Thoughts on Changing Transmission Fluid

[JCL]

Originally Posted by bsprtsgrp

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.

Originally Posted by Brandon002

So ZF does recommend servicing the sealed transmission.

If we look at the ZF technical manual, and the info that RRPhil provided, the interpretation is slightly different.

Originally Posted by RRPhil

Just to add ZF’s view on the subject…….

In July this year, as well as a regular re-issue of their TE-ML11 lubrication list which stated (as usual) :

5-, 6- and 8-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:

ZF 5-, 6- and 8-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed partially synthetic ATF oils. Maintenance-free fills are intended for normal operating conditions. Especially driving at very high operating temperatures can result in accelerated aging or increased wear of ATF oils. It is recommended, in the event of severe operating conditions, such as:
- frequent highway driving in top speed range,
- offensive, sporty driving style,
- frequent trailer operation,
being above average, oil purification (oil change) on automatic transmissions is recommended between 80,000 km and 120,000 km, or 8 years, depending on the load.
In each case, only released ATF oil may be used for oil changes. And oil changes must be performed in accordance with the relevant specifications.

ZF also introduced their new ‘oil change kits’ to the market :

ZF Friedrichshafen AG | report 3.2013 – ZF Parts oil change kits for ZF automatic passenger car transmissions



So clearly ZF support, to some extent, fluid ‘purification’ changes for their transmissions (which replaces just over half of the fluid – the kits contain 7 litres) and advise that a fluid change may be necessary at between 50,000 and 75,000 miles (or 8 years) depending on the type of use.

For ‘normal operating conditions’ the official 5HP24 repair manual states :

“The transmission is filled with life-time oil. The oil does not have to be changed until it has been in use for ten years.”

and similarly in the 6HP26 repair manual :

“The transmission is filled for life with oil. An oil change is not necessary before 160 000 km or 10 years.”

Anyway, that’s the transmission manufacturer’s view.

Phil

Original post here: http://www.xoutpost.com/962737-post43.html

So, 10 years for normal use. Sooner for severe service. I'd put J. Belknap's supercharged 4.6 in that category, myself.

[bsprtsgrp]

I believe that JCL is on the correct path here. When I had a faulty wiring harness in the valve body that was causing shifting problems (not unlike a faulty MAF) the dealership per the TSB refilled the transmission with the fluid that came out of it. It was explained to me by the shop foreman that if all new fluid was introduced to the transmission it would shock it (the transmission that is) and could cause dislodging of sludge, debris, etc that would cause problems for the transmission.

If you do drop & drains at certain intervals, your likelihood of having issues decreases.

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by JCL

So, 10 years for normal use. Sooner for severe service. I'd put J. Belknap's supercharged 4.6 in that category, myself.

Damned if I do, damned if I don't.