Replacing e70 35D Transmission Pan with Ford 6R80

[boredincl]

Originally Posted by Davidf

Yes, all this is fine. The transmission are virtually the same for both BMW and Ford. Also, if you think the Ford pan is fine for the BMW, why not use the "SP" fluid that Ford specifies for the transmission and stay away from the Lifeguard fluid? Same logic right?

For me, I stay with the BMW pan as I don't want confusion for the next person that may work on the car. And, I use the "SP" fluid or equivalent.

Each to his own.

Correct, thanks for raising the fluid concern. I do hope my steps are clear that I still used ZF LifeGuard (or OEM equivalent) fluid. Substituting the pan and filter are one thing, replacing the fluid with something else is not good.

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by boredincl

Correct, thanks for raising the fluid concern. I do hope my steps are clear that I still used ZF LifeGuard (or OEM equivalent) fluid. Substituting the pan and filter are one thing, replacing the fluid with something else is not good.

I disagree with the fluid substitution and have been using cheaper substitutes for over 10 years with no ill affects. Many of my transmissions have gone well over 100k miles with other than ZF fluids. Ford didn't use the ZF fluid either.

Do you have first hand knowledge that using something other than ZF Lifeguard is "not good"?

Edit: ...maybe I am mis-reading your post. OE equivalent fluids are many and does not mean ZF Lifeguard. Fords "SP" fluid is an equivalent fluid as are many others on the market. With that said, ZF Lifeguard fluid is a very high quality and heat resistant fluid...thus, it probably has a longer life than many other "equivalent" fluids. So, I change fluid about every 60k miles.

[boredincl]

Originally Posted by Davidf

I disagree with the fluid substitution and have been using cheaper substitutes for over 10 years with no ill affects. Many of my transmissions have gone well over 100k miles with other than ZF fluids. Ford didn't use the ZF fluid either.

Do you have first hand knowledge that using something other than ZF Lifeguard is "not good"?

Edit: ...maybe I am mis-reading your post. OE equivalent fluids are many and does not mean ZF Lifeguard. Fords "SP" fluid is an equivalent fluid as are many others on the market. With that said, ZF Lifeguard fluid is a very high quality and heat resistant fluid...thus, it probably has a longer life than many other "equivalent" fluids. So, I change fluid about every 60k miles.

I do not have personal experience with using a different fluid. With a pan and filter change there's a lot of fluid still in the transmission so I would not want to mix another fluid with it.
I imagine you did a complete drain including converter and then filled with all new correct?

[Davidf]

Nope, mixing fluids is not a problem. I have done both and so far no differences experienced in both transmission operation or longevity. The only real difference in fluid is the color. ZF (or who they had manufacture the oil...Esso) did not add red dye. In fact, the early Motorcraft "SP" did not have red dye added as well. All I have recently purchased does have red dye added. ZF fluid is a very highly refined oil and thus able to last longer than most (from what I have read). This is the main reason they call it a lifetime fluid and recommend against other fluids that although will perform fine might not last a "lifetime" or 100k miles, whichever comes first.

[boredincl]

Originally Posted by Davidf

Nope, mixing fluids is not a problem. I have done both and so far no differences experienced in both transmission operation or longevity. The only real difference in fluid is the color. ZF (or who they had manufacture the oil...Esso) did not add red dye. In fact, the early Motorcraft "SP" did not have red dye added as well. All I have recently purchased does have red dye added. ZF fluid is a very highly refined oil and thus able to last longer than most (from what I have read). This is the main reason they call it a lifetime fluid and recommend against other fluids that although will perform fine might not last a "lifetime" or 100k miles, whichever comes first.

Interesting, Do you know if Esso makes motorcrafts SP?

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by boredincl

Interesting, Do you know if Esso makes motorcrafts SP?

No, I don't. Please keep in mind that I am not a fluid expert, but rather telling the story of my experience and research on the matter. In the end, you and everyone else should do what makes them sleep good.

[Diesel X5 35d]

That's pretty clever. Especially for your next filter change, that is where you will start saving a few dollars.

In all reality, the filter molded in the pan provides more filter surface area than a pop in filter and may allow a little more heat dissipation as the fluid is in contact with the pan outer skin while it is being filtered. However, this comes at a significant added maintenance cost, given that the "lifetime fill" claim is bogus.

The ZF 6 fluid is Shell 1375.4. As far as I know, ZF and all the other manufacturers do not do their own refining.

The proprietary fluid concept has just become another profit center for auto manufacturers. It's only about the bottom line.

I just changed my ATF with a new ZF pan. after 96,000 miles the fluid was a little discolored but nothing compared to other transmissions I have serviced. This transmission does not produce much sludge compared to others. It was really surprising how clean the pan was.

FEBI now sells the Shell 1375.4 at a much better price than ZF or BMW.

AMALIE makes a truly universal synthetic 0w20 synthetic ATF which they say is compatible with the CHP 26 transmission I might use it next time.

There used to be a law in the US restricting the ability to mandate only proprietary products for maintenance. It looks like the big car makers have found a way around this. So now everyone has their own brand of "special sauce"!

[boredincl]

good to know, i will look into that for my next oil change.
Thx.