BMW Repair: bmw 528i, bmw 528i 1997, pan gasket

Question
i have a bmw 528i, 1997, vin. bv85965. it has done 80,000 miles can you tell me if it is worth changing the automatic gear box oil / filter. i know the gear box is supposed to be filled for life. if so which oil would you recommend.

Answer
George, I would suggest replacing it along with the filter. Use only BMW approved fluid.
Replace pan gasket, drain plug sealing washers, oil filter and O-ring. I believe that you have the 4-speed automatic. If you do then the fluid should be Dexron 3 ATF if you have the 5-speed automatic then the fluid is special and needs to be purchased at BMW and is not cheap. Either way our transmissions do not have a dip stick and must be filled from the side. You'll need to buy a little hand pump at the autoparts store to side fill the trans with vehicle level. The correct fluid level is attained with the fluid temp between 30-50 degrees C . I believe that converts to 80-122 F (warm no hot). When fluid starts to emit from the fill hole after shifting the gears and at the proper temp then the level is correct. Much easier with a helper. I would fill the trans cold and not running and install the fill plug. Run the motor for a minute to mix the new fluid with the fluid that was in the torque converter and shut off and drain again.
-Evan