Snake oil success!

[alberniken]

Hello all, especially those with tranny issues (The automotive kind only please)

TL;DR - magic witches potion fixes transmission

Essay version:

A few months back I bought a second x5, 2003 4.4.

Overall nice condition, and has quite a bit more "git up n scoot" than my 2001 3.0.

One drawback was torque converter lockup being intermittent, accompanied by a slight shudder. At steady cruise around 2000rpm, it would switch lock/unlock about every two seconds. Also experienced loose or soft gear changes, like the transmission was uncertain it wanted to keep the gear or up-shift.

Much research on this forum, other BMW forums and sites that cover ZF transmissions got me worried that the only option was new TC and rebuilt transmission. I talked directly with a transmission re-builder and he noted that there was a common issue with seal leakage that would bleed pressure for TC clutch mechanism, and cause 'loose' gear shifts. Worst case was the a seal (or more than one) might have gotten torn or eroded.

A general search into transmission problems, especially high mileage units with indifferent maintenance, led me to try a less expensive chemical solution first.

The seller had fortunately included several litres of ZF fluid with the car, so I decided to at least try a solution often derided as "snake oil". In addition to the ZF fluid, I ordered AT-205 Re-Seal and Lubegard 19610 Instant Shudder Fixx

Got the car up on stands and drained trans fluid - WOW was it black! Especially a concern as the ZF fluid was nearly clear. Drain & fill just what was in pan, drop it down and go for drive. I just puttered around to ensure the new fluid could get to all the nooks and crannies.

Up on stands again for drain & fill; WOW again, better but still dark. Another scenic drive around the neighborhood.

Third time around, drain & refill with the two chemicals above, plus top up with ZF fluid. Got for ride around town. Shifts are a -little- better and there is a hope. On longer steady sections, still had the lock/un-lock TC problem. I did think that maybe the lubeguard reseal would take some time.

Sure enough after about 500km I have now found the TC lock/un-lock issue has disappeared! I can cruise at a steady 2000rpm and not see a glitch at all. In addition, the gear changes have definitely tightened up a whole lot.

Now I know that some folks will say it was the fresh ZF fluid that made the improvements, but I have experienced a number of transmission issues on quite a few vehicle (since I tend to buy a lot of end-of-life beaters) and know from my own experience that other than low fluid levels, I have not ever seen fresh fluid fix problems such as this.

[andrewwynn]

AT-205 had slowed my m54 oil leaks by 80%.

[Salty B.]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

AT-205 had slowed my m54 oil leaks by 80%.

Any experience with their intake cleaner?

https://atpautomotive.com/featured/intake-blast

[andrewwynn]

No but I've been wanting to to use something similar to clean my intake on my N55 which definitely needs it. I will be Walnut blasting prob in September when I get caught up

[Themoog]

I used Dr Tranny in mine years ago and it had exactly the same symptoms as yours. Fixed it for about 5 years until it just lost forward drive one day after a week of clunky shifts from 3rd to 4th…

[alberniken]

I seldom keep any cars 5 years So I will cal this a win

[andrewwynn]

I figured out that's how FCP stays in biz. The lifetime is by Vin so they are banking on the car going to the grave yard in 3-5 years vs. 20 like typical e53!

[alberniken]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I figured out that's how FCP stays in biz. The lifetime is by Vin so they are banking on the car going to the grave yard in 3-5 years vs. 20 like typical e53!

It IS lifetime...it will last the lifetime of the transmission...

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by alberniken

It IS lifetime...it will last the lifetime of the transmission...

LoL... Now somebody please...PLEASE tell me where the damn filler plug is on the six speed ZF tranny .


Also, being here in downunder land, what is the Brand name of the products used and the ZF oil used.



To the OP, how much oil did you use in your oil flush out sequence overall?


Thanks, Jeff

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Spartan

LoL... Now somebody please...PLEASE tell me where the damn filler plug is on the six speed ZF tranny .


Also, being here in downunder land, what is the Brand name of the products used and the ZF oil used.



To the OP, how much oil did you use in your oil flush out sequence overall?


Thanks, Jeff

Jeff, if you have the metal oil pan (like I do) the filler is in the pan itself...

I know - weird eh?



You need an oil pump to fill the ZF 6HP26 with this type of fill plug. I use a hand pump.

I also use ZF LifeGuard 6 fluid - available form most auto trans parts suppliers.

https://mjproducts.com.au/shop/zf-li...-litre-bottle/