Transmission Fluid

[Yanchii]

Hey guys, I need some advice! My X5 35d has 111k I have all the fluids changed in the diffs and transfer case i wanted to change the fluid in the trans as well but the shop i asked to do it recommended not to since I'm over 100k and that it is a lifetime fluid but I've read a lot of mixed things about lifetime fluid, just wanted to get everyone's opinion on if I should change or just leave it? Thank you!

[Molez93]

Among the folks I trust who know BMWs (those who I consider having real, meaningful experience and knowledge), there is zero ambiguity: lifetime fluid is BS.

I changed all the drivetrain fluids in my 1st X5M when I bought it with 95k miles. I'll do the same with my latest one, with 105k miles, once the weather is warm enough for DIY in my garage.

If you intend to keep it for many miles and years (hopefully), I'd recommend doing it along with the rear diff and transfer case if they haven't been done already.

I'm no mechanic, nor am I paranoid about failure. However, I do pay attention and try to stay informed about the vehicles I own. To me, there is no debate.

[omgboost]

Change it, along with the pan.

Here's info from the manufacturer of the transmission:
Automatic ZF transmissions are filled with the specially developed ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID transmission oil. At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on the driving style (e.g. many drives at high speeds or sporty driving), ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 100,000 km or after 8 years at the latest.

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by omgboost

Change it, along with the pan.

Here's info from the manufacturer of the transmission:
Automatic ZF transmissions are filled with the specially developed ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID transmission oil. At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on the driving style (e.g. many drives at high speeds or sporty driving), ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 100,000 km or after 8 years at the latest.

ahh yess, I do put it through its paces that's why I've been trying to figure out if I should or not, my biggest thing is I dont want to have problems after doing the service, that and I do not know if its ever been changed

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Molez93

Among the folks I trust who know BMWs (those who I consider having real, meaningful experience and knowledge), there is zero ambiguity: lifetime fluid is BS.

I changed all the drivetrain fluids in my 1st X5M when I bought it with 95k miles. I'll do the same with my latest one, with 105k miles, once the weather is warm enough for DIY in my garage.

If you intend to keep it for many miles and years (hopefully), I'd recommend doing it along with the rear diff and transfer case if they haven't been done already.

I'm no mechanic, nor am I paranoid about failure. However, I do pay attention and try to stay informed about the vehicles I own. To me, there is no debate.

I'm considering doing it myself, It cant be that hard. I do plan on keeping the SUV for a lil bit longer.

[Molez93]

Originally Posted by Yanchii

I'm considering doing it myself, It cant be that hard. I do plan on keeping the SUV for a lil bit longer.

A couple 45min youtube videos suggested to me it's definitely doable, but not truly easy.

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Molez93

A couple 45min youtube videos suggested to me it's definitely doable, but not truly easy.

I've been watching several videos seems pretty straight forward most of the work that's been done to car has been done by me and there is a pretty good DIY write up here which helps! I see some people replace the mechatronic seals is this something I should take into consideration?

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Just got doing mine (second time changing the fluid) and installing a Sonnax Zip kit in the valve body, solved approx 70 percent of it's issues but still some lazy downshifts. Your supposed to reset the adaptations but I didn't on purpose as I wanted to see how difference the Sonnax kit made by itself, going to reset the adaptations tomorrow and see if that fixes the rest (I have a 50i with the ZF8HP70 tranny with 136,000 on it). Its not that difficult but you must be meticulous with everything. One misplaced check valve or ball as your tranny is toast. I made videos along the way, if enough interest I'll edit them and post it up. AND BUY THIS: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0119..._b_pd_title.IT WILL BE THE BEST 100 DOLLARS YOU EVER SPENT. Then when your under your car while it's running watching this amazing device shoot the 4 liters of fluid in the tranny stress free, you can feel sorry for all the poor saps that are trying pump their fluid in, spilling it everywhere and burning themselves on the exhaust....

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

Just got doing mine (second time changing the fluid) and installing a Sonnax Zip kit in the valve body, solved approx 70 percent of it's issues but still some lazy downshifts. Your supposed to reset the adaptations but I didn't on purpose as I wanted to see how difference the Sonnax kit made by itself, going to reset the adaptations tomorrow and see if that fixes the rest (I have a 50i with the ZF8HP70 tranny with 136,000 on it). Its not that difficult but you must be meticulous with everything. One misplaced check valve or ball as your tranny is toast. I made videos along the way, if enough interest I'll edit them and post it up. AND BUY THIS: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0119..._b_pd_title.IT WILL BE THE BEST 100 DOLLARS YOU EVER SPENT. Then when your under your car while it's running watching this amazing device shoot the 4 liters of fluid in the tranny stress free, you can feel sorry for all the poor saps that are trying pump their fluid in, spilling it everywhere and burning themselves on the exhaust....

Thank you! lol I needed that along time ago for when I did both diffs and transfer case .Definitely will buy it If you have a more in depth video I will watch it!

[Bilbofraggins]

[Bilbofraggins]

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...truth-2882676/

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...truth-2882676/

Thank you sir, that is just what I needed!

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Yanchii

Thank you sir, that is just what I needed!

There are a few out there...I think that the one made my ZF is a good place to start.

Here is some more info:

https://www.zf.com/unitedkingdom/en_...hange_oil.html


https://techtips.alleuro.com/wp-cont...compressed.pdf

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

There are a few out there...I think that the one made my ZF is a good place to start.

Here is some more info:

https://www.zf.com/unitedkingdom/en_...hange_oil.html


https://techtips.alleuro.com/wp-cont...compressed.pdf

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...24152333903kt/
I think I'm gonna go with this, I just didnt see that ATF fluid listed anywhere but once googled it shows it's for ZF or does anyone recommend a different fluid?

[Yanchii]

I went to the actual Viaco website and found this..I take it the fluid wont do?

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Yanchii

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...24152333903kt/
I think I'm gonna go with this, I just didnt see that ATF fluid listed anywhere but once googled it shows it's for ZF or does anyone recommend a different fluid?

At this point....I'd just go with the spec...met by a ravenol product (German) Ravenol 6HP26. That would be my preference.

Although there are other name brands that meet the spec as mentioned in the Audi article...which goes along way to dispel the hype.

https://germanparts.ca/parts/bmw/200...ission-a-t/atf

https://germanparts.ca/userfiles/fil...N_22052012.pdf

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

At this point....I'd just go with the spec...met by a ravenol product (German). That would be my preference.

Although there are other name brands that meet the spec as mentioned in the Audi article...which goes along way to dispel the hype.

https://germanparts.ca/parts/bmw/200...ission-a-t/atf

https://germanparts.ca/userfiles/fil...N_22052012.pdf

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-zf-parts...4118612901~zf/

why the crap does it say this will fit my X5 but it says it's for 8 speed transmissions could it be just a typo?

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Yanchii

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-zf-parts...4118612901~zf/

why the crap does it say this will fit my X5 but it says it's for 8 speed transmissions could it be just a typo?

Confirm at realoem or similar site...

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Yanchii

Thank you sir, that is just what I needed!

Go for the new NT520...which has replaced the 510.

If you get the Pro model you can add an extra 5 makes...besides the free one...60 bucks per...


http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/...m-scanner.html

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

Go for the new NT520...which has replaced the 510.

If you get the Pro model you can add an extra 5 makes...besides the free one...60 bucks per...


http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/...m-scanner.html

I'm definitely gonna get it I've been needing one for awhile!

[Thecastle]

Originally Posted by Yanchii

Hey guys, I need some advice! My X5 35d has 111k I have all the fluids changed in the diffs and transfer case i wanted to change the fluid in the trans as well but the shop i asked to do it recommended not to since I'm over 100k and that it is a lifetime fluid but I've read a lot of mixed things about lifetime fluid, just wanted to get everyone's opinion on if I should change or just leave it? Thank you!

Zf recommendation is every 60k to change the transmission fluid.

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Molez93

Among the folks I trust who know BMWs (those who I consider having real, meaningful experience and knowledge), there is zero ambiguity: lifetime fluid is BS.

I changed all the drivetrain fluids in my 1st X5M when I bought it with 95k miles. I'll do the same with my latest one, with 105k miles, once the weather is warm enough for DIY in my garage.

If you intend to keep it for many miles and years (hopefully), I'd recommend doing it along with the rear diff and transfer case if they haven't been done already.

I'm no mechanic, nor am I paranoid about failure. However, I do pay attention and try to stay informed about the vehicles I own. To me, there is no debate.

Bingo....