When To Change Transmission Fluid
For most manual transmissions, you should change your fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles; for most automatic transmissions, you should change your fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Of course, these numbers can vary significantly from model to model, so we urge you to check two resources:
- Your Car’s Factory-Recommended Maintenance Schedule
- Our BMW of Stratham Team of Expert Auto Technicians
After all, we’re here to help all of our New Hampshire customers with their automotive issues: from Stratham to Portsmouth to Exeter and beyond. Contact BMW of Stratham today to set up your appointment!
What Is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a slippery, low-viscosity liquid that lubricates the incomprehensible number of moving parts that make your transmission tick. From the torque converter or the clutch to the gears themselves and beyond, transmissions have a host of whirring parts that need to play nice together.
Automatic Transmissions. It should be no surprise that ATs use automatic transmission fluid.
Manual Transmissions.On the other hand, however, MTs can use a variety of substances, from traditional motor oil to heavyweight hypoid gear to automatic transmission fluid. It all depends.
What’s The Importance Of Changing It?
If you don’t change your transmission fluid, you’re going to have a variety of issues, depending on which type of equipment your vehicle is running (i.e. automatic or manual). Here’s a breakdown of the issues.
Automatic Transmissions. These produce a lot of heat, which can actually degrade and break down your fluid over time. Degraded automatic transmission fluid won’t lubricate all those parts properly, so you’d better schedule an appointment if you’re overdue on your maintenance schedule. Get in touch with us!
Manual Transmissions.While the fluid won’t degrade like above, it will become contaminated with bits of shaved-off metal from your manual transmission’s various parts: synchronizers, bearings, gears, etc. Contaminated oil doesn’t lubricate as well as clean oil, so reach out to us to schedule your appointment.
How To Check Your Transmission Fluid
Last, but certainly not least, we’ll share a few tips on how you can check your transmission fluid yourself.
Automatic Transmissions. This is a cakewalk – just pull out the dipstick and look for the consistency. Make sure that you do this while the engine is warmed up and the vehicle is safely in park.
Manual Transmissions.This is so difficult to check on your own that it’s almost in possible. In fact, for most makes and models, you need to have a car up on a lift in order to check it. So, call a mechanic!
Schedule Transmission ServiceÂ
We’ll conclude by offering you an expert tip – your transmission fluid won’t burn up in the same way as your engine oil. So, if you check the dipstick and the levels are low, that means that it’s probably leaking. In that case (or in any other case), our guys and gals can help. Just schedule service online in a few clicks.
BMW of Stratham is here for all of our customers in Exeter, Portsmouth, Stratham, and the surrounding communities.
Our Reviews:
Excellent attentive service department.
I needed a new battery. I arrived they took my car and I waited in the very clean comfortable waiting room. They were quick and even washed my car! Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable!
Everyone is so nice, the experience was completely hassle free, will definitely be buying from them again in the future
We bought this Lexus after test driving a Honda CRV in NH. The staff was great and it was late in the evening but they made sure the deal got done so we could bring it home to Maine. Upon inspection the following day we had some things that needed to be done to pass the Maine inspection so Chris (manager of BMW Stratham)told us to bring it back and it was all taken care of at not cost to us! We are very happy with the suv! The service was outstanding!
The complete lack of preparation from Pawel when I brought my vehicle for TPMs sensor installation was only bested by a gross attitude of condescension that he met me with when confronted over his easily avoidable blunder.
The entire team at BMW Stratham was amazing to do business with. This dealer is friendly, straightforward and knowledgeable. I frequently purchase vehicles and this transaction was transparent and easy. I highly recommend this dealer.
I had an unfortunate incident with my new BMW when I moved to New England. Adam was fantastic to work with and I am super excited that this will be my new BMW dealership.
John C & Gary were very friendly and such quick service! I highly recommend!
Good service. Very friendly staff. Work was completed in a timely manner.
Timely service and great communication from Pawel. Appreciated the wash too!
Binit in service helped me out when my car broke down going to Maine. He was quick with all his responses and made sure to keep me up to date with my car. I’d recommend him for anything service related.
A great dealership with honest service advisors. Timely service and a nice waiting area to work while waiting for service
Fantastic experience from the time I checked in to the time I drove away!
Always straight and easy!
Binit was amazing. I was helped immediately, escorted to the waiting area and my car was ready in half the time projected. I’ve been to other BMW dealerships in the area over the past year and I’ll definitely be using Stratham in the future! Congrats on a great hire!
Great service and so friendly! Covered everything I needed to get done very quickly! A great dealership
The Service Department at Stratham BMW is amazing- always consistent, helpful and they take excellent care of my car. Adam is my go to Service Advisor and he is the best!!
Great customer service,outstanding location. Friendly staff and great quality. State of the art facility
Adam service manager is excellent Great dealership and service department Very trustworthy and excellent quality workmanship Love service videos Great follow up Very prompt service
Everyone is nice and very helpful. It was my cars first oil change and it was a great first experience
Have had my X5 serviced at this dealership for almost 18years. Always impressed with the professionalism, knowledge, expertise and quality advice on maintenance and repair work.
Work completed ok time at reasonable price Pawl is great service advisor always good to work with
I am very satisfied with service. Matthew Vafeas is excellent which is one of the main reasons I continue to do my service with you. My bill today was $3,200.00
Amanda was great. The genius was also wonderful. The finance person was also very good. The dealer is a 10 out of 10 with no drawbacks.
Very professional staff. Great use of technology to keep the customers informed in real time. Clean and comfortable facility.
Super fast inspection! Very professional! Top marks!
I always get great service when I visit this dealership. Very professional and caring, I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Took care of my needs for service when others gave up or refused to do it. Got it done right and quickly.
Always- the best!
Great service and attention from Matt!
Brought my BMW to have the brakes fixed Adam Webster took great care of me very satisfied with the outcome and Kenny the head mechanic thank you guys
Second time through service and it was excellent overall again. Binit was thorough, professional, and friendly.
Matt in service is clear, concise, friendly and effective
Exceptional service, seamless experience, Adam at BMW exceeded expectations in every way. Highly recommend them
THANK YOU MATT!! You are fabulous and make the experience painless You listen, you explain everything and always have the customers needs in mind! Thank you and the service team for being efficient helpful and getting the work done in a timely manner!!
As always, Gary at Ira’s was very helpful and professional.
Sovy and Kevin were absolutely amazing they made my car buying experience the best it’s ever been. They’re will be no other dealer I’ll go to. Honest and trustworthy.
Had a great experience at IRA USED CARS in Exeter. They detailed my 2020 Chevy Colorada andbdidba great job. The truck looks brand new inside and out. In addition to the great work done, I was able to get an appointment right away. The cost was on par or lower than other services in the area. In closing it was a great experience all the way around.
Over the years, I’ve bought many cars and let’s face it, the process sucks! Each time though, I feel like I got better at it, even still.
I went to this dealership about a month ago, just to see what my options were. I met Scot who was very patient while I asked my questions, even though it was clear I wasn’t buying that day.
When all this tariff nonsense started, I got nervous so I got out of my Audi lease early. Scot made the process as painless as possible. I feel like Scott along with ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 17, 2025
Laura was very patient, professional, and knowledgeable. She made the car buying process quick and easy. I spent a considerable amount of time looking at vehicles and she was understanding and never pushy. Managers, give her a raise!
Binit was a pleasure to work with. They diagnosed my vehicle problem. They were upfront and honest about repairs. I would recommend them if you are having issues.
Clean, with pleasant and courteous staff. The experience was overall positive. I would come back.
Excellent service! Pawul always does as great job. Communication was great and car was clean, thank you!
Binit in the service department is extremely helpful and easy to work with. I will definitely be returning for any service needs in the future. Highly recommend Stratham BMW and Binit in the service department!
Excellent service department and extremely competent set of advisors. I live in another state but continue using this dealership exclusively.
Staff is very professional and we were well taken care of. Our service rep was very thorough and explained everything to us. We were impressed with the service
Great service, friendly, personal, great atmosphere! I highly recommend this dealership for all your vehicle needs.
Good communication about what’s happening with the car.. in my case a sunroof leak was discovered during a battery replacement.
Very efficient when bringing car in. Did good job getting everything done. Always give you a good loaner. Adam the service advisor always friendly and professional.
Excellent Service. I get this service every year. That’s is the reason I keep coming back.
Amazing client advisor in Steve Hazard. Knowledgeable, energetic, and passionate about BMWs. Truly enjoyed the guidance and advice he provided me. Buying experience was easy and transparent.
The BMW team here was friendly and took the time to help us find the perfect car during a busy day as walk in traffic. They went above and beyond to make purchasing a vehicle an enjoyable experience, which is no easy feat. I highly recommend driving here for their extensive quality inventory and friendly faces.
Wonderful experience
Great service. Very efficient and explained everything in detail. No surprises on the bill and I loved the video of everything the checked!
Binit was so friendly and professional. He was a delight to work with, very transparent, and supper accommodating throughout the process. He made sure all my needs were met. Thank you to the BMW Stratham team!
I have great confidence in the service I've received at BMW of Stratham for the past 8 years. The customer service personnel are always well trained and very professional. During this particular service, I was checked in on Friday by a service provider named Binit who was great. A brake problem was discovered during my inspection, so the service went into Saturday, which was Binit's day off. For some reason, nobody called me to authorize work on the brakes. I called later Saturday morning and got the work going. So, it extended into Monday morning where Binit, professional as ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 8, 2025
Matthew is amazing to work with in the service department. Buy your next luxury car at BMW of Stratham!
Excellent customer service as always. Adam Webster always does a great job. Only thing that could’ve made this better was if BMW had a few tacos on hand…that would’ve been nice
I have worked with Stratham BMW for over 20 years. Will not go anywhere else. Sales and service are fantastic!
Excellent customer service. Professional and courteous staff. My only criticism would be expensive car to repair/maintain if you don’t have a service plan.
As soon as my husband and I walked in the door, someone welcomed us. Eric did a fantastic job and he was very patient with us. I love my new BMW X7!! Sovy was very helpful with all the paperwork. She made me laugh several times.
Great service as always.
We have been a customer of BMW Stratham for 15 years , they are top notch when it comes customer service and satisfaction without a doubt!! Kudos to whole team there in Stratham
Excellent service. Matt kept me updated on progress. The prices, including tire installation, were very reasonable.
The staff was very nice and helpful.
Matt is a joy to work with. The video of the technician inspection was a plus
Excellent service and very efficient. They are transparent with their pricing and do not oversell you products that you don’t need. Very responsive and easily accessible. Returned all my calls in a timely manner. Scot Murby was the best car dealer I have ever worked with. Very happy with my experience.
The dealer in Stratham New Hampshire was fantastic from start to driving out with my new x1.A smooth and easy experience.
I am always happy with the service and communication from BMW of Stratham!
BMW of Stratham is simply the best when it comes to servicing your BMW. I have had this excellent experience with them over 8 different BMW models during the last 20 years.
Great service and availability. My advisor kept me updated and my vehicle was ready ahead of time.
We ordered a BMW X3 build in February 2025. We received the car in March!! Our sales person was Steven Hazard. Very professional & well educated about all BMWs!! Our Finance Manager was Sovy Sun a great numbers person with a lot of knowledge on BMW extra services and protection plans! Haley Heinrich, her business card reads BMW Genius! Haley knew all the latest Technology about the BMW making our needs happen so easy on our New BMW. Also with a follow up appointment in a week as we would have any new questions. We have owned five different BMW models ... Read More DealerRater - Mar 27, 2025
Excellent service, service advisor was exceptional and exceeded my expectations. Car was completed on time
I came in for a vehicle test and there was some confusion around the appointment. The dealership quickly fit me in and honored the original deal. I was very pleased. 😃. The cars loo nice too!
Excellent service both in sales and service. Many thanks to both teams, you're fantastic
Great experience with valet. Picked up my vehicle and provided a new loaner with the same series. Returned vehicle clean and on time. Will be using them again!
The folks at BMW of Stratham were friendly, honest, and efficient from the moment I talked to them on the phone to the moment I left with my car fixed. They gave me an honest and detailed service estimate as well as a very generous loaner vehicle with their work completed within two days.
Matt my service coordinator is the best. Always courteous and efficient. Work is always done on time.
Excellent service and attention with me and my car! BMW Stratham deserves 10 stars! Thanks
Great work by the service team at Stratham BMW, Binit was a great service advisor and was able to get my car back running over the weekend. Gave me an i4. M50 for a loaner as well! Thanks again, Binit!
Everyone was great. However, VERY expensive. Only visit when absolutely necessary. As a last resort.
Accomadating knowledgeable willing to find what looking for. Very impressed with their help and assistance.
Nice to have car picked up and everything done to exceed expectations quality service indeed
Sales and service are top notch.
I love working with Amanda and Sovy they were both excellent and accommodating to my needs ! Amanda always goes above and beyond for her customers she’s the best !