Transmission Fluid Change DIY

[ScoobyDooBMW]

MBK,
Here's the other way you were talking about how to check the level. This is how you check the GA6HP26Z to see if it's full.

The fill is on the bottom, not the side.

[kvc]

Originally Posted by mbk

Cheers kvc.. That's pretty much what I read before and you confirming that make me confident in doing it that way.. Cheers mate I'll definately be back under the car in the near future.. I mean it makes sense since there's the 17mm socket head bolt there that it's there for a reason.
Do u know if this filled to the correct level will eliminate the kick from the gearbox when the car shifts down to 1st when coming to a stop?

Not sure why you would have that issue. Sounds like it could be something to do with the valve body. I would report back on what your pan looks like when you remove it (take a photo if you can). Is there just a modest amount of 'swarf' accumulated on the magnets, or are there larger deposits? How many kms since last service? What sort of driving do you normally do (city or long highway distances)? Do you tow anything? All these will have a bearing on the life expectancy of your trans and amount of wear.

[o3x5e53]

Sorry for bumping a old tired thread (don't shoot me) just wanted to ask has anyone used "Motul multi atf" in their automatic fluid change. I rang up my BMW dealer and asked what fluid I should use they said they don't know because it comes in a drum without labels. I also rang a independant BMW specialist and he recommended dexron 6.. Not sure what to use now. My car has 240,000kms nothing wrong with shifting or any sort....although I'm planning on towing a track car to the circuit(first time with the BMW 4.4i) I'm a bit confused on what to use. Thanks.

[SlickGT1]

It helps to know what car you have. But none of the multi fluid BS works well.

6 Speed oil change kit BMW

If you have a ZF box.

Yea it costs a bunch for this oil, but this is what they fill your car with from the starts.

[o3x5e53]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

It helps to know what car you have. But none of the multi fluid BS works well.

6 Speed oil change kit BMW

If you have a ZF box.

Yea it costs a bunch for this oil, but this is what they fill your car with from the starts.

Sorry i have a 2003 BMW x5 E53 4.4i(5Spd).. so is that a no to Motul Multi ATF? I searched up on REALOEM, it recommened DEX III.
Thanks.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by o3x5e53

Sorry i have a 2003 BMW x5 E53 4.4i(5Spd).. so is that a no to Motul Multi ATF? I searched up on REALOEM, it recommened DEX III.
Thanks.

Motul says it is good for applications calling for ZF Lifeguard 5, which is what you need. However, they also say it is a Dexron III fluid, and ZF caution against using that in this transmission. That is the problem with fluids designed to reduce retail inventory costs instead of meet transmission requirements. I'd go with a real Lifeguard 5 fluid.

[o3x5e53]

Thats the problem, "ZF Lifeguard 5" is hard to get to australia. I guess I'll have to try and get it from Bavarian Autosport. Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by o3x5e53

Thats the problem, "ZF Lifeguard 5" is hard to get to australia. I guess I'll have to try and get it from Bavarian Autosport. Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it.

The California Transmission Company is a bit closer... The CTSC - ZF Parts

[kvc]

Originally Posted by o3x5e53

Thats the problem, "ZF Lifeguard 5" is hard to get to australia. I guess I'll have to try and get it from Bavarian Autosport. Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it.

I used 'Nulon' fully synthetic ATF. It is recommended as a replacement for the ZF lifeguard 6, so I imagine it would be okay in the 5 speed too. It is a new product and when I called them they assured me it was fine for the ZF transmission. They do specify it's a full-fill ATF, so you'll have to drain, fill, run, drain, fill, run about 3 times. Irrespective, it's a fraction of the cost of the 'lifeguard' fluid and so far I've had no problems whatsoever.

I've attached an info sheet FYI.

[frozenwaffles]

I just put that Nulon ATF in my X5 4.4 E53 with a bottle of the Lucas Oil Stop Slip and its never shifted better!