Auto Trans. Filter Kit Question - 3.0i

[Max Gunner]

Originally Posted by Wayne's World

IIRC - It was $100 for the filter kit and $70 for the fluid.

Did you get the Esso from ECS too? If not, where? Anyone have a good source for the Esso ATF?

thanks,

MG

[Wayne's World]

In my 2006 3.0L - I used Valvoline Dex VI. The Texaco stuff was superceeded by the DEX VI according to a few dealers. I picked it up at NAPA. I'm not sure where you could get the ESSO stuff from but ECS might have it or BavAuto.

[CharlieHustleX5]

The transmissions on our X5's should be serviced well before the 100K suggested mark. The fluid is not meant to be used for that long period of time. I think the reason for tranny failures is due to the lack of fluid and filter changes. I just finished servicing my transmission and the fluid was near black. I've only driven the car for a day since and everything feels better. Its as if the transmission has new life. I've got almost 82k on my x5 and i'm sure glad I serviced it. Sometime within the next week, I do plan to do one quick drain and refill to hopefully drain out more of the old fluid which was still locked in the torque converter.

[Max Gunner]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

The transmissions on our X5's should be serviced well before the 100K suggested mark. The fluid is not meant to be used for that long period of time. I think the reason for tranny failures is due to the lack of fluid and filter changes. I just finished servicing my transmission and the fluid was near black. I've only driven the car for a day since and everything feels better. Its as if the transmission has new life. I've got almost 82k on my x5 and i'm sure glad I serviced it. Sometime within the next week, I do plan to do one quick drain and refill to hopefully drain out more of the old fluid which was still locked in the torque converter.

What ATF did you use, Charlie?


thanks,

MG

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by Max Gunner

What ATF did you use, Charlie?


thanks,

MG

Same as Wayne...Valvoline Dexron VI.

I was thinking about using Redline D4 but after comparing specs between the 2 fluids, and since BMW listed Dexron VI as the replacement fluid type, I felt confident that Valvoline would be suitable for my car.

Now that I have the old filter to compare it amongst another brand filter, I just might buy a few other filter kits and analyze any differences that are noticeable.

[scottr99]

Nice write-up! Where did you get the fluid? The dealership quoted me $11 per pint which would be almost $200 just for the fluid. BMW Enthused - The Place for BMW Enthusiasts!

[chefwong]

Should be closer to $11 per qt.....Bav Auto carries it as well as Audi OEM.

I have done 2 flushes (OEM Esso, then Amsoil). 3rd was full pan drop and transfer case.
30K later and still running fine.

[CharlieHustleX5]

You can pick up Dexron VI at your local auto parts store. There's no need to purchase the Esso brand fluid IMO. I chose Dexron VI simply because the dealership had stated the new part number is a Dexron VI transmission fluid. The only other fluids I had in mind prior to my discovery is Amsoil, Redline D4, and the VW oem stuff.

[Max Gunner]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

You can pick up Dexron VI at your local auto parts store. There's no need to purchase the Esso brand fluid IMO. I chose Dexron VI simply because the dealership had stated the new part number is a Dexron VI transmission fluid. The only other fluids I had in mind prior to my discovery is Amsoil, Redline D4, and the VW oem stuff.

I believe you 100%, but it frustrates me that I can't get my local stealer to admit to this. I just hung up the phone with him and he still says the only stuff I can use in there is "lifetime fill" BMW ATF which he'll sell me for $30 a liter.

NAPA has the Valvoline Dex6 for around $6 per quart. Hmmm...


MG

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by Max Gunner

I believe you 100%, but it frustrates me that I can't get my local stealer to admit to this. I just hung up the phone with him and he still says the only stuff I can use in there is "lifetime fill" BMW ATF which he'll sell me for $30 a liter.

NAPA has the Valvoline Dex6 for around $6 per quart. Hmmm...


MG

If you aren't sure the Valvoline Dexron VI will work for you, there's alternatives that have already proven to replace the original fluid very well. Amsoil and Redline D4 are still under $30 a liter and most have notihng but good things to say about them.

If the transmission on my X wasn't manufactured by GM, I would've considered the alternatives. But since its the same tranny found on other GM vehicles and they dont sell their ATF for the price BMW does, I dont see why I should over pay for something as simple as a fluid.