ZF specs the filter for the trans it licenses to Ford just as it does for a BMW. Replacing the filter with a good quality unit every 50-60k is in my opinion a much better bet then waiting 100k for the "lifetime fill" with the BMW pan
I'm not getting hung up on the fact that it's a cheaper ford pan, it's that this pan allows me to use a replaceable filter of my choice and hold addition volume to help keep the fluid cleaner longer and running cooler.