Transmission Fluid Change DIY

[faz]

Originally Posted by yamaboy2000

So i had a local shop (very BMW savy) replace my tranny fluid and filter figuring i was being pro-active with all new BMW fluids and parts. They said it was a good idea since liftime means 100k and my X5 is at 110,000. Let me note that i had ***ABSOLUTELY NO*** problems/symptoms what so ever. 2 days later and $500 closer to the poor house in less than 50mi. the transmission failed on the HWY & now needs a new tranny or a full rebuild quoted at around $5,000 by the same shop...BMW=Break My Wallet//the Ultimate Fixing Machine

Sorry to hear about this.

It seems like you are in San Jose as well. I just sent you a pm with regards to another transmission shop that I just came across a couple of weeks ago (no connection or previous experience with them myself.) You may want to call them up and see if they can help and may be do the job at lower rate.

Keep us posted on your progress please.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by RevJunky

I would have NEVER recommended changing 100% of the fluid over 100k miles, that was poor judgment of the shop. To be honest, I wouldn't recommend changing any of the fluid past 100k miles. If you're going to ever change the tranny fluid, I would recommend changing it early and frequently and only about 50% each time.

It was only changed about 50%, since the torque converter wasn't drained.

[mrmcreynolds]

Mobil 1 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF combines high-performance synthetic hydrocarbon base oils and a superior balanced additive system to provide significantly higher levels of performance above conventional fluids. This unique, advanced technology provides long drain capability, excellent friction retention, and low-temperature fluidity. Further, it helps to improve overall transmission durability and cleanliness. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is also compatible with conventional ATFs.

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is formulated for use in most North American, European and Asian vehicles.

• Approved for Allison C-4 applications
• Exceeds JASO 1-A performance standard
• Also suitable for use in vehicles that specify the following fluid requirements:
  • Audi G 052 025-A2, G 052 162-A1
  • BMW LA2634
  • Esso LT 71141

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by mrmcreynolds

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is formulated for use in most North American, European and Asian vehicles.

• Approved for Allison C-4 applications
• Exceeds JASO 1-A performance standard
• Also suitable for use in vehicles that specify the following fluid requirements:
  • Audi G 052 025-A2, G 052 162-A1
  • BMW LA2634
  • Esso LT 71141

I don't think that oil meets the requirements for any of the X5 trannys...

[mrmcreynolds]

Originally Posted by John Galt

I don't think that oil meets the requirements for any of the X5 trannys...

Thanks John - Do you have any documentation?

Exxon Mobil Corporation is the parent of Esso, Mobil and ExxonMobil companies ... in almost every aspect of the energy, oil and gas, and petrochemical business.

Exxon Mobil Corporation

It also lists Esso LT 71141 on the back of the bottle.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by mrmcreynolds

Thanks John - Do you have any documentation?

Exxon Mobil Corporation is the parent of Esso, Mobil and ExxonMobil companies ... in almost every aspect of the energy, oil and gas, and petrochemical business.

Exxon Mobil Corporation

It also lists Esso LT 71141 on the back of the bottle.

Ah, that is for the ZF tranny on the 4.4? It won't work for the A5S390R or the other ZF, right?

[mrmcreynolds]

Yes - I've got an 03' 4.4.

[nova23zz502]

Originally Posted by Bimmer360

Tomaz,
I have 100K in the clock and about to have my step 4.4i transmission oil and filter changed, but one guy said in a different thread, and i quote: "You need to be careful with changing the fluid on Automatics with 100,000 miles though. Sometimes changing the fluid on high mileage automatics makes for problems that were not there to begin with." Do you know if this is true?

YES IT IS TRUE FOR ANY CAR CHEAP OR EXPENSIVE IT CAN HAPPEN. 25 YEARS HARD LONG AUTOMOTIVE WORK.

[fast4d]

FWIW, I've been draining/refillng the fluid since 50k miles at every oil change with this penzoil fluid. it claim compatibility with LT71141.

2002 x5 4.4 has a zf hp25 tranmission. we now have 135k miles.

Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF

it's inexpensive @ $40 for 12 quarts.

I can't find it at my local stores anymore!

[HEISING]

I use "Castrol import multi vehicle atf" for my X5 with a "ZF" tranny. Works great! 151K on the transmission. No problems. Transmission fluid isn't magic, Ya Know.