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

[bastereo]

The flat bottom of the pan is a better read for an infrared thermo

Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

[SlickGT1]

I bought one the other day. I will give it a try next time and compare to gt1. But don't hold your breath anyone. I'm pretty busy, so it will be a while.

[SkidmarkX5]

Yr. 2000 with 4.4; changed the fluid at 110,000 mi.

Fluid: Pentosin with BMW part No. same as the green sticker on the bottom of the pan. Replaced fluid on a lift at proper temp. New filter and the magnets on the pan were very clean. Fluid was dirty. Shifted gears at idle to re-establish proper filling temp & volume throughout the trans. (I had access to the ZF Shop Manual, BTW). Held the proper volume within 4-6 oz.
Trans Failure at 114,000 miles.

Short Story: Pulled the trans and sent it to Fast Trans in AZ. after rebuild, shipping, R&R > $6,000.00.

The ZF Trans is supposed to be a marvel of German engineering. Plenty of examles of this. Mine was just not one of them. Currently at 166K Mi. and doing great. The Valve Body was updated with new & improved goodies, from what I understand. Intuitive features functioned noticable better after rebuild also.

So, in hind sight, as I was not the original owner & I was able to determine that it was a Dealership-serviced vehicle from 0-97K when i got it. Probobly never had the fluid changed. Perhaps it was but performed improperly. (Why did I not find some Clutch filings on those magnets?)

Great Post. I recall a similar post about a year ago where someone had a bar chart of the variouse outcomes.

SKID

[bsprtsgrp]

Response from ZF:

We stand by BMW’s recommendation of lifetime oil fill on the 5HP24 transmission. However to assure proper operation we advise to perform a drain and fill at 100,000 kilometers or after 8 years. We do offer oil and filters through our distributors. The only approved oil for your ZF 5HP-24 transmission is “Lifeguard Fluid 5” and the oil quantity required for a completely dry transmission is about 10liters. For the correct filter kit please go to genuine ZF parts.

[Litsie E53_05]

Changed mine when i bought the car at 150.000 km on it. fortunate for me because when they did it found out that something was leaking fluid... No problems ever since.

[epdarks]

My 4.6 trans lasted until 110,000 miles.

Replaced with a re-man unit at cost from BMW: $4000.

142,000 miles and going strong.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by epdarks

My 4.6 trans lasted until 110,000 miles.

Replaced with a re-man unit at cost from BMW: $4000.

142,000 miles and going strong.

Then you are about ripe for a drain and fill.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

The ZF-5HP24 is the manufacturer ID, the transmission ID is A5S-440Z. I changed at 100k miles, at 146k miles now, no issues. Used the Castrol fluid that met the BMW spec (Esso LT 71141).

Figured I would update my experence using the Castrol MultiCar fluid. At almost 170k miles now and trans is still going strong. Even with severe tow duty in extremely high temps.

[TiminIndy]

Thought I would bump this discussion for questions about transmission fluid change I am preparing for. I have a 2006 E53 3.0i with automatic transmission. Almost 96K miles and I have extensive records of all maintenance from previous owners and I didn't see anything about fluid changes for the transmission, transfer case, or differentials, so I plan to do them all soon. The previous owner bought it as Certified Pre-Owned in 2010, so it was under the full BMW warranty and service until Nov 2012.

First, I'm trying to find out where I can verify which transmission I have, since I have read some conflicting reports. From the original delivery sheet, it says I have Sport Package, automatic 5 speed transmission and it states the country of origin for the transmission is France. Most of what I have read says this is a GM transmission, but I haven't been able to find the model # or the manufacturer's exact stated fluid specs. Bavauto site recommends Liqui Moly Top Tec 1200 ATF and the price isn't too bad on that (5 liters for $50).

Most of the DIY's I have read recommend dropping the pan and replacing filter, replace fluid, then do another drain and fill after running it anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 weeks. This means I'll be cycling the 50/50 fluid through the new filter. Would it make any sense to do a drain and fill first, then drop the pan and change the filter after that instead?

As for the temperature for final oil level, I think it was the Bavauto DIY that said if you don't have the means to get the exact temperature, you should be able to put your open hand on the transmission pan for a moment, but it should be too hot to be able to hold it there for any period of time. Not sure about this and I may check prices on a little infrared temp reader. Eventually, I want to get a scanner tool and software, but there is a lot of confusing info out there about my options on this, so I have a lot more research to do there first. (any pointers to condensed, current, economical options on this would be great!)

[TiAgX5]

I changed the filter on the final drain/fill.

I need to do another fluid/filter change (over 200k miles now).