Transmission Experts Weigh In

[haigha]

Originally Posted by Clavurion

I would still do the oil change by flushing the whole content especially if you are going to Dexron VI which is also compatible and has better wear abilities. This can be done if you have the vehicle on stands. Personally I think these myths about dangerous oil changes are mainly based on cases where someone has tried to rectify an already faulty gearbox with an oil change or the oil change was done wrong and there was too little oil in the sump (not filled while engine running).

I agree. My N62 was leaking at 16 years, with only 40k miles, at the mechatronic sleeve. I was experiencing some harsh shifts out of first gear.

I replaced the sleeve with my mechanic friend and we did three drain and fills with Valvoline MaxLife. It shifts great now and I hope I caught it before the low ATF due to the leak caused serious damage. The original fluid looked good. We decided to drain and fill it anyway. ZF recommends a maximum of six or eight years on the life of the fluid, I forget which. BMW says lifetime which has worked for some too.

[andrewwynn]

I like the idea of using the transmission line for a complete exchange it going that route. I'll be making that call in the next half year.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by haigha

I agree. My N62 was leaking at 16 years, with only 40k miles, at the mechatronic sleeve. I was experiencing some harsh shifts out of first gear.

I replaced the sleeve with my mechanic friend and we did three drain and fills with Valvoline MaxLife. It shifts great now and I hope I caught it before the low ATF due to the leak caused serious damage. The original fluid looked good. We decided to drain and fill it anyway. ZF recommends a maximum of six or eight years on the life of the fluid, I forget which. BMW says lifetime which has worked for some too.

Valvoline Max Life is on my short list right now. Claims compatibility for ZF LT71141 and GM ETL 8072B

[haigha]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Valvoline Max Life is on my short list right now. Claims compatibility for ZF LT71141 and GM ETL 8072B

But not certified, as others have pointed out in previous threads. For me, the savings over the ZF fluid was worth the risk. Something like a sixth or eighth of the cost. I bought mine at Walmart. I had read other posts where people had success with MaxLife before choosing it.

[80stech]

I would say replace the selector shaft seal if you haven't done that already I think there is some really good info posted. Make sure you get a reasonably good quality filter so neck fits properly and doesn't break off, make sure you don't leave the old seal ring sticking up there, try to get the metal clad pan gasket, refill with Valvoline maxlife or dex VI with maybe 1/2 can of conditioner and don't worry about not getting all of the oil changed or putting the old oil back in. That's my 2 cents and what I did on both of mine at about 200,000K.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I would say replace the selector shaft seal if you haven't done that already I think there is some really good info posted. Make sure you get a reasonably good quality filter so neck fits properly and doesn't break off, make sure you don't leave the old seal ring sticking up there, try to get the metal clad pan gasket, refill with Valvoline maxlife or dex VI with maybe 1/2 can of conditioner and don't worry about not getting all of the oil changed or putting the old oil back in. That's my 2 cents and what I did on both of mine at about 200,000K.

I replaced the selector shaft seal this past week and bought the Genuine BMW GM 5L40-E transmission service kit that includes the gasket, filter and bolts. I am just trying to make a decision on the best fluid to use.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...it-24117557069

[80stech]

Awesome, you're way ahead! I used the Valvoline Maxlife on mine and the dexron VI with a 1/2 can of conditioner on my wife's and both have been good. I seem to remember there is/was either a change with the maxlife and/or there are 2 different types which put my OCD into overdrive for a bit but I don't think it should be an issue.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by 80stech

Awesome, you're way ahead! I used the Valvoline Maxlife on mine and the dexron VI with a 1/2 can of conditioner on my wife's and both have been good. I seem to remember there is/was either a change with the maxlife and/or there are 2 different types which put my OCD into overdrive for a bit but I don't think it should be an issue.

I think it was a packaging change and is called Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF.

[80stech]

Yes, I think they changed the spec as well but not the oil for that part, but I also seem to remember the first maxlife was a blend and not fully synthetic. Either way you should be good! Don't give yourself a headache like I did! haha

[Overboost]

Decided on the Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF and took advice from Andrew on saving the original fluid just in case it is loaded with friction material. I bought a fresh drain pan/container and will hold onto it for a few weeks just in case.

I also got a decent fluid transfer pump that should move a couple of gallons easily. Just waiting on my FCP Euro order of Genuine BMW filter and pan gasket as it is showing delivery tomorrow. Might be busy tomorrow,