DCT service cost

All, just got a quote for the service $1k. Is that the going rate???

Post some more details as to what exactly they will be doing for you for $1000?

If they are using Pentosin DCT fluid along with a new replacement plan and filter, its adds up quick. Depends though on exactly what they are replacing and fluids they are using.

The pentosin fluid is super expensive and there's a decent amount of labor to do the work. That sounds about right.

kevin @ eas wrote

If they are using Pentosin DCT fluid along with a new replacement plan and filter, its adds up quick. Depends though on exactly what they are replacing and fluids they are using.

this ^^^

Fooksdaddy wrote

this ^^^

That seems about right then.

i work for a dealer in pa and have an e90, i only paid for 2 liters of the fluid for the trans and i did the suction filter( which is the trans pan) and the pressure filter. instructions say you have to do all kinds of crazy things and you dont. i took the mid pipes down and just loosened the back of the trans and had plenty of room to do the pressure filter in the side of the trans, pan is straight forward. maybe took me an hour to do and for the 2 liters of fluid and the filters cost me around 400 at employee price, probably around 600 if i didnt ask around the shop to see if anyone had some pentosin. i believe they call for 3 hours to do pressure filter and not sure labor rates in your area but sounds like for 1000 you arent getting the full service and just getting fuid drained and pressure filter replaced. bottom pan is not cheap to buy unless you get a discount

I was quoted $45/ Liter and believe it needs 9L total.

white_4door wrote

i work for a dealer in pa and have an e90, i only paid for 2 liters of the fluid for the trans and i did the suction filter( which is the trans pan) and the pressure filter. instructions say you have to do all kinds of crazy things and you dont. i took the mid pipes down and just loosened the back of the trans and had plenty of room to do the pressure filter in the side of the trans, pan is straight forward. maybe took me an hour to do and for the 2 liters of fluid and the filters cost me around 400 at employee price, probably around 600 if i didnt ask around the shop to see if anyone had some pentosin. i believe they call for 3 hours to do pressure filter and not sure labor rates in your area but sounds like for 1000 you arent getting the full service and just getting fuid drained and pressure filter replaced. bottom pan is not cheap to buy unless you get a discount

I am not sure I follow the logic of replacing the filters but not all of the fluid.

slicer wrote

I am not sure I follow the logic of replacing the filters but not all of the fluid.

i work at a dealer, asked around the shop like i stated for fluid. i only had to purchase 2 liters. all the fluid was replaced with filters hence why i said if i didn't ask around the shop would have cost 600 instead of 400

white_4door wrote

slicer wrote

I am not sure I follow the logic of replacing the filters but not all of the fluid.

i work at a dealer, asked around the shop like i stated for fluid. i only had to purchase 2 liters. all the fluid was replaced with filters hence why i said if i didn't ask around the shop would have cost 600 instead of 400

Oh, I see. Now I get it. I thought you replaced only 2 of the liters of fluid.

I just paid 650 for drain and refill, new pan and filters at my Indy. Felt about right for parts and labor.

Pentosin DCT FFL4 can be had at Rockauto for less than $20/L... just a heads-up.
Thank me later.

I just did the DCT service on my '12 E93 M3.. did the side filter, lower suction filter, transmission oil pan, new drain/fill plugs, etc and it took just under 6L of fluid.. got it all done for under $600 and was an easy DIY. I do have a quickjack which definitely helped make it easy as you do want the car to be level. If you're the least bit mechanically inclined, try to DIY as its not that difficult at all.

I was quoted over $1k as well for DCT service that would include: fluid, new pan, and both filters in the system. If the side cover is leaking, that would be a different estimate. I'll be fielding some calls to local indy shops to see what they charge

If anything is leaking, make sure they take the DCT out and change the gasket at the top of the transmission. That's where the leak is usually from.

^ The top oil lines are not the most common leak, but they sure can.
I think the bottom is the most common, and easiest to fix. Then the side, then the top.

I've had no issues at all with the transmission. I do know the lower pan has a leak (which is common) - which is why i want it serviced. 107k miles on original fluid, filter, pan, I think it's time.

$1k is very normal for a correct DCT service.

Yes, the lower pan is known to leak, but it often gets a bad rap since it's the lowest part of the three leakers. Mechatronics seal and side pan will leak just as often but collects at the bottom pan, so it's the first to receive blame.

deansbimmer wrote

$1k is very normal for a correct DCT service.

Yes, the lower pan is known to leak, but it often gets a bad rap since it's the lowest part of the three leakers. Mechatronics seal and side pan will leak just as often but collects at the bottom pan, so it's the first to receive blame.

Okay I should expect to shell out more then :/

Was quoted $800 for both side and bottom pan. Did not elaborate what additional labor will be involved however.

Got one quote of $2200 and one of $1900 and another for $1650

This is for full service (replace pan, bolts, filters, fluid) at ~90k miles