I’ve got a 2001 X5 at 155k. When I bought it the transmission was juddering between gear shifts and skipping when cruising at 50mph. I did the double fluid change and it’s been fine for the last 4 years. Trans service is a must every 50k in my book.
2003 330xi w/GM auto. "Lifetime" fluid. Started having some shift problems, during the 3 days a year that it gets below 40 degrees here in Florida, at about 125k. Did some research, knowing full well that there is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid, unless you consider 100k miles a lifetime. After communicating with Castrol, I decided to use their 'All Import ATF'. Changed the fluid and filter, and it has shifted firm and strong for the past 55k miles.
ZF in Germany told me it should be done at 150k km so some 90k miles and for sportier types or people often cruising at freeways in high speeds even earlier. They do not recommend flush but only to drain it and change the gasket which contains filter. This changes about 2/3 of the oil. I did this and my transmision 6hp feels softer now.
Short answer: Yes. It'll help prolong the life of your gearbox. Will it fix an already bad one? Probably not. My ZF 5HP24 out of my 2001 540i had 148k miles on it and had never been changed in 18 years. I dropped the fluid and refilled it using the correct procedure and it made an improvement - contrary to the horror stories I read online.
@James Edward same tranny in my e38. I changed it with the Max Life at 220k and no problems to report in 1.5 years since the fluid change. That stuff does stink though. Don't open it in your kitchen, and get that neat little pump deal on Amazon. It works great.
vviiper I changed the transmission fluid in a lot of high mileage cars and I never had any issues after the service was done, If your transmission is in good condition you shouldn’t have any problems no matter how many miles the car have.
@@makemoneyonline8793 Yeah basically if it's operating as normal, servicing it is fine and should help prolong the life and improve gearbox operation. If it's already knackered, a service won't help in most cases.
I changed the fluid & filter (myself) at 100k in my 2001 ( purchased new) 525. It has the ZF trans. Had no problem at all afterwards. Btw i live in Massachusetts. I used the ZF fluid. Now has 227k on it and still tight. Ready to change again. I went to Fcp euro for the fluid & filter.
Been using the Valvoline Maxlife in ZF & GM transmissions for a while now, done a few fluid changes without issue. It’s good stuff but you’re spot on about the smell!
@@gail6904 I have had 2 N52 cars. 1 was a 128i with RWD and had a plastic pan. The other was Xdrive (AWD in BMW-eese) and had a metal pan. I'm pretty sure the ZF gearboxes (6 speed) use a plastic pan and the GM gearboxes (5 speed) use a metal one. Either way they have an integrated filter and should therefore be replaced any time you're changing the fluid.
The Valvoline multi vehicle synthetic ATF is liquid gold! Used on the family E60 550i going on almost 2 years. Your channel inspired me to DIY it. Almost used Castrol but went with this instead. I also used Valvoline for the power steering fluid! I know it calls for CHF, but sofar so good! I bought an Amazon sourced cheap transmission pan/filter and it sealed up perfectly! It was missing 2 new bolts so I just reused the old bolts in separate areas on the pan. 🤞🏽
Eiron Warrington Yep the ZF 6HP!! Make sure you look up videos on how to fill it to proper level. Idle and top off the trans in less than 10mins or the fluid gets too hot and spews out. Use a scanner to monitor temp or just go by time. I remember seeing a write up on a forum, but there was also TH-cam vids on other cars that have ZF (Chrysler for instance). Good luck!
John Azhderian it’s still a sarcastic term to mislead customers, if you call any bmw dealership and mention anything about tranny fluid change, they will tell you they don’t do that.
Yep. But why is there a gearbox oil change manual in ISTA+? hahaha. The only thing they want is to change your megatronic unit ($2500)( because it failed by bad gear oil!!!). Here in Europe, they're called Stealerships aswell. Dutch regards, Nico
Oil in engine or gearbox it's exactly like the oil which you use when cooking and potatos or meat or anything else,loose his propertys and need replaced!JUST CHANGE HIM
Ive own 728 E38,bought it 3 years ago,didn't saw it nothing in his history anything about gearbox oil.Last year ive been replaced 3 times and this year one more time,6 liters of ATF and the filter which her in Englad was cost me just 55£(58$ or 57 €)!Its not a big deal,just do it!KEEP UP NATHAN
As the owner of 2 ZF 5HP19 equipped E46's, driven aggressively, YES, change the fluid!!! FYI: Don't waste your $90 on Redline ATF, Valvoline MAX Life works great for ~$30. Don't ask me how I know!
Great videos man. I'm a first time used BMW owner... you've helped me out a ton with all your information. I'm about to take my 325i to hopefully 300k miles haha. I can hope right!
I just hit over 300,000 on my 06 530i and transmission malfunction light came on Faith changing the trans filter oil solenoids , crank shaft spark plugs and terminals will fix it .
Thats what used when i changed my e46 this past summer. I did the e60 with the brown zf atf this past summer aswell. I probably stick with valvaline next time i do the e60.
did my e46 2001 325xi about 9 years ago with Valvoline MaxLife, drove over 40,000mi no issues before I sold it still running well. I am working on my wife's Z3 1998 , solenoid A and B replacement so watching through your videos for info. Bought some more Maxlife from Walmart, had free shipping over $25 so they arrived on my porch two days after I placed the order. Thanks for all your videos.
Thank you so dang much for the information bubba! I'm gonna drain my transmission fluid and replace it 1st then when I get money issues out the way, I'll do the pan and filter! Thank u
Nathan thank you! Next project on my car is changing the transmission fluid. Seriously was talking to my boss just today about this. Thanks for the fluid recommend.
The current 8-speed ZF transmissions are SO COMPLICATED to just change the fluid -- it's insane. I had a car once (not a BMW) that had no transmission filter and just a drain plug. It was sooooo simple -- I changed the trans fluid all the time. Now days it's so freaking complicated. Have to have a lift, get a new pan (filter in the pan) fill from UNDER THE FUCKING CAR, get car to the perfect temperature (need special equipment that will read the trans temp), then top off the trans again (from under the car, of course). Your ordinary joe does not have car lifts and special equipment to read the trans temp. Nor do they know how to fill the trans from UNDER the car. It's flat out stupid -- I seriously think they made it difficult on purpose. If they WANT you to change it why not make it easier????? Like a fill tube from the top and an external filter -- and GEE -- I don't know -- MAYBE a fucking dip stick??!? Seriously WTF? !00% serious -- why do the do this?
They could easily put a fill tube from the pan up through the engine compartment. Total bullshit. I agree with you. Just changed my pan, seals, bridge, and fluid and did not like having to be on my back to fill it!
Great observation and post. It’s so difficult I have read that pros can’t refill them properly. I’m not changing mine. My E38 has 180,000 miles. We’ll see how the E39 530 goes. F25 and F30 are also wait and see.
Thanks for the reassurance. I have 185,000 on my 335i and I just want to get a few more years out of it and using Valvoline and saving over $150 will be preferred.
MaxLife ATF has kept my diesel Mercedes running smoothly for 250,000 miles. I also ran it in my VW TDI for 120,000 miles. Great stuff if it's compatible with your transmission.
Well, I went to a independent BMW transmission specialist. He confirmed the transmission had some issues related to the torque converter, and the valve body needed to come down and taken apart and cleaned. The sleeves needed to be replaced. Again no codes, no leaks, proper level. The technician said nothing about the transmission slipping like Norwood BMW, MA. I’m taking a week off after this covid 19 is over, and doing it my self. I’m going to make a video. I’m going to do what you said. The technician wanted to do a flush, my eye brows raised lol. No way. The fluid has never been changed since 2008.
I have a Touring with GM auto trans. Changed trans fluid, filter, and new pan bolts and gasket. Wow much smoother shifting especially in cold weather. Bottom of pan near magnet had dark sludge.
Ok, i did a drain and fill on my zf6hp19 with the valvoline. I had a 4-5 flare before i did it and it seemed to fix that for me. No more ZF fluid for me, only Valvoline max life. I have a lot of miles on the car. Changed fluid and pan @ 150k miles with ZF and drove 90 K with flare if pushed hard it would flare so i just drove it easy for the 90 K to prevent it flaring. Drain and fill with Valvoline @ 240k. ZF fluid is about 5 times more expensive also
I worked for ZF and remember having many transmissions coming in with red fluid. Clutches were burnt and yes smelled like burnt. Cost thousands to fix those transmissions.
I emailed ZF re: my 8 speed and they told me the change interval should be 40k to 6pk. I had my dealer change it at about 40k. Have now gone another 20k miles with no issues. Changing it too late may cause problems.
I've never done bwm ATF fluid change, but I know all liquids degrade over time and need to be replaced at necessary service intervals.. Also the people having issues may have been doing a complete flush, for a long overdue ATF fluid change.. If oil is black (burnt) chances are the trans has had some damage.. Instead of flush it's best to change fluid few times, perhaps around 100mile intervals.. Even if you drain 4 to 6 quarts, chanes are there is another 6 to 8 still remaining in the system.. A few fluid changes will normalize, without flushing out all the particles a neglected transmission fluid would normally have.. Causing slipping during shifts or shuddering with some cvt, or even completely failing..
Bless you Nathan!! I've been getting a shudder, long lag, then hard shift into gear from a stops and sometimes get the reduced acceleration transmission message on iDrive.I've tried resetting the adaptations and each time I get different shift points. I'm going to replace my pan and fluid. Hopefully it fixes my issue.
just changed my e90 GM ATF w Valvoline Dextron VI synthetic at 90k miles. No problem at all & it’s smoother than I expected. I did the product data sheet comparison & this is the best synthetic ATF I can found for my car.
@@sakuraturbo3364 Valvoline Dextron VI still works great for me. I think you can go for either Valvoline or Castrol as spec wise they are almost the same.
Another good honest informative video Nathan, my 540i is lined up to have a fluid change this Xmas. Trans was rebuilt about 6 years ago but its started to act like the torque converter isnt locking up under light throttle in top gear, fingers crossed this will sort it out.
My personal experience with BMW transmission .. I wasn’t down shifting back to 1st gear when stopping .. I swapped the trans and it wouldn’t shift at all .. couldn’t get it out of park and I kept getting a DTC I forget the code number but it was say cast not recognized so I kept the valve body that came with the new trans and put my old cast back in and it started shifting again and I haven’t had problem since .. it’s been about 3 months anyone that has a FO2 this may help u ... no thanks needed glad I can pass on the knowledge..
I have a '06 330i with 100k miles on it. I took it to the dealer to have the transmission fluid changed and to fix 3 recalls. The dealer told me that the transmission fluid did not need to be changed on that model. I didn't think that sounded right.
In talking with some ZF engineers they said they would change the fluid at 100k. I wish there was an easier way however to change the fluid, in particular the refill. There’s a market for a fill tube/dipstick mod that attaches to the fill port of the ZF transmissions to make refill a simple process. A drain plug on the pan is an easy do it yourself mod also.
Thank you very much man ‘ first time owner just bought a 2008 650i and i was shifting ok but not good I had like a lag when u down shift I decided to do a transmission fluid change but people told me that I was going to messed up the car ‘ now with this info I’m about to go for it 👍
@@alejandroochoa3541 I had the same issue with the down shifting hard. The part I chose cost me about $100. Plus an hours labor at a local Volvo shop by my job $120, and a $127 diag fee. So with tax and shop fees $387. It was the Idle air bypass solenoid. Now it drives like a champ. The check engine light stayed on, but is the MAF sensor not the first one in the driver side, but the other one on the left side connected to the hose.
My first BMW and the dealer wanted to charge me $2700 to replace solenoid and oil lmao thanks now I did my research and imma spend a measly $400 DIY. Appreciate the knowledge.
My 97 528i has developed a shifting issue. 224000 on the dial. It will only shift up manually. As if I had the sport shift option. Pretty sure I don’t. So, if I put it in drive. And take off on the highway, it will not shift up. If I put shift in 1st, then nurse the throttle up, until close to redline, it will shift. And I have to do this through each gear.felt lucky, it got me home . Don’t know what to do? It’s not leaking.
When your transmission is out already, changing it can cause you to see the issue more. what happens is all the material that got worn out gets cleaned out and can make you feel the slip more. If you change the fluid often, when due, you should not have issues and it will make your transmission last longer. if you wait ages, it can prevent further damage but not changing fluids often is was caused the issues in the first place.
@@NathansBMWWorkshop Really enjoy your videos. So I am one of the guys that was told not to change transmission fluid. I have 2004 545i. I have 280k miles. The car has been well maintained. I bought it with 150k. I put 100k+ miles in about 2 years. I have not had any shifting issues. I looked on what maintenance records were available and do not see a trans fluid change. So its possible its never been done. Based on this video I think I would drain it and refill like you said, then go,back and change filter and refill. Any advice based on what Ive told you. Thank you in advance.
I'm really on the fence about having preventative maintenance done with my 2011 e90 transmission. BMW dealers and a transmission expert told me to leave it alone since I don't have any issues, other mechanics tell me to change it before I have a problem (currently at 95K). The transmission expert told me he's been specializing in transmissions for 40 years and if I get some work done now and nothing is wrong I am asking for problems. I'm so confused!
@saeedh2603 I did. Long story short, I wish I would have done it sooner. I waited too long (133K) and my transmission may be going out. Best to get done around 100K... that is what the maker (GM) of the transmissions say. DO NOT BELIEVE BMW WHO SAYS IT IS "LIFETIME"... it is only good for 100K. I started to get codes telling me the fluid was deteriorated. That means it's past due.
@saeedh2603 Just wanted to add - I had some issues for a day or so, however after that it drove much smoother after I changed it. I can tell the difference, better torque.
@saeedh2603 Change it before 100K... find someone who knows how to change the filter as well, I got the parts from FCP Euro. With one change you will only get a quarter to half of the oil out (fluid will still be in the torque converter) Change it about 3 times within a few days or a week apart to get the fluid as fresh as possible. However you only need to change the filter and seal once.
@Nathans BMW Workshop, would you recommend changing the filter on a 2008 328i with 154k miles on it and was obviously driven hard and not cared for like it should have been but I’m restoring it properly with proper parts and fluids I just want to know if you recommend the filter change with me not knowing if the transmission has ever been serviced before.
Transmission has a lifetime fill of fluid but if you change the fluid it has a longer lifetime. Every car is delivered with a lifetime fill of gasoline but add more gas and it runs longer.
I bought a 2015 BMW X5 DIESEL 107000 Miles runs great. Since I do not know when it was last serviced, should I get all the fluids changed motor oil, trans, exhaust fluid?
For automatic transmission one thing is to change the fluid with only 6 Liters and another is to fully empty and refill with 9 Liters, because a lot of fluid remains on the cooler oil channels. BimmetN53
Thanks for this info Nathan! Do you still stand by this fluid recommendation and have you have any future problems to date now that we're currently in 2023?
Love the MaxLife fluid (yeah, not the smell) and I am slowly putting it in all the cars in the fleet ... from a 25 year old e36 ... a 20 year old Ford Escape ... a 3 year old VW Beetle nonDSG ... to a 8 year old Range Rover. It works great in everything! No way am I buying ZF fluid or even Toyota World Fluid as long as this stuff is around and so much cheaper! Its so cheap, there is really no need to save $2 a gallon to buy store brand Dex/Merc for older American cars when this stuff is so much better! I still like to change trans fluids every 30-35k miles. Might be overkill, but I sleep better.
Ever tried washing out the pan/filter and reusing it? While I have seen certain solvents turn a filter from porous to a barrier, it seems like it would be possible to clean. Think it's worth it?
The valvoline viscosity is not higher at operating temperature. Check the specifications of zf vs. valvoline. Not saying valvoline is not equivalent to zf,
Nice video! I have acquired a 1996 BMW 328i Convertible (automatic) with 73K miles. I am changing all fluids. However, the tramsmission pan is 2 pans (1 square, 1 rectangular (smaller). Drives fine. Should I pull the pans and change the filter too? Would you recommend the Valvoline MAX Life fluid for replacement?
I had a “lifetime” bmw in california but the exact same car in the uk with the same trans has to be changed or you lose your warranty!!!! Lifetime just means getting the car passed the majority of 1st owners and the initial free maintanence period so bmw do not need to pay. Nothing is lifetime oil period
Thank you for the advice but I still wanted to ask I just got a 2004 E60 525d with almost 200k miles. Do you think it's a good idea to change the trans fluid if there is no record of it being done. I'm asking since there is a theory that if it has not been regularly changed it might slip if I change it.
Excellent video Nathan. AS BMW E46 ZF ATF owner (110K miles), I was wondering about what fluid to use. Thanks for your video. Do you recommend adding (about 10%) Lucas Transmission Oil with the drain and fill?
@@NathansBMWWorkshop Thanks for the reply. An independent BMW shop mentioned to use fluid Pentosin ATF 1. Any experience with this product for ZF transmissions? It's pricey $50 per gallon
I just changed the fluid in my 6MT e90 at 125k miles, with 2L of Pentosin. Difference wasn't huge, but it is DEFINITELY better. For anyone not privy, BMW defines the "lifetime" in their "lifetime fluids" as 100k miles!
I have '08 BMW 328xi Coupe (Automatic Transmission). The car now has 121,000 miles. I bought the car when it had 54,000 miles and I'm wondering if I should change the transmission fluid. I heard some people say that it may cause more trouble changing it? Thanks. I ran a scan on the car, and one of the codes that is shows is: "578E Gearbox oil: wear".
How does Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF Full Synthetic 1 Gallon compare to Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle ATF 1 Gallon? Didn't you recommend Castrol stuff before, I see this is listed as Full Synthetic unlike Castrol but both are bmw approved. Very similar price at walmart.
I just had my gm oil change and the mechanic didn't do the job right. He didn't leave the car running to cycle the fluid, I watched him fill the fluid to the point it dripped out a little, then he closed the fill whole. Now my transmission slips in 1 and 2 in normal drive but not so much in my manual mode. My car is an 08 328i 160k+ miles it was driving lovely before the fluid change. I was getting a code for deteriorating fluid in the transmission which is the reason for the fluid change. If push comes to shove I want to replace the transmission and want to know if I'll be able to swap a gm to zf in a 08 328i.
I have a 2011 BMW automatic 328i XDrive with 94k miles on it! Car fax shows no history of the transmission fluid/filter being serviced! I’m assuming it has the original BMW transmission fluid in the tranny! Im going to drain & not do a complete flush on the transmission…. Mixing V-MaxLife & the original BMW transmission fluid cause damage…..?
Fluid age has nothing to do with the ZF valve body seals failing. The rubber fails due to heat. Just change them regardless whenever servicing the fluid. They're cheap. Checked the datasheets and specs on MaxLife are near identical to BMW requirements. See no reason to pay premium buying imported stuff.
Nathan’s BMW Workshop. I have a 2012 335i. ZF 6HP19. Noticed when the car is cold or sometimes when it’s hot (not all the time) the car likes to upshift a little rough. Kinda random. Noticed in sports mode it definitely upshifts harder. What would you recommend? Low fluid? Mechatronic sleeve?
Just purchased some Valvoline ATF off Amazon. Not questioning but hope your correct on ATF. I just got this 07 650i convertible and working through the maintenance issues. Oil was used up so I`m making the assumption transmission and rear diff is needing service also. Car has 83K runs good but during startup, it almost sounds like starter drags. or timing is off (old school), thoughts?? Also, what`s your experience on plugs? Thanks! Great Video!
Hello, my 2003 E39 540i has driven 233,000 How much does this fluid fit? How many liters is suitable? Will it harm the carrier as it is rumored? Do I completely change the fluid in one go? I hope for an answer because this question is very important to me. Thank you
I have a e39 540 with 230k miles and I think the car have never had the trans fluid changed, you guys think I should change the fluid now or just leave it be?
I’ve got a 2001 X5 at 155k. When I bought it the transmission was juddering between gear shifts and skipping when cruising at 50mph. I did the double fluid change and it’s been fine for the last 4 years. Trans service is a must every 50k in my book.
I got a 2001 3.0 X5 with 113k I can feel the tranny needs a change but not sure exactly what to do and what do you mean by “double fluid change”
@@davidrodriguez6287 I think he means that you drain, pour in and turn it over and run through some gears, then dump it again and then final fill.
@@dbarbush exactly what I did & my X5 runs way better now
My x5 was fine until I changed the fluid at 170k miles and now its slipping... fail
@@jonc2914
Any updates on your transaction?
2003 330xi w/GM auto.
"Lifetime" fluid. Started having some shift problems, during the 3 days a year that it gets below 40 degrees here in Florida, at about 125k. Did some research, knowing full well that there is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid, unless you consider 100k miles a lifetime. After communicating with Castrol, I decided to use their 'All Import ATF'.
Changed the fluid and filter, and it has shifted firm and strong for the past 55k miles.
It’s a must to change the fluid in the zf boxes what ever fluid you use life guard 6 or if over 100k use redline d4 or what Nathan is using
ZF in Germany told me it should be done at 150k km so some 90k miles and for sportier types or people often cruising at freeways in high speeds even earlier.
They do not recommend flush but only to drain it and change the gasket which contains filter. This changes about 2/3 of the oil.
I did this and my transmision 6hp feels softer now.
Short answer: Yes. It'll help prolong the life of your gearbox. Will it fix an already bad one? Probably not. My ZF 5HP24 out of my 2001 540i had 148k miles on it and had never been changed in 18 years. I dropped the fluid and refilled it using the correct procedure and it made an improvement - contrary to the horror stories I read online.
@James Edward same tranny in my e38. I changed it with the Max Life at 220k and no problems to report in 1.5 years since the fluid change. That stuff does stink though. Don't open it in your kitchen, and get that neat little pump deal on Amazon. It works great.
@Gustavo Estrada I changed out my filter when I did the procedure. Those things can get clogged up and starve the pump of fluid if the get clogged.
vviiper
I changed the transmission fluid in a lot of high mileage cars and I never had any issues after the service was done, If your transmission is in good condition you shouldn’t have any problems no matter how many miles the car have.
@@makemoneyonline8793 Yeah basically if it's operating as normal, servicing it is fine and should help prolong the life and improve gearbox operation. If it's already knackered, a service won't help in most cases.
I changed the fluid & filter (myself) at 100k in my 2001 ( purchased new) 525. It has the ZF trans. Had no problem at all afterwards. Btw i live in Massachusetts. I used the ZF fluid. Now has 227k on it and still tight. Ready to change again. I went to Fcp euro for the fluid & filter.
Simple answer - ZF manufacture recommends fluid changes in the 60k mileage. There simply isn’t ANY petroleum based fluids that are “lifetime”.
Been using the Valvoline Maxlife in ZF & GM transmissions for a while now, done a few fluid changes without issue. It’s good stuff but you’re spot on about the smell!
is the 2008 BMW an N52 GM tranni metal pan or plastic its 2 wheel rear drive?
@@gail6904 I have had 2 N52 cars. 1 was a 128i with RWD and had a plastic pan. The other was Xdrive (AWD in BMW-eese) and had a metal pan.
I'm pretty sure the ZF gearboxes (6 speed) use a plastic pan and the GM gearboxes (5 speed) use a metal one. Either way they have an integrated filter and should therefore be replaced any time you're changing the fluid.
The Valvoline multi vehicle synthetic ATF is liquid gold! Used on the family E60 550i going on almost 2 years. Your channel inspired me to DIY it. Almost used Castrol but went with this instead. I also used Valvoline for the power steering fluid! I know it calls for CHF, but sofar so good! I bought an Amazon sourced cheap transmission pan/filter and it sealed up perfectly! It was missing 2 new bolts so I just reused the old bolts in separate areas on the pan. 🤞🏽
Rudy VQdriver 6hp19 transmission?
Eiron Warrington Yep the ZF 6HP!! Make sure you look up videos on how to fill it to proper level. Idle and top off the trans in less than 10mins or the fluid gets too hot and spews out. Use a scanner to monitor temp or just go by time. I remember seeing a write up on a forum, but there was also TH-cam vids on other cars that have ZF (Chrysler for instance). Good luck!
And yet those criminals at the stealership been brainwashing customers saying it’s a lifetime fluid do not change it smh.
When they "lifetime" fluid they mean the lifetime of the fluid not the transmission.
John Azhderian it’s still a sarcastic term to mislead customers, if you call any bmw dealership and mention anything about tranny fluid change, they will tell you they don’t do that.
Yep. But why is there a gearbox oil change manual in ISTA+? hahaha. The only thing they want is to change your megatronic unit ($2500)( because it failed by bad gear oil!!!). Here in Europe, they're called Stealerships aswell. Dutch regards, Nico
Oil in engine or gearbox it's exactly like the oil which you use when cooking and potatos or meat or anything else,loose his propertys and need replaced!JUST CHANGE HIM
Ive own 728 E38,bought it 3 years ago,didn't saw it nothing in his history anything about gearbox oil.Last year ive been replaced 3 times and this year one more time,6 liters of ATF and the filter which her in Englad was cost me just 55£(58$ or 57 €)!Its not a big deal,just do it!KEEP UP NATHAN
As the owner of 2 ZF 5HP19 equipped E46's, driven aggressively, YES, change the fluid!!! FYI: Don't waste your $90 on Redline ATF, Valvoline MAX Life works great for ~$30. Don't ask me how I know!
Yes please do! I follow the dealership instructions not to and I ended up putting a all new one!
183,000 miles. E46 325i, zf box. never been changed. shifts fine. North Carolina, garage kept.
At that mileage dont dont dont touch it lol
Same here mines 165k floored it everywhere sense I got it XD
now up to 191K and still running fine.
@@TedSchoenling never got to do the flush?
@@formulabred3553 never been opened. ever. I"m now at 194K miles and still fine.
Great videos man. I'm a first time used BMW owner... you've helped me out a ton with all your information. I'm about to take my 325i to hopefully 300k miles haha. I can hope right!
Me and you both I’m praying. I’m at about 223k now. 🙌🏼🙏🏻
I’m at 251,xxx 🙏🏽
I just hit over 300,000 on my 06 530i and transmission malfunction light came on Faith changing the trans filter oil solenoids , crank shaft spark plugs and terminals will fix it .
I'm at 235 on my 325i
Seen this post im at 291k N52 motors are the best i seen one at 350k
Thats what used when i changed my e46 this past summer. I did the e60 with the brown zf atf this past summer aswell. I probably stick with valvaline next time i do the e60.
did my e46 2001 325xi about 9 years ago with Valvoline MaxLife, drove over 40,000mi no issues before I sold it still running well. I am working on my wife's Z3 1998 , solenoid A and B replacement so watching through your videos for info. Bought some more Maxlife from Walmart, had free shipping over $25 so they arrived on my porch two days after I placed the order. Thanks for all your videos.
Thank you so dang much for the information bubba! I'm gonna drain my transmission fluid and replace it 1st then when I get money issues out the way, I'll do the pan and filter! Thank u
Nathan thank you! Next project on my car is changing the transmission fluid. Seriously was talking to my boss just today about this. Thanks for the fluid recommend.
I agree never back flush, all it does is shoot everything back up into the transmission.
I changed mine it was easy and it worked fine just fluid at 80k miles never had an issues
I rebuilt my ZF5HP19 transmission and use maxlife. I have 2000 miles on it now with no issues.
I have used this in my BMW ZF and also a Mercedes NAG1, works just fine and its so cheap at Walmart.
Which zf box (or which bimmer)?
The current 8-speed ZF transmissions are SO COMPLICATED to just change the fluid -- it's insane. I had a car once (not a BMW) that had no transmission filter and just a drain plug. It was sooooo simple -- I changed the trans fluid all the time. Now days it's so freaking complicated. Have to have a lift, get a new pan (filter in the pan) fill from UNDER THE FUCKING CAR, get car to the perfect temperature (need special equipment that will read the trans temp), then top off the trans again (from under the car, of course). Your ordinary joe does not have car lifts and special equipment to read the trans temp. Nor do they know how to fill the trans from UNDER the car. It's flat out stupid -- I seriously think they made it difficult on purpose. If they WANT you to change it why not make it easier????? Like a fill tube from the top and an external filter -- and GEE -- I don't know -- MAYBE a fucking dip stick??!? Seriously WTF? !00% serious -- why do the do this?
They could easily put a fill tube from the pan up through the engine compartment. Total bullshit. I agree with you. Just changed my pan, seals, bridge, and fluid and did not like having to be on my back to fill it!
Great observation and post. It’s so difficult I have read that pros can’t refill them properly. I’m not changing mine. My E38 has 180,000 miles. We’ll see how the E39 530 goes. F25 and F30 are also wait and see.
They want to sell you a new transmission, that's why
Thanks for the reassurance. I have 185,000 on my 335i and I just want to get a few more years out of it and using Valvoline and saving over $150 will be preferred.
So did you use Valvoline MaxLife? How was it?
MaxLife ATF has kept my diesel Mercedes running smoothly for 250,000 miles.
I also ran it in my VW TDI for 120,000 miles.
Great stuff if it's compatible with your transmission.
Well, I went to a independent BMW transmission specialist. He confirmed the transmission had some issues related to the torque converter, and the valve body needed to come down and taken apart and cleaned. The sleeves needed to be replaced. Again no codes, no leaks, proper level. The technician said nothing about the transmission slipping like Norwood BMW, MA. I’m taking a week off after this covid 19 is over, and doing it my self. I’m going to make a video. I’m going to do what you said. The technician wanted to do a flush, my eye brows raised lol. No way. The fluid has never been changed since 2008.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world. You are making this world a better place. I appreciate your time. God bless you.
I have a Touring with GM auto trans. Changed trans fluid, filter, and new pan bolts and gasket. Wow much smoother shifting especially in cold weather. Bottom of pan near magnet had dark sludge.
Ok, i did a drain and fill on my zf6hp19 with the valvoline. I had a 4-5 flare before i did it and it seemed to fix that for me. No more ZF fluid for me, only Valvoline max life. I have a lot of miles on the car. Changed fluid and pan @ 150k miles with ZF and drove 90 K with flare if pushed hard it would flare so i just drove it easy for the 90 K to prevent it flaring. Drain and fill with Valvoline @ 240k. ZF fluid is about 5 times more expensive also
Still recommend the Valvoline for your 6HP??
I worked for ZF and remember having many transmissions coming in with red fluid. Clutches were burnt and yes smelled like burnt. Cost thousands to fix those transmissions.
I emailed ZF re: my 8 speed and they told me the change interval should be 40k to 6pk. I had my dealer change it at about 40k. Have now gone another 20k miles with no issues. Changing it too late may cause problems.
I've never done bwm ATF fluid change, but I know all liquids degrade over time and need to be replaced at necessary service intervals.. Also the people having issues may have been doing a complete flush, for a long overdue ATF fluid change.. If oil is black (burnt) chances are the trans has had some damage.. Instead of flush it's best to change fluid few times, perhaps around 100mile intervals.. Even if you drain 4 to 6 quarts, chanes are there is another 6 to 8 still remaining in the system.. A few fluid changes will normalize, without flushing out all the particles a neglected transmission fluid would normally have.. Causing slipping during shifts or shuddering with some cvt, or even completely failing..
You freaked fixed that shudder I have on my 2009 528i ZF box. Thanks sooo much
Bless you Nathan!! I've been getting a shudder, long lag, then hard shift into gear from a stops and sometimes get the reduced acceleration transmission message on iDrive.I've tried resetting the adaptations and each time I get different shift points. I'm going to replace my pan and fluid. Hopefully it fixes my issue.
Nmax92 try shutter stop they sell it at Advance Auto and on EBay,comes in a Red Tube
Derrick James fixed mine but it still shifts hard. And I need this car to go at least another 60k without issues so probably should change it
just changed my e90 GM ATF w Valvoline Dextron VI synthetic at 90k miles. No problem at all & it’s smoother than I expected. I did the product data sheet comparison & this is the best synthetic ATF I can found for my car.
The valvoline oil Still working good let me know please I’m not sure wish one is better Castrol dextron or valvoline
@@sakuraturbo3364 Valvoline Dextron VI still works great for me. I think you can go for either Valvoline or Castrol as spec wise they are almost the same.
Can this fluid work with the Gm tranny GA6L45R? 2010 328i xdrive
Ok, Nathan is a genius(I know he does not look like one, LOL)! Maxlife fixed my transmission issues!
Another good honest informative video Nathan, my 540i is lined up to have a fluid change this Xmas. Trans was rebuilt about 6 years ago but its started to act like the torque converter isnt locking up under light throttle in top gear, fingers crossed this will sort it out.
My personal experience with BMW transmission .. I wasn’t down shifting back to 1st gear when stopping .. I swapped the trans and it wouldn’t shift at all .. couldn’t get it out of park and I kept getting a DTC I forget the code number but it was say cast not recognized so I kept the valve body that came with the new trans and put my old cast back in and it started shifting again and I haven’t had problem since .. it’s been about 3 months anyone that has a FO2 this may help u ... no thanks needed glad I can pass on the knowledge..
The maxlife worked great in my e46 with GM box. I still like to use Pentosin tho (closest to LifeGuard but cheaper) in the e85 with ZF box.
I have a '06 330i with 100k miles on it. I took it to the dealer to have the transmission fluid changed and to fix 3 recalls. The dealer told me that the transmission fluid did not need to be changed on that model. I didn't think that sounded right.
Definitely not right. They're hoping to see you in a few months/years when your gearbox breaks.
In talking with some ZF engineers they said they would change the fluid at 100k. I wish there was an easier way however to change the fluid, in particular the refill. There’s a market for a fill tube/dipstick mod that attaches to the fill port of the ZF transmissions to make refill a simple process. A drain plug on the pan is an easy do it yourself mod also.
really? you rock!!! for real? I have a 2015 Bmw x4 35i, N55, 77k miles, runs great, I should do it at 100k?
Thank you very much man ‘ first time owner just bought a 2008 650i and i was shifting ok but not good I had like a lag when u down shift I decided to do a transmission fluid change but people told me that I was going to messed up the car ‘ now with this info I’m about to go for it 👍
What happened
Update?
@@alejandroochoa3541 I had the same issue with the down shifting hard. The part I chose cost me about $100. Plus an hours labor at a local Volvo shop by my job $120, and a $127 diag fee. So with tax and shop fees $387. It was the Idle air bypass solenoid. Now it drives like a champ. The check engine light stayed on, but is the MAF sensor not the first one in the driver side, but the other one on the left side connected to the hose.
My first BMW and the dealer wanted to charge me $2700 to replace solenoid and oil lmao thanks now I did my research and imma spend a measly $400 DIY. Appreciate the knowledge.
Fuck the stealerships lol, what model is yours ?
My 97 528i has developed a shifting issue. 224000 on the dial. It will only shift up manually. As if I had the sport shift option. Pretty sure I don’t. So, if I put it in drive. And take off on the highway, it will not shift up. If I put shift in 1st, then nurse the throttle up, until close to redline, it will shift. And I have to do this through each gear.felt lucky, it got me home . Don’t know what to do? It’s not leaking.
Real nice worshop mate, lots of room !!
Much respect for what you do.
When your transmission is out already, changing it can cause you to see the issue more. what happens is all the material that got worn out gets cleaned out and can make you feel the slip more. If you change the fluid often, when due, you should not have issues and it will make your transmission last longer. if you wait ages, it can prevent further damage but not changing fluids often is was caused the issues in the first place.
Thank you for honest advice and experience, love your videos man thanks a bunch
Thanks for watching
@@NathansBMWWorkshop Really enjoy your videos. So I am one of the guys that was told not to change transmission fluid. I have 2004 545i. I have 280k miles. The car has been well maintained. I bought it with 150k. I put 100k+ miles in about 2 years. I have not had any shifting issues. I looked on what maintenance records were available and do not see a trans fluid change. So its possible its never been done. Based on this video I think I would drain it and refill like you said, then go,back and change filter and refill. Any advice based on what Ive told you. Thank you in advance.
I'm really on the fence about having preventative maintenance done with my 2011 e90 transmission. BMW dealers and a transmission expert told me to leave it alone since I don't have any issues, other mechanics tell me to change it before I have a problem (currently at 95K). The transmission expert told me he's been specializing in transmissions for 40 years and if I get some work done now and nothing is wrong I am asking for problems. I'm so confused!
Hey, did you ever change it and how did it go ?
@saeedh2603 I did. Long story short, I wish I would have done it sooner. I waited too long (133K) and my transmission may be going out. Best to get done around 100K... that is what the maker (GM) of the transmissions say. DO NOT BELIEVE BMW WHO SAYS IT IS "LIFETIME"... it is only good for 100K. I started to get codes telling me the fluid was deteriorated. That means it's past due.
@saeedh2603 Just wanted to add - I had some issues for a day or so, however after that it drove much smoother after I changed it. I can tell the difference, better torque.
@@jank358 I’m have a 2011 e90 as well and I’m at 75k miles but I’m scared to change to fluid. Any tips or recommendations ?
@saeedh2603 Change it before 100K... find someone who knows how to change the filter as well, I got the parts from FCP Euro. With one change you will only get a quarter to half of the oil out (fluid will still be in the torque converter) Change it about 3 times within a few days or a week apart to get the fluid as fresh as possible. However you only need to change the filter and seal once.
@Nathans BMW Workshop, would you recommend changing the filter on a 2008 328i with 154k miles on it and was obviously driven hard and not cared for like it should have been but I’m restoring it properly with proper parts and fluids I just want to know if you recommend the filter change with me not knowing if the transmission has ever been serviced before.
Transmission has a lifetime fill of fluid but if you change the fluid it has a longer lifetime. Every car is delivered with a lifetime fill of gasoline but add more gas and it runs longer.
I bought a 2015 BMW X5 DIESEL 107000 Miles runs great. Since I do not know when it was last serviced, should I get all the fluids changed motor oil, trans, exhaust fluid?
Nathan is the man! Listen to what he says!
For automatic transmission one thing is to change the fluid with only 6 Liters and another is to fully empty and refill with 9 Liters, because a lot of fluid remains on the cooler oil channels.
BimmetN53
What you mean
Thanks for this info Nathan! Do you still stand by this fluid recommendation and have you have any future problems to date now that we're currently in 2023?
How much should I expect to pay for a local German Auto mechanic to replace the transmission fluid and reseal it.
So when i replace my transmission pan/ filter/ fluid, I should avoid fcpeuro b/c it’s more expensive for a LIFETIME part. ok.
Missing the point badly.
I have a 2015 Bmw X4 35i With N55. 77k miles, Should I change it? it has not been done yet, runs well.
I also had the e39 A5S-390R 2nd to 3rd shifting problem fixed with a trans fluid change at 104K.
My 2012 X3 F25 just started having trouble downshifting going up hills. Do you think I still can save it if I use this method? Great video!
Love the MaxLife fluid (yeah, not the smell) and I am slowly putting it in all the cars in the fleet ... from a 25 year old e36 ... a 20 year old Ford Escape ... a 3 year old VW Beetle nonDSG ... to a 8 year old Range Rover. It works great in everything! No way am I buying ZF fluid or even Toyota World Fluid as long as this stuff is around and so much cheaper! Its so cheap, there is really no need to save $2 a gallon to buy store brand Dex/Merc for older American cars when this stuff is so much better! I still like to change trans fluids every 30-35k miles. Might be overkill, but I sleep better.
Ever tried washing out the pan/filter and reusing it? While I have seen certain solvents turn a filter from porous to a barrier, it seems like it would be possible to clean. Think it's worth it?
The valvoline viscosity is not higher at operating temperature. Check the specifications of zf vs. valvoline. Not saying valvoline is not equivalent to zf,
I agree about changing your flight Jenny
What you consider changing the fluid at 154,000 miles too risky if never changed before? 2010 328i
No, change it no matter what, thats a old chevy myth from the 70's
Yes, every 50,000 miles, use the fluid that transmission manufacturer recommends
The filter and gasket for my gm trans from bmw is $215
Nice video! I have acquired a 1996 BMW 328i Convertible (automatic) with 73K miles. I am changing all fluids. However, the tramsmission pan is 2 pans (1 square, 1 rectangular (smaller). Drives fine. Should I pull the pans and change the filter too? Would you recommend the Valvoline MAX Life fluid for replacement?
I had a “lifetime” bmw in california but the exact same car in the uk with the same trans has to be changed or you lose your warranty!!!!
Lifetime just means getting the car passed the majority of 1st owners and the initial free maintanence period so bmw do not need to pay.
Nothing is lifetime oil period
Very informative thank you
Nathan, you the man!
Thank you for the advice but I still wanted to ask
I just got a 2004 E60 525d with almost 200k miles. Do you think it's a good idea to change the trans fluid if there is no record of it being done. I'm asking since there is a theory that if it has not been regularly changed it might slip if I change it.
chamge it!
2012 n52 e88. bought 09/2019. just change it. 6L45 had 62,000 when I got it. 2nd owner. I will change every 20k till death do, us part.
Thanks for sharing this video! I have an 02 BMW 745li. My gear PRND blinks. Could that mean fluid is low or solenoid replace?
Great video, I just got a 2010 650i 114,000 miles. Is that the Valvoline oil?
Excellent video Nathan. AS BMW E46 ZF ATF owner (110K miles), I was wondering about what fluid to use. Thanks for your video. Do you recommend adding (about 10%) Lucas Transmission Oil with the drain and fill?
just use the max life on that 5hp19
@@NathansBMWWorkshop Thanks for the reply. An independent BMW shop mentioned to use fluid Pentosin ATF 1. Any experience with this product for ZF transmissions? It's pricey $50 per gallon
Lucas seems to gum things up in my experience. I stopped using it.
@@Henry4PCdid you use the maxlife? How was it?
My 06 750li was shifting funny it worked !!!
I thought you said Castrol transmax before a couple of years ago why the change?
Valvaline multi atf fixed my 98 Porsche boxster
my 99 camry's transmission clunk when shifting from park to reversed.....that disappeared when i changed to maxlife
I just changed the fluid in my 6MT e90 at 125k miles, with 2L of Pentosin. Difference wasn't huge, but it is DEFINITELY better. For anyone not privy, BMW defines the "lifetime" in their "lifetime fluids" as 100k miles!
when you switched to MaxLife, how do you get the old fluid out? I don't like the idea mixing two different types of fluid.
i know on 6hp ones they have a drain plug usually replace the pan too
I have '08 BMW 328xi Coupe (Automatic Transmission). The car now has 121,000 miles. I bought the car when it had 54,000 miles and I'm wondering if I should change the transmission fluid. I heard some people say that it may cause more trouble changing it? Thanks. I ran a scan on the car, and one of the codes that is shows is: "578E Gearbox oil: wear".
How does Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF Full Synthetic 1 Gallon compare to Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle ATF 1 Gallon? Didn't you recommend Castrol stuff before, I see this is listed as Full Synthetic unlike Castrol but both are bmw approved. Very similar price at walmart.
I just had my gm oil change and the mechanic didn't do the job right. He didn't leave the car running to cycle the fluid, I watched him fill the fluid to the point it dripped out a little, then he closed the fill whole. Now my transmission slips in 1 and 2 in normal drive but not so much in my manual mode.
My car is an 08 328i 160k+ miles it was driving lovely before the fluid change. I was getting a code for deteriorating fluid in the transmission which is the reason for the fluid change.
If push comes to shove I want to replace the transmission and want to know if I'll be able to swap a gm to zf in a 08 328i.
Great first hand experience and advice.
I have a 2011 BMW automatic 328i XDrive with 94k miles on it! Car fax shows no history of the transmission fluid/filter being serviced! I’m assuming it has the original BMW transmission fluid in the tranny! Im going to drain & not do a complete flush on the transmission…. Mixing V-MaxLife & the original BMW transmission fluid cause damage…..?
Fluid age has nothing to do with the ZF valve body seals failing. The rubber fails due to heat. Just change them regardless whenever servicing the fluid. They're cheap.
Checked the datasheets and specs on MaxLife are near identical to BMW requirements. See no reason to pay premium buying imported stuff.
Do you need to pull the valve body and change the rubber seals?
Nathan’s BMW Workshop. I have a 2012 335i. ZF 6HP19. Noticed when the car is cold or sometimes when it’s hot (not all the time) the car likes to upshift a little rough. Kinda random. Noticed in sports mode it definitely upshifts harder. What would you recommend? Low fluid? Mechatronic sleeve?
Hey, did you ever change it and how did it go ?
Just purchased some Valvoline ATF off Amazon. Not questioning but hope your correct on ATF. I just got this 07 650i convertible and working through the maintenance issues. Oil was used up so I`m making the assumption transmission and rear diff is needing service also. Car has 83K runs good but during startup, it almost sounds like starter drags. or timing is off (old school), thoughts?? Also, what`s your experience on plugs? Thanks! Great Video!
Hello, my 2003 E39 540i has driven 233,000 How much does this fluid fit? How many liters is suitable? Will it harm the carrier as it is rumored? Do I completely change the fluid in one go? I hope for an answer because this question is very important to me. Thank you
Nathan,is it safe to put some kind of engine cleaner in the oil crankcase to kind of wash out the inside of the motor ?
03 325i M54
I have a BMW i135 convertible. My transmission icon is. coming on YELLOW. I hate going to the dealership. Should I change the fluid?
What about a 2014 428i x drive not shifting at all check engine says monitoring all ratio clutches
I dunno about using Valvoline Atf on a late model BMW with a ZF tranny
Why
I have a e39 540 with 230k miles and I think the car have never had the trans fluid changed, you guys think I should change the fluid now or just leave it be?
i have 2000 740i. 155.000 miles. Transmission fluid as far as i know has never been changed. Should i do it ? can i use zf fluid ?
i have x5 2007 and will
change it.
My car is BMW E39 520iA year 2000 with ZF A5S325Z. what oil in Transmission do i need on this. Some info and links.
used maxlife in my zf5hp19 and in my honda. seems to run just fine on it.
For Honda i find the best is oem only but hey if its shifts fine then hey no whammys