I don't have the data sheet on the Valvoline MaxLife. Does it say that it is certified to the spec by ZF? Or does it say that you should use it in applications that call for that spec? That is at the core of the confusion caused by the marketing departments of the oil companies.

I do see that Valvoline have some fluids that are certified to various specs (so they can certainly do it if they want to) and some others that aren't (but which are usually cheaper).

Edit: I looked up the list of suppliers to ZF for their Lifeguard 5 ATF. Valvoline isn't on the list. There are 23 suppliers listed. The document is from 2009. Interestingly, there is a Castrol approved fluid listed. It was Transmax Z (presumably for ZF). I only see references to it being available in Australia now, and there it no longer lists the ZF approval on line. It shows as a Dexron III fluid. Perhaps it was reformulated, I don't know.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue