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Old 12-12-2016, 06:58 PM
oldskewel oldskewel is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vectravl View Post
Hi,I'm newbie here.I changed transmission fluid on my 2005 BMW X5 E53 3.0i with castro transmax import multi Vehicle which said compatible with BMW.Lately I get trans failsafe pro. come up, downshift was hard and upshift slow ( although drive is fine)I think the fluid was incompatible with my BMW.Can I use Mobil 1 ATF Oil Dexron VI to replace fluid.I want to try before take the car to dealer.
Thanks for your input
Whenever you're talking about an AT on this list, it is probably a good idea to check exactly what type you have and put it in your posting. The ZF's vs. the GM's are pretty different.

I'm pretty sure that your '05 3.0i has a GM AT in there, just like in my '01 3.0i. 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R) to be exact.

BMW's current specification for ATF in these is DEXRON VI. Any ATF that is certified to meet the DEXRON VI spec is good to use. I do not think your Castrol Transmax is certified as such. But Castrol does make a DEXRON VI that should be fine. None of this applies to the ZF AT's; those are different.

If you're still trying to figure out what to do, I would recommend doing a fluid change or two or more with DEXRON VI. You will find some brands that say they are certified to meet the specifications of DEXRON VI, and some that say they work OK in cars that need DEXRON VI. Subtle difference there, so pay attention, and choose accordingly.

For example, Mobil 1 (and Redline, etc.) certainly make high quality fluids, but they may not be DEXRON VI certified. It will be a matter of opinion as to whether you opt for the high $$ non-certified brand vs. the low $$ certified brand. Up to you on that one. But remember it's a General Motors transmission you've got in there. Same as in my neighbor's Cadillac.
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2001 X5 3.0i, 203k miles, AT, owned since 2014

Last edited by oldskewel; 12-12-2016 at 07:04 PM.
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