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 Service
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:
Adam & all the service staff are easy to deal with. No high pressure service selling, just common sense items.
We appreciated the attentive service for a New Jersey BMW owner. Work was performed as promised.
Excellent service . Inspection and recommendations very helpful. Done on schedule and free car wash at a great price.
I like the low-key vibe and the fact that they do not push doing repairs that are not absolutely necessary.
Steve was great! He was wonderful to work with and everyone at the dealership was professional and nice!
Prompt and friendly shop for service on my 24 Ineos grenadier. Has the B58 engine.
Great communication at every level from sales to instruction. Everyone was responsive to our questions.
Great service Staff is knowledgeable, friendly and provide sensible recommendations. Service is quick and efficient
Excellent service and communication. BMW Stratham listens and addresses all service concerns quickly and efficiently. You are sent videos of your car as well as Text/email evaluations, repair work needed and once approved, completed. I definitely would recommend BMW Stratham for Sales and Service!
We found you to be courteous, timely and good communicators. We will continue to do our business with you!
Paul as always was very friendly and professional. A pleasure. Also, Haley is always helpful even when I don’t have an appointment.
Customer Service with Pawel was exceptional! The technician (Chris) that worked on my vehicle was thorough and explained everything. Thank you Pawel and Chris for a wonderful experience!
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Andrew and salesman weee great. Finance manager should be fired for his high pressure outright lies. Terrible time cancelling unwanted extras for his commission. Still trying to cancel one
Everyone always very kind, helpful and knowledgable. Great communication. Dealership is always clean. They are usually on time with car being taken in and ready.
Had a great experience at BMW of Stratham. They completed multiple service requests while I waited, and I was on my way by lunchtime. They even informed me of an open recall item that I wasn’t aware of and took care of that at the same time! That was much more convenient than having to schedule an additional visit. Our service advisor Cory was courteous and professional.
BMW of Stratham went over & an over to accommodate me picking my car up & returning it when the service was done. I highly recommend their service department!
Great service at fair price. Appointment kept on time service updates received while I waited in comfortable waiting area well stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks.
I had an excellent experience with the dealership. My prior BMW x5 was purchased new less than a year ago and was totaled by a reckless driver hitting me. The thought of buying another car was pretty stressful, but I knew to reach out to Scot Murby since I had just worked with him less than a year ago.
I had a few things that were really important to me—the color, the driver-assist features, and the tow hitch—and I didn’t have the time to build something custom. Scot searched the country and was able to find a ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 27, 2026
I am fully satisfied with your service. I always remember my BMW service technician for their extraordinary job
Excellent service and communication between service advisor and the customer. I would recommend this dealership without reservation.
I had to take my X5 in after the engine light came on due to a prior accident and repair down in Florida. I am not a previous customer but they still worked with my insurance and the original repair shop to help me get the issue resolved promptly.
The service staff is exceptional. They go above and beyond to ensure your car is well cared for and serviced properly. I trust their high level of expertise implicitly.
Nice folks and an easy to understand transaction. Great product and test drives to get a good feel for the car.
Adam and Paul are amazing! & are the reason I come to this dealership and this delarship only for repairs.
Great experience overall. All service recommendations reviewed and approved in advance of work. was able to defer some recommendations. Work completed on time and loaner car a great asset.
Great deal ship. Been working with them for years. Thx Cory for helping. Was pleased with all work. Had oil change and re-call on pump. Getting tires in 2 weeks.
once again, I am impressed by the complete professionalism of the staff at BMW Stratham, always courteous and friendly.
Always a good experience when I work with Paul in the Service Center, this time was no different
I had a very positive experience at BMW of Stratham. I stopped by near the end of the day to pick up brake parts I had ordered online, and while I was there, I checked in with the service department to get a quote for installing rear brake pads and rotors.
Even though Adam Webster was about to leave for the day, he still took the time to help me. He let me know about a brake special they were running, which ended up saving me money. Since my brake light was on, I was hoping to get the work ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 14, 2026
The service department is absolutely excellent from check in, to the service done on the car, to checkout. They suggest but never pressure. Everyone is kind, considerate, and helpful. Very professional. If your not having your service done here, your cheating yourself!
Matt does a great job of explaining all aspects of anticipated service. He always gets me in and out in a timely fashion.
Easy service. Excellent service reps. Mechanics go over entire car with video. Everything explained. Car is washed.
The people are fantastic, great inventory too. Very professional and easy to deal with both sales and finance.
Adam took great care of me when I brought my car in for service. He arranged a loaner for me and communicated to me throughout the process. Excellent service experience!
BMW of Stratham was very helpful in solving an issue with our new used vehicle.
Our sales rep Steve Hazzard was exceptional! Really great BMW knowledge and excellent people skills
BMW of Stratham really came through for me when I needed them! I was traveling from Connecticut to Dover and had a tire puncture while on I95. Not only did they arrange for a tire delivery for the very next day, but they also arranged for rides to and from my destination so I could keep my plans. Pawel communicated updates and the whole team went above + beyond to help me!
Very good customer service and efficient repair time. Also provides clear overview of the issues
The service here is always top notch very well organized, and the communication is outstanding very friendly environment
Today I had my second service experience with this dealership and it was exceptional. I’ve been a BMW customer for 30 years and have service at 10-15 different dealerships from Princeton NJ to Austin, TX to Palm Springs, CA and BMW of Stratham is, hands down, the best I’ve experienced.
Matt V ( Stratham NH BMW) was great as always. After so many years, Matt is Always flexible and with the upmost knowledge , patience and kind professionalism. Keeping me advised on my 2009 135i convertible . While the mechanics handle whatever comes their way.
Excellent service and good people. Everyone made us feel welcome and appreciated. We will recommend to others
Great service from Matt and Adam all the time since I purchased my BMW HERE!
The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and took care of all of my service needs. I would say they went above and beyond to inspect my vehicle and make my service experience, five stars!
Matt did an outstanding job servicing my BMW.will recommend him and BMW of Stratham,NH to all in need. Thank you, David Burbine
Service was and is always helpful, timely and courteous. Would recommend them for all your needs
Gary, did an amazing job with my scheduled oil change. Polite and professional service department
When for all changed, they make it very easy quick in and out the service area waiting area. It’s very comfortable with lots of nice little goodies to eat and drink.
Professional and personal services. Have purchased and had serviced 4 BMWs from this dealer. Will continue.
Stratham BMW was a pleasure to deal with. They answered my initial phone call quickly, found my car in their records quickly, and booked an appointment for the next week include the loan car while they fix my car.Matt is very nice and he’s answer my question quickly.
I’ve purchased 3 cars from BMW Stratham it is always an excellent experience. A great team that is committed to delivering customer satisfaction!
My sales representative, Susan, was excellent. She worked very hard to find the car I wanted, and made the entire process enjoyable. It’s our second vehicle purchase at this dealership in the last 6 mos, and won’t be our last
Adam, my service rep, is great! I feel 100% confident whenever I visit the dealership !
Excellent customer service and fair pricing. Adam Webster (service advisor) is always great to work with!
This is an excellent service experience every time! It's a great day I got my break in service complete on my M2. Matt is great and very helpful.
This was a terrific experience. Very personable staff, attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. I got exactly the car I was looking for, and I'm happy with the whole transaction. Steve Hazard was great- helped me get the right car, not just the one that was available. I love these cars, and I wanted to buy it from someone I could trust and communicate with easily. These folks exceeded my expectations in all those ways.
I enjoyed the demo of the car and the setup as well. Very detailed explanation of the many features of this car...I learned a lot ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 17, 2026
I’ve been going to this dealership for 3 years now. The staff has always been very professional and timely. Adam is great!
Great service, clear communication. What more could you want from a dealership? Staff is always friendly and accommodating.
Always a great experience with this service department. They make it easy and make sure you get everything you need. Above and beyond, M Stiles
Very pleased with the service on our 2019 BMW 540XI. No problem working with our extended warranty
Amanda adapted her sales process to our needs communicating with me thru a variety of mediums and responding in a timely fashion to my questions. She’s a pleasure to work with and the reason we bought our second BMW from her! Sovy helped trailer the finance ppw meeting to our needs, explained our options thoroughly and modified the plan to meet our preferences. She took a strong interest in our entire experience with her dealership and intervened when needed. Unfortunately, the rest of the team did not deliver contributing to a four hour wait for the delivery of our ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 14, 2026
Service was done well, stood around for about 10-15 min before anyone even acknowledged I was there. Even though about 5 employees were lingering around me.
All went great from the manager to our agent to the mechanics..a 10 rating!
Great experience, techs were courteous, and service was fast. I was in and out for my state inspection with out issue.
Nice and easy to make appointments for vehicle service. Didn’t even take an hour to get my oil change. Will be coming back soon thank you for everything
Service is amazing helpful empathetic understanding friendly just a great overall experience and I highly recommend.
Great service. Matt is the best. Very efficient. Besides service I had the car detailed. Great job!
Everything is perfect except when you are making appointment those girls are very rude they don’t even let you finish the conversation they will just hang up the phone. Happened to me twice
Everything was very smooth and had great service. Straight shooters and handled everything efficiently. Very happy with this dealership and my purchase.
Awesome customer service! Adam and the service technician went the extra mile for me. Feeling safe and happy!
This dealership is very friendly and was a great help with my end of year lease options
I have been dealing with BMW of Stratham ‘s service department for well over a decade and have always enjoyed courteous and friendly attention.
Pawel was personable, professional and very nice. Great communication too. And our car came back to us clean!
Adam is always very helpful in explaining services done to my car and in planning ahead for its maintenance needs
Customer service is AWESOME! and their service department does quality work and fast results, ,very satisfied
GREAT SERVICE, GREAT STAFF! An Absolute Pleasure Having Them Care for My Car & Me! They Are EXCELLENT!
Always outstanding service!.Binit and the services team are top notch! I highly recommend Stratham BMW!
I saw a lightly pre owned Porsche GTS online from BMW of Stratham and i immediately called the dealer to purchase the vehicle. I live in California so i’m on the opposite end of the country, but Kevin and Jack did a great job helping me complete the purchase all remotely as i never even stepped foot in the dealership. Thanks to Kevin and Jack. definitely recommend.
Binit was awesome as service manager making it a pleasant experience. Courteous and thoughtful in advising us.
These guys are no joke. A super experience every time I am there. I have bought 4 cars from them. And traded 3. The service had been nothing but great.
Everyone takes exceptional good care of you and the service department runs smooth and orderly.
Great service! Easy to schedule. Helpful video checkup for every service. Transportation/loaner available if needed. No unnecessary delays.
My service provider Pawel has always been highly professional, knowledgeable and reliable over his and my long dealings at BMW of Stratham NH
I recently visited BMW of Stratham to have all four tires replaced, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of service I received. From the moment I pulled into the service bay, the team was professional, welcoming, and efficient.
They helped me select the perfect set of tires for my BMW, ensuring I maintained that signature driving performance. The work was completed right on schedule, and my car was returned to me spotless. It’s rare to find a service department that balances technical expertise with such high-tier customer care. Special thanks to Binit for keeping me ... Read More DealerRater - Dec 20, 2025
Service is great at Ira BMW Stratham, NH and service rep. Pawel is always helpful and efficient!
Always professional and easy to work with. Excellent communication and customer service. Very knowledge sandals thorough.
Binit was extremely polite and accommodating. He was very understanding when I could not pick the car up for a few extra days due to a surgery.
Excellent purchase experience. The entire process was flawless, efficient and pleasant. We worked with Susan Boucher who helped
us place an order for a 2026 X3M50 with a specific configuration. She kept us updated throughout the build, which was completed
ahead of the estimated date. The delivery was flawless. Susan made sure we had time with Haley to setup our new vehicle and go over any questions we had. She was extremely knowledgeable and had us all setup quickly. Finance Manager, Sovy Sun was a joy to work with. Her knowledge and experience made the purchase completion enjoyable and easy. ... Read More DealerRater - Dec 13, 2025
BMW Stratham was a pleasant experience today my service representative listened to what was important to me and what I needed done and took care of everything from beginning to end. Seamless
Brought my vehicle in for service. Binit Shah was our technician. He was fabulous. Sent update text messages throughout the day to keep us informed. Was professional and polite at every turn. Amazing customer care from him. Would highly recommend and will request him for every service/repair we need.
Expectations were set up front, the service was performed, and when the service was completed, the expectations which were set up front were delivered. The video of my car inspection was value added.
In and out as promised. Service person was nice and friendly. Good use of technology to show progress and any potential issues. Over all excellent experience.
Service department is great and very responsive. Never any issues or surprises. Would highly recommend
Consistently do exceptional inspections. The shop is clean and well organized. The waiting room is spotless and comfortable. This is a first rate organization.
Great service done quicker than expected loaner car was provided. My car was great after the service
Have always came here and always will keep going great staff and services highly recommend.
Friendly service and good recommendations. The work done has been great and haven’t had any problems!
Binit, my service rep was extremely helpful and kept me updated during the visit schedule
My annual service appointment went well. I received very detailed info on what needed to be done and why. Everything was completed on time.
