318ti "lifetime" transmission fluid

[tamvegas]

My 97 318ti with 93000 miles on it is an automatic. I've changed the differential, brake and other fluids, however the manuals and the dealer says that the automatic fluid is "lifetime" and never needs service. Anyone with more info on this? It seems very strange that a French built (or any) transmission could never need a fluid or filter change. Sadly the fluid BMW uses only comes in a 55 gallon drum (at the dealer). If I have to, I will have the dealer service it, but would love to hear from other ti owners who may have dealt with this. The tranny has been taking a few seconds to shift into reverse for a couple years but otherwise seems solid and very dependable (especially in manual mode).

[Rossco]

Not just on the 318ti's, My 1996 320i also has a "lifetime oil"
transmission. Reading my owners service manual it lists most models with "lifetime oil" transmissions. My car is a European model, so not sure if tranmissions are the same as non euro models.

Rossco
1996 E36 320i(Euro)

[tamvegas]

Thanks Rossco,
I'm going to keep researching this. It just seems so odd to have any part "lifetime". Especially the tranny.

[CYaunk]

I guess this answers WHY I could not located a dipstick to check tranny fluid in my 99 318ti. Was looking all over for it! - Chuck