My 09 Clubman S automatic has about 150,000 miles on it. I’m pretty sure the “lifetime” ATF has never been changed. I am prepared to change it myself, but a recent discussion with my Indy shop has given me pause to reconsider. In his opinion they won’t do an ATF change on that mileage of vehicle as it may produce additional issues. My tranny will shift hard from first to second and second to first when cold, but is no issue when warm.

What are the collective views on this? A good idea or will it cause additional problems?

 

If the ATF change is out of the question, I suggest just checking the level and top it off. also, drain a teaspoon to see the color/condition of it.

 

What a lousy mechanic. I'd proceed with the ATF change, and you'll need to change it about 3 separate times during this one service because the tranny will hold 6-7 quarts ATF, but each time you change, you can only get 2.5 quarts out. So the first time you change it, you'll change the ATF up to 40%. Then second time you change it, you'll change it with dilution and achieve up to 60%. The third time you change it, you can possibly dilute it to 70-75% new oil into the case.

150k miles isn't too high, yet; not if you've been quite meticulously maintaining your car and at this mileage, I'd strongly suggest you get that ATF changed out.

 

You are going to get additional issues anyway, just a matter of when.

I would remove pan, replace filter, refill.

Just don't flush with solvents.

If the worst happens & your tranny starts failing afterwards, it was ready to go anyway.

If I was a shop, I wouldn't want the liability of working on a weak system & getting blamed for something that was going out.