2003 4.6is - New Transmission Fluid Change Interval?

[rds0812]

I recently sold my E39 M5 and bought an immaculately maintained 03' 4.6is, including a remanufactured ZF transmission, fuel filter and torque converter with approx. 25k miles and 3 years since installation.

Question: should I consider changing the transmission fluid at either 30k or 60k intervals going forward? I've read the horror stories of tyranny's going kaput after changing the fluid... thoughts on how to keep this new tranny in top shape, or will this one crap out after 100k miles like the rest regardless??? Suggestions on how to make it last?

Detailed repair list:

Timing guides/Timing Rails
- Timing Chain
- Vanos Seals & Replacement
- Upper & Lower Timing Cover Seals
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Cooling System Overhaul: Water Pump, Thermostat, Auxiliary Pump, Clutch Fan, Coolant hoses, Heater core feed and return hoses, Valley Pan plate & Gasket, Coolant Reservoir, Trans coolant Thermostat
- Spark Plugs
- O2 Sensors
- Cam Sensors
- Serpentine Belt
- A/C Belt
- Belt Tensioners
- Idler Pulleys
- Fuel Pump
- Fuel Filter
- Engine mounts

Repairs/Replacement:

- ZF Factory Remanufactured Automatic Transmission with Dinan Stage 1 software
- Rear Main Seal
- Rear Engine block coolant seal/gasket
- Front Left & Right outer CV boot
- Complete Front suspension rebuild: Control arms, Thrust bushings, sway bar links, struts, strut mounts
- AC Evaporator
- AC blower resistor
- Window regulator - Right Front & Rear
- Door Handle Carrier - Left Rear & Right Front


Upgrades & Enhancements:

- Dinan Engine Tune Stage III, Dinan Trans Tune Stage I, Dinan CAI, Dinan Large Throttle Body, Dinan Exhaust
-H&R Front Sport Springs
- Sachs Front Sport Struts
- BMW X5M 4 piston Brembo front Brakes
- BMW X5M Front Cross Drilled Rotors
- Front& Rear stainless steel braided brake line hoses
- BMW M Sport Steering Wheel
- Suede Headliner
- GROM bluetooth Audio
- JL Audio speakers
- BSW X5 Custom Subwoofer
- BMW Front Windshield Comfort Glass

[andrewwynn]

I would follow the ZF recommendation not the BMW rules. For the GM I remember bumping into an every 60k miles note once but ZF I'm not sure what they say.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by rds0812

I recently sold my E39 M5 and bought an immaculately maintained 03' 4.6is, including a remanufactured ZF transmission, fuel filter and torque converter with approx. 25k miles and 3 years since installation.

Question: should I consider changing the transmission fluid at either 30k or 60k intervals going forward? I've read the horror stories of tyranny's going kaput after changing the fluid... thoughts on how to keep this new tranny in top shape, or will this one crap out after 100k miles like the rest regardless??? Suggestions on how to make it last?

Detailed repair list:

Timing guides/Timing Rails
- Timing Chain
- Vanos Seals & Replacement
- Upper & Lower Timing Cover Seals
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Cooling System Overhaul: Water Pump, Thermostat, Auxiliary Pump, Clutch Fan, Coolant hoses, Heater core feed and return hoses, Valley Pan plate & Gasket, Coolant Reservoir, Trans coolant Thermostat
- Spark Plugs
- O2 Sensors
- Cam Sensors
- Serpentine Belt
- A/C Belt
- Belt Tensioners
- Idler Pulleys
- Fuel Pump
- Fuel Filter
- Engine mounts

Repairs/Replacement:

- ZF Factory Remanufactured Automatic Transmission with Dinan Stage 1 software
- Rear Main Seal
- Rear Engine block coolant seal/gasket
- Front Left & Right outer CV boot
- Complete Front suspension rebuild: Control arms, Thrust bushings, sway bar links, struts, strut mounts
- AC Evaporator
- AC blower resistor
- Window regulator - Right Front & Rear
- Door Handle Carrier - Left Rear & Right Front


Upgrades & Enhancements:

- Dinan Engine Tune Stage III, Dinan Trans Tune Stage I, Dinan CAI, Dinan Large Throttle Body, Dinan Exhaust
-H&R Front Sport Springs
- Sachs Front Sport Struts
- BMW X5M 4 piston Brembo front Brakes
- BMW X5M Front Cross Drilled Rotors
- Front& Rear stainless steel braided brake line hoses
- BMW M Sport Steering Wheel
- Suede Headliner
- GROM bluetooth Audio
- JL Audio speakers
- BSW X5 Custom Subwoofer
- BMW Front Windshield Comfort Glass

Put it in the garage and buy a beater.

[TriX5]

Drain and fill will NOT break the trans. I would stick to a 30k mile schedule for drain and fill. The trans fluid runs through a heat exchanger on the back of the coolant radiator and I think that is a bit high of a temp for a trans. My 5HP24 has done about 30 k miles since I refurbed it and the fluid coming out did not look pretty. hence my suggestion for 30k intervals.

My trans failed after the torq conv broke and sent shrapnel in to the trans, no telling when something like that happens.

Enjoy the car!

[Alenorm54]

It’s all depends on your driving however if you have the time do it at 30. And be prepared for long time pumping if you use manual pump. If you going to do it at 30 invest in special pump used for liquid that can manually take about a quart I One shot and it’s cleaner. Just did my son’s car and took me long time to pump. Remember to close the plug then start the car till its normal temp then open add more till it’s start coming out. Good luck

[Hoopie]

When a transmission is completely dry, pump in trans fluid till there is excess overflowing (about 1-3 litres if i remember). Start engine (park only) this will circulate the new fluid in the trans pan to the trans, then keep adding fluid till over flow. Plug, don't crank the bolt. Put the car in Drive for 3-5 seconds, Reverse 3-5 seconds - repeat a few times. Keep engine running in Park after this interval. Finish topping off till leaks out. Wait till fluid warms up a bit 30-35°C More or less at 80-90°F. https://at-manuals.com/manuals/zf-5hp19/ Check out the link