How about a ZF 5HP24 Transmission Fluid Change and Failures Poll?

[SF2000x5]

My 2000 is close to 200k and I plan on a drain and fill. I think a common reason for failure after a drain is incorrect filling. I'm going to try and measure how much fluid was drained and then check for proper level on jack stands and an infrared thermometer.

I have the filter, just need the damn fluid..

[SlickGT1]

does anyone know the process of checking the oil temp with the GT1?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by SF2000x5

.....check for proper level in jack stands.....

This DIY prompted me to buy a 2nd set of Rhino Ramps, drive up and car is level, no jacking or chance of vehicle dropping involved. Now that I have 4 ramps I will never go back to floorjack/jackstands unless the DIY involves wheel removal.

[SlickGT1]

IiAgX5, do the rhino ramps fit under the car, car on floor. I have one set, I was debating on how to get the car level as well. Thanks.

[TiAgX5]

My set clears the rocker panels by around a 1/2" with the X on the ground. If you have a set that don't fit, just drive each rear wheels up on a piece of 2X6 lumber then slide the ramps under. Just be sure the lumber is in place B4 driving off the ramps, you don't want to damage the rockers!

[SlickGT1]

Yea lol. I'm going to check this as soon as I can. Been putting this off for minor reasons like this.

Anyone know how to have the GT1 show the trans temp?

[Ghost-Flame]

Originally Posted by SF2000x5

My 2000 is close to 200k and I plan on a drain and fill. I think a common reason for failure after a drain is incorrect filling. I'm going to try and measure how much fluid was drained and then check for proper level in jack stands and an infrared thermometer.

I have the filter, just need the damn fluid..

3 weeks ago...
I had my car up on Jack stands and blocks which I maticulously raised to be perfectly level. As per my carpentars level on the bottom of the transmission pan. I measured the fluid coming out in a 1 gallon milk jug and it was 3.5 qts. I then added used engine oil from a premeasured qt bottle until the jug was full. I measured what was left and it was 16 ozs. .... I have a 3.0 gasoline

So when I pumped in the new fluid, 3.5 qts of M1 ATF then ran for 20 minutes on the jacks going through the gears, drained and filled for 2 more times(3 in all). 20 minutes going through the gears is all you need to do you will see the fluid turn color each time you drain getting redder and redder each time. I figure I get about 95% of the fluid out. Driving it for a week just prolongs the job and effort in set up and take down.

[SF2000x5]

^did you have to warm up the car when pumping in the last quart or so?

I'm still contemplating on m1 synthetic ATF or dealer ATF. Price of fluid isn't a factor so I'm most likely going with what the dealer has to offer.

[faranks]

I agree with SlickGT1, this myth is ridiculous. People often change their fluid in response to a problem, and then make erroneous claims that the fluid change caused the problem. I don't understand comments about "shocking" the tranny with fluid change. It's got a big filter folks, and 4 magnets in the pan as well. All these collect is clutch plate material. It's a sealed system not subject to combustion like the motor. The insides of a tranny are amazingly clean until something fails. There are not a lot of wear items; friction plates, steel plates, bearings and rubber o-rings are really about it. Spend a few days on the Bob is the Oil Guy website, or better yet, send your 100k tranny oil in for a UOA, see how well it has held up scientifically. The rest of the world changes oil regularly because IT is the main wear item. This lifetime fill stuff is just marketing, that was eventually re-thought.

[Ghost-Flame]

My transmission was cold on the first drain and slightly warmer on the subsequent drains, because I am running through the gears for 20 minutes. What's in your pan will be fine metal particles. the fluid will be very dark not quite black. the metal collects near the magnet.

BTW the cold trans fluid was allowed to drain for 1hour untill it was just 1 drop per minute. On the subsequent drains I let it drain for maybe 20 minutes. About the time it takes me to smoke a " Fuente'short story" (cigar)

I changed the filter and gasket at 83 K when I bought the car... no problems. I changed it again by just draining through drain plug recently at 143K.

at 203K I will remove the pan, filter and gasket again.

Also the dealer would not sell me the trans fluid... parts guy took me aside and said if they sold it then it would not be logical because BMW says it is lifetime fluid. So, why sell it? Their shop buys it in 55 gallon drums... no retail pack. I then called the other 2 dealers in the area and they said the same thing.

My parts guy told me that any DEXvi atf is what they use. I asked him what he would use on his car... he whispered Mobil1.