What's the right transmission fluid?

[hujirong]

Hi

I think I am having this issue he's saying in this video:

In the past I always think it's the VANOS issue:https://www.xbimmers.com/forums/show....php?t=1858782

Anyway, I want to try to change the fluid first. I see FCP Euro has a perfect package which they confirmed fit to my 2007 X5 4.8i: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...24117571227kt4. The problem is I am in Canada is this package is a lot of money for such an old car.

My next door sells all car fluids so I get most of them from him. So apart from the "ZF Life guide6", what's the alternative transmission fluid I can use for this car?

This video is using "Pentosin ATF1":

Thanks
Jirong

[crystalworks]

You'll get conflicting recommendations here. But I have used ZF LG6, Valvoline Maxlife Multi vehicle, Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800, and Pentosin ATF6. I only use ZF in a low mileage trans that has been maintained well, if at all. Had same experience with Pentosin and Liqui Moly Top Tec. Valvoline is the thickest fluid of the bunch and I've used it in 2 high mileage 6HPs. If using on a high mileage, unmaintained trans, especially one that might have a bang into gear (2-1 slam for example) I'd use the Valvoline.

Just my .02. There will be guys saying only use ZF... which I understand, but don't necessarily agree with.

[hujirong]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

You'll get conflicting recommendations here. But I have used ZF LG6, Valvoline Maxlife Multi vehicle, Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800, and Pentosin ATF6. I only use ZF in a low mileage trans that has been maintained well, if at all. Had same experience with Pentosin and Liqui Moly Top Tec. Valvoline is the thickest fluid of the bunch and I've used it in 2 high mileage 6HPs. If using on a high mileage, unmaintained trans, especially one that might have a bang into gear (2-1 slam for example) I'd use the Valvoline.

Just my .02. There will be guys saying only use ZF... which I understand, but don't necessarily agree with.

Thanks for your reply. Mine is at 180000km, and jerks from stop to start and slow to stop. So sounds like 1-2-1 gear issue? Let me ask my next door what he has.

[Attacking Mid]

It is widely believed that Mercon SP is the same fluid as LG6, so that's what I used in mine. As crystalworks said, though, there are probably several other fluids that will work just fine. Maybe by the time I do my next fluid change, there will be enough empirical testing done with different fluids to convince me to try something different.

AM.

[TRENDSETTER]

So sorry if this is hijacking but figured no point in a new thread for the question.
What are you guys using in place of the ZF8HP Fluid for my 11' e70 35i 8 speed X5?

[evilchargerfan]

I too dont agree with the "MUST USE ZF ONLY" statement, but I never bother to engage, I dont have the energy for that.

I used Liqui Moly Top Tec, purchased from FCP Euro, and its been fine for the past 30k miles in my F25 X3

Originally Posted by TRENDSETTER

So sorry if this is hijacking but figured no point in a new thread for the question.
What are you guys using in place of the ZF8HP Fluid for my 11' e70 35i 8 speed X5?

I plan to use Liqui Moly Top Tec, it's served me well in my f25 8 speed, I cant imagine it being any worse for our e70. Just my $0.02