Good idea to have a magnetic transmission drain plug?

[hjsbmw]

They sell them at Beemerboneyard, among other places, for around $30. Wondering if it's worth it. What I should ask is, do the people who installed one find an accumulation of metallic particles when draining the oil? Last time I changed the transmission oil it seemed to come out completely clear.

[sjbmw]

Absolutely get one.
What these plugs can tell you is the amount of shavings (if any exist) that would be floating around in your fluid if it was not there. The magnet would keep any frayed metal away from other metal parts.
If could mean be the difference a new bearing vs. a new final drive.

For $30, it's a no brainer.

[Lost Rider]

I thought mine came with one, maybe I added it.... getting old and don't remember.
seems like a good idea to have it either way like sj said.

[David R]

i just changed my transmission oil. Fill plug had a magnet and took a 8? mm wrench.
Drain plug no magnet, 19mm hex right over the center stand on the right side. Both had crush washers. Oil looked good only a small deposit on the magnet. 7500 miles camhead.

Rear drive has a magnet in the drain plug and not the fill.
Napa synthetic 75W90.

David

[websterize]

There's also an OEM gearbox drain plug (23 00 7 721 088). Runs about $12 at Max's. Certainly does no harm.