OK,
I'm also concerned about the oil inside the gearbox-part itself... as that's more likely to become contaminated with metal worn off the synchros, bearings, etc. The gearbox oil is the same Tutela 75 Synth that's quoted for the other manual gearboxes (even though the handbook and FIAT's eLearn CD makes no mention of this!)
The Selespeed oil probably will not degrade much due to the small system in which it operates being basically 'clean' and non-wearing. I understand from the handbook that it's just Dexron III automatic transmission fluid anyway, which is a high specification and lasts almost forever in a conventional automatic (where it is under a lot more stress). My Selespeed oil is quite dark brown in colour, though... I'd feel happier if FIAT had chosen red ATF
On the other hand, I see the main gearbox oil as important since if it becomes sticky/gummy, that would affect the gearshift quality, which would place more load on the Selespeed actuators = potential problems. In my previous FIATs with this type of (heavy) gear oil (Tipo, Uno Turbo Mk1.5), I've changed it every year and the difference is always noticeable.
On my Stilo, I don't even know how to check the level. And the service schedule says 'every 80,000km' for the manual transmissions only! Maybe the Selespeed doesn't ever get to 80,000km? What happens if a driveshaft seal springs a leak after 30,000 and all the oil leaks away...
It wouldn't surprise me in the least if dealers were not doing the sort of 'extra' preventative maintenance work that this would be...
-Alex
