1-200?

If its a manual then use the manufacturers mtf fluid. I've heard good things about redline as well. And I know for mine (and other Hondas) that gm synchromesh and gm synchromesh friction modified work fantastic. It's very easy to change, there's a drain plug and a fill plug, similar to changing your oil.

The thing that changing the fluid in an automatic messes with, is the fact that your friction rings wear down.
This puts particulate into the fluid, and in most cases is the only reason they are still functioning.
The thicker fluid lets the worn out rings still grab when they're supposed to.
If its worn out, and you change it... basically you won't be able to drive it.
It won't shift into gear(or slip like a mofo), or won't change gear when it needs to.
It is possible to rebuild it yourself. The rebuild kits come with detailed instructions, but as previously stated, doing so will likely void the warranty.
I would check the price of a re-manufactured trans, a used one, and the cost of rebuilding the one you have, then weigh your options.
If its bad, and you change it now... you have to pick one of ^ now. If it is still working, and you don't change it... it could be years before you'll need to do anything to it.
Eric the Car Guy has a video on this subject. I'll see if I can find it after a while and post it, or someone else could.

This post was edited by wanabexanthian on Apr 21 2013 07:45pm

manual or auto tranny?

Auto. Like I said though. There was a prev owner, so i Don't know If they did change it or not. That's why I was wondering if there was a way to tell if it was changed.

This post was edited by Archer on Apr 21 2013 08:18pm

Thank you for this response, this is what I heard also. Sucks for me: (

One thing I wanted to add. I have been driving the car, and it shifts perfectly fine. The only time it will shift a little harder is if you drive it rough, (I tested to see if it would) and it is not bad either, just a tiny jerk. It also isn't fluent either. One gear might jerk a little bit, but it won't on the next harder push of the pedal.


I checked the fluid after a 15 minute drive, and it is grey. I heard that the transmission fluid is normal at a light grey, (from someone on the mazda forums who works at a mazda dealership). It doesn't smell either. Well, it smells like tranny fluid. No burn smell or anything. I am temped to open it up and see the filter, and the build-up, just to see if it is bad.

Also, no leaks or anything of the sort. I looked in the manual, and it said that the tranny fluid doesn't even need to be changed until 100k. That doesn't sound right lmao.

Any other thoughts?

This post was edited by Archer on Apr 21 2013 08:52pm

thought it newer transmissions you wernt supposed to change the fluid?? like 2005 and newer?

Yeah I was just reading the manual and it says to change it at 100k. The m3 forums say that a lot of them don't ever get changed.

These Japanese are confusing people.

Bumpit