Anybody here dealt with this company or purchased this particular kit?

[bmw540san]

BMW X5 4.6i Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kit - BMW ATF

Please, I'm not interested in debating if the ATF should be changed or not, just the question stated in title.

I'm a big fan of Liqui Moly and I'm considering their ATF Top Tec 1200 which is approved by ZF but this sounds a like a really good deal although I haven't heard much about this Ravenol brand oil.

Thank you in advance.

[4.8isX5]

Ravenol makes alot of quality fluids for audi cars. I ran their trans oil in my old a4 i sold, and run the powersteering one in my fathers a6.

If it meets the spec for the X in that kit, go ahead and get it. Blauparts is a very good site ive ordered there a few times.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by 4.8isX5

Ravenol makes alot of quality fluids for audi cars. I ran their trans oil in my old a4 i sold, and run the powersteering one in my fathers a6.

If it meets the spec for the X in that kit, go ahead and get it. Blauparts is a very good site ive ordered there a few times.

I forgot to mention my other concern. I wonder if in order to keep such a low price, they probably went with aftermarket filter. My understanding that OEM Filtran filter is the only one designed against possible collapse due to fluid pressure.

Just to play it safe, I'll contact then first and ask them who is the filter maker.

Thanks.

[Doru]

You are correct about the brand of the filter, and horror stories associated with aftermarket tranny filters.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Doru

You are correct about the brand of the filter, and horror stories associated with aftermarket tranny filters.

I agree. As I mentioned I've been using Liqui Moly for 10+ years and I'll go with Liqui Moly TopTec 1200 (10 Liters for $90 sale at Bavauto)

LIQUI MOLY - Motor Oils, Additives, Car Care - Products - Top Tec ATF 1200

And with ZF Filter kit:

BMW X5 46is Sport Utility E53 46L V8 Transmission Filter Kit by ZF 092043017 Fits: 1996-2003

I've considered the ZF lifeguard fluid but it's almost twice as much for same quality and specs.

I'll post my results later on.

[romeokc10]

I changed mine in my 2002 4.6is back in 2012, new OEM filter, used Valvoline synthetic tranny fluid I purchased from my local O'reilly's auto store. No problems whatsoever, I now over 211K miles and counting!

[JCL]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

II've considered the ZF lifeguard fluid but it's almost twice as much for same quality and specs.

It is not the same quality and spec. That Liqui Moly fluid is a Dexron III and Mercon fluid according to the Liqui Moly site. Liqui Moly say that though it isn't approved by ZF they think you should use it anyway. If you just want to buy a Dexron III fluid, you can get it cheaper at Walmart.

But what you need is the ZF Lifeguard fluid, whether from BMW, ZF, or whoever. Don't confuse a generic Dexron fluid with the proper one.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by JCL

It is not the same quality and spec. That Liqui Moly fluid is a Dexron III and Mercon fluid according to the Liqui Moly site. Liqui Moly say that though it isn't approved by ZF they think you should use it anyway. If you just want to buy a Dexron III fluid, you can get it cheaper at Walmart.

But what you need is the ZF Lifeguard fluid, whether from BMW, ZF, or whoever. Don't confuse a generic Dexron fluid with the proper one.

I respectfully disagree. What you describing sounds like this:
LIQUI MOLY - Motor Oils, Additives, Car Care - Products - ATF III
which I use in my 97 528i with GM 4 speed with great results. You'll notice on this one they don't recommend it for LT 71141 because it doesn't meet the specific requirements.

Even though Top Tec 1200 doesn't carry official Lt 71141 approval, Liqui Moly recommends it for it which means it meets the specific requirements but for whatever reasons they didn't go with official approval, probably not cost efficient.

I've been buying their products for years and Liqui Moly doesn't recommends something without knowing if it meets certain requirements. So I already ordered Top tec 1200 and I won't hesitate using it.

[powerstrokenstang]

Honestly when i first got my x i changed filter and put redline in. Fluid was yellow/brown at 99k. But i drained pan and refilled with amalie(sp). Thats what i always ran in my $4000 built trans for my pullin truck and all my other autos. Imho just get a quality syn fluid.