What ATF to use - X5 E53 2001 3.0i

[saldip]

Hello all. I have been searching the internet for hours and have not found a definitive technical reference / answer on what ATF to use for a Transmission drain and refill for this car - X5 E53 2001 3.0i
I am located in Australia.
Thanks to all. :confused

[upallnight]

Dexron III was what the trans came with. If you can find it, I would use it for a drain and fill. I bought a case of it when it was still available.

[Crowz]

It actually came with Texaco ETL-8072B which dex 3 should be compatible with.

This is what bmw recommends to use now to replace the Texaco ETL-8072B :

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...8072b-1-liter/

[semcoinc]

Since about 2010 I have been using AMSOIL Signature Series ATF Fluid in my E46 330Xi and since 2014 in my E53 4.4i without any issues.



https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...ullDescription

I did a multi drain and fill 4X on the E53 to insure that I got all or most of the 80K mile fluid out of the beast.

https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g3110.pdf

Full synthetic rated to meet Dexron III specs.

In conjunction with changing a couple of solenoids (to solve a nagging cold slippage transmission issue that has baffled me for several years) in the E46 just recently, I did a drain and fill of about 6.5 qts and filter change and was lucky to find the AMSOIL fluid on sale at Farm & Fleet for $6/qt.

Mike

[oldskewel]

I have a 2001 3.0i as well. I searched extensively trying to get a definitive answer on this when I decided to change the fluid.

Short answer is that DEXRON VI is what BMW currently specifies. More info below, from the notes I took at the time:

5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R) 5-speed auto transmission made by GM
A = Automatic (vs. S = Standard)
5 = 5 forward gears
S = top gear is overdrive (vs. D = top gear is direct drive)
390 = Max input torque rating in Nm
R = manufacturer is Hydramatic (GM Powertrain - Hydramatic in Strasbourg, France) (vs. Z = ZF or G = Getrag)

ATF capacity: 10.1 quarts/9.1 quarts (capacity for the X5 is 0.5 liters/quarts greater than for the 5 series with the same AT). But another BMW doc says "5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R) FOR X5 - WITH TORQUE CONVERTER - 9.6 LITERS - WITHOUT TORQUE CONVERTER - 8.6 LITERS"
Blue sticker on bottom of AT pan says use only BMW 83220024359
which appears to be Texaco ETL 8072B, which was Dexron III
superseded by BMW 83220397114, which is Dexron VI
So as of Dec 2014, the correct replacement fluid is Certified Dexron VI


**************
Also - note that the answer for the 3.0i is completely different from what it would be for the V8's. Completely different transmissions.

[semcoinc]

Looks like they went all fuel efficiency on us

AMSOIL's Dexron VI would be the "Fuel Efficient" ATF offering



https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g3110.pdf

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...?code=ATLQT-EA

Maybe next time I'll go with the Dexron VI spec.

Mike

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

Looks like they went all fuel efficiency on us

AMSOIL's Dexron VI would be the "Fuel Efficient" ATF offering



https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g3110.pdf

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...?code=ATLQT-EA

Maybe next time I'll go with the Dexron VI spec.

Mike

I mostly focus on my own 3.0i, but I think your 4.4 means it has a ZF AT (completely different) which specifies liquid gold for ATF. Nothing as low-brow as Dex VI.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

I mostly focus on my own 3.0i, but I think your 4.4 means it has a ZF AT (completely different) which specifies liquid gold for ATF. Nothing as low-brow as Dex VI.

Some ZF owners have reported success with Mercon ATF.

[Overboost]

Any suggestions on the filter? I am getting ready to do the transmission fluid change and want to use the best filter available. I have the GM A5S 390R in my 2004 3.0L.
What is everyone's opinion on filters?

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

I mostly focus on my own 3.0i, but I think your 4.4 means it has a ZF AT (completely different) which specifies liquid gold for ATF. Nothing as low-brow as Dex VI.

I have a 2003 Model 4.4 with the 5 speed 5HP-24,

Mike