · 04-13-2018, 01:10 PM

You could sell me your 1M to help pay for it.

That fluid is only $30/Liter

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/83222239654/

Your dealer is making some $$$

JibSTir13 · 04-13-2018, 01:21 PM

I experienced something similar when I brought my F80 in for the 1200 mile service. Requested a tranny oil change (6MT) and dealer said it is not part of the service so I need to pay for it. I said fine and received a quote between $400-$500 bucks (don't remember exactly). Dealer also said they need to replace both bolts and had to order the plugs. Declined to have them do it.

I recently purchased the two bolts and they are expensive (I think it came out to around $70 for the two). Not sure if the old ones can be re-used so I got new ones just in case.

HPIA4v2 · 04-13-2018, 01:33 PM

I had a BMW with ZF 6-spd auto trans recall work at dealer, mechatronic sleeve was leaking; asked dealer if they can just replace the 6-quart auto trans fluid since they have to drop the pan anyway to fix that recall. my SA says: "are you sure?, that fluid is $25 per unit and takes 24 unit". I said no thanks.
Basically 1-unit is 1/4 quart.

Order the auto-trans flush kit online, genuine ZF fluid and it only cost $14/quart

I don't mind dealer making profit, but not raping loyal BMWers in the process.

BMW needs to pay attention to this, electric cars are coming and that require less maintenance; BMW can't afford to keep alienating their loyal base customers in the name of profit. The table will turn somedays

doug_999 · 04-13-2018, 06:17 PM

So my wife went to go get the car and showed BoxKing 's receipt.

Before she could show it, he said "Let me get you a real quote - I didn't realize he had a 6speed."

Quote came back at $591.94 because the trans needs 8.4L of fluid ($362.74) and their extra labor is because the labor is based on the quantity of fluid that goes in. He said he didn't want to lose me as a customer and would match the labor....

So I just sent them a nice email showing the BMW technical bulletin and the realoem site and mentioning that we have a bit of a trust issue now that we need to work on....

I did ask what would have happened if I had agreed to the $591 and they found out that it didn't hold 8.4L....

We shall see. Thanks everyone - well except YOU jmg - I'm not selling the 1M

jmg · 04-13-2018, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

So my wife went to go get the car and showed BoxKing 's receipt.

Before she could show it, he said "Let me get you a real quote - I didn't realize he had a 6speed."

Quote came back at $591.94 because the trans needs 8.4L of fluid ($362.74) and their extra labor is because the labor is based on the quantity of fluid that goes in. He said he didn't want to lose me as a customer and would match the labor....

So I just sent them a nice email showing the BMW technical bulletin and the realoem site and mentioning that we have a bit of a trust issue now that we need to work on....

I did ask what would have happened if I had agreed to the $591 and they found out that it didn't hold 8.4L....

We shall see. Thanks everyone - well except YOU jmg - I'm not selling the 1M

Extra labor because of the extra fluid? How much longer does it take once you have everything open for 2L vs 8L? This is why it's so hard to find a trusted mechanic. Too many greedy ones.

gatorfast · 04-13-2018, 07:34 PM

$1k is absurd and flat out robbery. I suggest ordering the fluid online, whether oem or something like redline, and having an Indy shop do the work. You will prob be no more $200 all in absolute max.

BoxKing · 04-14-2018, 08:13 AM

Can't see how you can trust your dealer service center after all this. They don't even know how much fluid goes into your car... that's absurd. I mentioned this before, I'd never take my car to the dealer unless it was for a service bulletin or one of my free services. The damn dealer was going to put on just two rear tires for 1000$ when I got bigger and better tires (PS4) front and back for 1450$.

I could honestly understand if your quote was high due to labor bc that is what it is, but the parts cost from them isn't even calculated even close... they could change out 4 6MTs alone after they get you to write a check.

Ask them to meet or beat my bill or you will walk and they will lose your business. Be happy with any return under 200$.

maniz · 04-14-2018, 10:01 AM

Local dealer had to look it up when I asked for a quote a few months ago, but said it would be around $140 for the 1.6L in fluid and their min. 1hr labor rate.

doug_999 · 04-14-2018, 11:01 AM

Just heard back from the dealer - apparently it does show 8.4L in their system, but when the tech looked up the tech info - they agreed it was 2L total for the bill. So $201 - however they are going to see if BMW will cover it to help with my shifting issues.

ljzimm · 05-10-2018, 11:17 AM

Not to resurrect a slightly dead thread but I read through this out of interest and was curious so I double checked and they are correct, if you pull up the filling quantities it does show 8.4 which is really weird. So I can confirm where they made that error, but that's more on BMW's side, not the dealer's side.

doug_999 · 05-10-2018, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljzimm

Not to resurrect a slightly dead thread but I read through this out of interest and was curious so I double checked and they are correct, if you pull up the filling quantities it does show 8.4 which is really weird. So I can confirm where they made that error, but that's more on BMW's side, not the dealer's side.

Thank you - my dealer is not the type to make this stuff up, so it makes me feel better to read this (and this is what I suspected as well).

04-13-2018, 11:16 AM	#1
doug_999 Brigadier General 2545 Rep 3,968 Posts Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	$1,000 to change manual trans fluid Of course the dealer could not duplicate my transmission issue. http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1481969 So I said Out of curiosity, what would it cost to have the fluid changed? "Probably about $1,000" "BMW charges a ton for the fluid - we call it liquid gold" Wow __________________ 2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio 2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual 2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
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04-13-2018, 12:48 PM	#2
p912guy Captain 373 Rep 702 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Convertible Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Ville iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M235i Conv ... [0.00]	Wow is right. Wonder what kind of quote you might get from a few independents? Even if the fluid is "liquid gold" that just sounds ridiculous. I have an MT in my m235 and even though it's not part of scheduled maintenance, I have thought about changing mine around 50K miles. I love the MT but admit I have briefly ground the gears on 3 or 4 1st to 2nd changes when I was trying do some very quick shifts and let the clutch out a bit prematurely. __________________ 16 BMW M235i Alpine White Convertible / MT (Daily Driver) 16 Audi Q5 3.0T (Wife's Daily Driver) 66 Porsche 912 (Project) 17 GMC Canyon Denali Long Bed 4x4 (Tailgatin, Haulin & Towin) various 'one design' sailboats / stinky hockey gear
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04-13-2018, 12:49 PM	#3
BoxKing I Rock Your Girls Box 293 Rep 662 Posts Drives: M4 F82 ZCP AW Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	I had mine changed during my breaking service for $160... +/- Manual only takes 2 quarts of fluid vs. DCT which I think is 6+, my assumption is that the dealer you got a quote from pulled the labor/parts cost from the DCT. I posted up my service receipt on here in a similar thread, look for it and present it to your SA... and ask them why they are charging you 7X that of another dealer doing the same service?
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04-13-2018, 12:52 PM	#4
Downeaster1 BMW Master Tech 587 Rep 850 Posts Drives: E30, E36, E82, E90, F10, F80 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 Aston Martin V ... [0.00] 2010 Lamborghini LP ... [0.00] 1985 Alpina C2 2.7 [0.00] 2017 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2013 BMW 135is [0.00] 1992 BMW 325i [0.00]	It should really be about $150. Find a new shop. __________________ 135is #502 of 586 BMW LED Performance Wheel \| OEM FULL Carbon Fiber \| E9X M3 Gauge Cluster \| E9X Exterior Mirrors \| E9X M3 Full Suspension \| E9X M3 Diff \| PT-CAN2 Enabled \| Bilstiens \| Michelin PSS's \| NBT Navigation Retrofit with Touch Pad
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04-13-2018, 12:55 PM	#5
BoxKing I Rock Your Girls Box 293 Rep 662 Posts Drives: M4 F82 ZCP AW Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	Here is the link to my old thread: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...ion+fluid+cost Post #11 has my scanned PDF for reference.
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04-13-2018, 12:56 PM	#6
Zed519 Private First Class 58 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Aurora, IL iTrader: (0)	Make sure the quote was for the mt vs dct, I’ve heard of folks being misquoted because the trans type being wrongly identified in the quote.
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04-13-2018, 01:10 PM	#8
jmg Lieutenant General 18790 Rep 14,122 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	You could sell me your 1M to help pay for it. That fluid is only $30/Liter https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/83222239654/ Your dealer is making some $$$ __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
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04-13-2018, 01:21 PM	#9
JibSTir13 Major 603 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: F80 / FJ Cruiser Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I experienced something similar when I brought my F80 in for the 1200 mile service. Requested a tranny oil change (6MT) and dealer said it is not part of the service so I need to pay for it. I said fine and received a quote between $400-$500 bucks (don't remember exactly). Dealer also said they need to replace both bolts and had to order the plugs. Declined to have them do it. I recently purchased the two bolts and they are expensive (I think it came out to around $70 for the two). Not sure if the old ones can be re-used so I got new ones just in case.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2018, 01:33 PM	#10
HPIA4v2 Major 254 Rep 1,391 Posts Drives: F80, F86 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Washington iTrader: (3)	I had a BMW with ZF 6-spd auto trans recall work at dealer, mechatronic sleeve was leaking; asked dealer if they can just replace the 6-quart auto trans fluid since they have to drop the pan anyway to fix that recall. my SA says: "are you sure?, that fluid is $25 per unit and takes 24 unit". I said no thanks. Basically 1-unit is 1/4 quart. Order the auto-trans flush kit online, genuine ZF fluid and it only cost $14/quart I don't mind dealer making profit, but not raping loyal BMWers in the process. BMW needs to pay attention to this, electric cars are coming and that require less maintenance; BMW can't afford to keep alienating their loyal base customers in the name of profit. The table will turn somedays
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2018, 06:17 PM	#11
doug_999 Brigadier General 2545 Rep 3,968 Posts Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	So my wife went to go get the car and showed BoxKing 's receipt. Before she could show it, he said "Let me get you a real quote - I didn't realize he had a 6speed." Quote came back at $591.94 because the trans needs 8.4L of fluid ($362.74) and their extra labor is because the labor is based on the quantity of fluid that goes in. He said he didn't want to lose me as a customer and would match the labor.... So I just sent them a nice email showing the BMW technical bulletin and the realoem site and mentioning that we have a bit of a trust issue now that we need to work on.... I did ask what would have happened if I had agreed to the $591 and they found out that it didn't hold 8.4L.... We shall see. Thanks everyone - well except YOU jmg - I'm not selling the 1M __________________ 2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio 2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual 2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
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04-13-2018, 07:34 PM	#13
gatorfast Major General 5017 Rep 6,866 Posts Drives: 718 Cayman Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoFla iTrader: (4)	$1k is absurd and flat out robbery. I suggest ordering the fluid online, whether oem or something like redline, and having an Indy shop do the work. You will prob be no more $200 all in absolute max.
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04-14-2018, 08:13 AM	#14
BoxKing I Rock Your Girls Box 293 Rep 662 Posts Drives: M4 F82 ZCP AW Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	Can't see how you can trust your dealer service center after all this. They don't even know how much fluid goes into your car... that's absurd. I mentioned this before, I'd never take my car to the dealer unless it was for a service bulletin or one of my free services. The damn dealer was going to put on just two rear tires for 1000$ when I got bigger and better tires (PS4) front and back for 1450$. I could honestly understand if your quote was high due to labor bc that is what it is, but the parts cost from them isn't even calculated even close... they could change out 4 6MTs alone after they get you to write a check. Ask them to meet or beat my bill or you will walk and they will lose your business. Be happy with any return under 200$.
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04-14-2018, 10:01 AM	#15
maniz Assistant TO the Regional Manager 617 Rep 728 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 Coupe Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	Local dealer had to look it up when I asked for a quote a few months ago, but said it would be around $140 for the 1.6L in fluid and their min. 1hr labor rate.
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04-14-2018, 11:01 AM	#16
doug_999 Brigadier General 2545 Rep 3,968 Posts Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Just heard back from the dealer - apparently it does show 8.4L in their system, but when the tech looked up the tech info - they agreed it was 2L total for the bill. So $201 - however they are going to see if BMW will cover it to help with my shifting issues. __________________ 2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio 2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual 2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2018, 11:17 AM	#17
ljzimm Private First Class 106 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2004 Volvo V70 R M66 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Not to resurrect a slightly dead thread but I read through this out of interest and was curious so I double checked and they are correct, if you pull up the filling quantities it does show 8.4 which is really weird. So I can confirm where they made that error, but that's more on BMW's side, not the dealer's side.
	Appreciate 0 Quote