Transmission Flush - Do or DON'T??

[mejim707]

Originally Posted by haigha

That's the same ATF I used. I have an E53 4.4i, N62.

The kit looks like it has what you need, but I'm not an expert. EDIT: It doesn't list E70, but does say X5's in that model's range. It will depend on your transmission. I like to use FCP Euro or ECS Tuning because you can search by exact year and model more easily. Is this the right one for your engine?

https://www.amazon.com/24117571217-T.../dp/B08FSPMF8L

I bought a kit from ECS Tuning because I wanted quality parts. It doesn't have as many parts. We reused the bolts for the pan. They were fine. No leaks. On mine, it's aluminum and it didn't need to be replaced either.

For E53:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/24152333899/

Edit: You don't change the pan twice, you use the drain hole to drain it the second (and, possibly third) time. I did it three times to get more MaxLife to original fluid ratio.

Whoa, that kit does look complete, and it's prime! It's says E70 in the description as well as X5 2007 - 2010 so it appears to be what I'm looking for exactly!

I could get that with the sleeves and valveoline redline fluid and I should be good for the service.

I looked on ECS but there are so many option and none of the kits include the seals and bolts. They're all $100+ and don't include half of what this kit includes. Some are over $170 and include fluid but they don't includes seals or bolts either. I'll continue to dig but thank you for the help!

[bcredliner]

I have changed the fluid every 50,000 miles.

[ard]

Are people seriously telling this guy no-name AT pans are a good idea?!?!

There are MANY complaints with non-ZF pans…. They LOOK similar, but they leak.

I wont comment on fluid. I’m a ZF guy, 2x drain and fill every 70k. Pan every second time.

[haigha]

Originally Posted by ard

Are people seriously telling this guy no-name AT pans are a good idea?!?!

Not sure who you're referring to here? If it's me, I wrote I used ECS Tuning because I wanted quality parts and linked to the Genuine BMW kit I got for my E53.

I read site reviews and forum opinions and make my choice. I spent double on a smaller kit for my transmission and about a fifth of the price for the fluid vs ZF. I don't regret either decision

[mejim707]

I'm totally fine with getting a different pan if the aftermarket ones have trouble. That's not an issue but I was just asking for advice.

The kits on ECS and FCP are all sporadic. They have the pan and fluid or just pan, or the other parts. It's all over so I'm a little lost on what exactly to get.

But I'll keep digging.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by ard

Are people seriously telling this guy no-name AT pans are a good idea?!?!

There are MANY complaints with non-ZF pans…. They LOOK similar, but they leak.

I wont comment on fluid. I’m a ZF guy, 2x drain and fill every 70k. Pan every second time.

Agreed. Stick with ZF pans and seals. I've read too many stories of leaks from non OE pans. Pricing is 2x on the ZF parts if bought from FCP but if you buy another one in 40k miles, it's free so the price will drop per service the longer you own the truck.

As for fluids... as said before, only use ZF LG6 (or Pentosin, Liqui Moly, Redline) on a trans that has been serviced at regular intervals. ZF recommends 60k-80k. In any other circumstance, use the Valvoline Maxlife multivehicle fluid you posted.

Originally Posted by mejim707

I'm totally fine with getting a different pan if the aftermarket ones have trouble. That's not an issue but I was just asking for advice.

The kits on ECS and FCP are all sporadic. They have the pan and fluid or just pan, or the other parts. It's all over so I'm a little lost on what exactly to get.

But I'll keep digging.

What are the last 7 of your VIN? Real OEM should say exactly what you need if looked up that way.

[haigha]

Here's ZF's recommendation, updated January 1, 2022:

5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:
ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed
semi-synthetic ATF oils. However, due to the many factors influencing the service life of transmissions in individual operation, ZF
recommends an oil change after 150,000 km for its transmissions. In operating conditions with high temperatures and loads, or
with unknown vehicle use in the past, it can make sense to change the transmission oil at shorter intervals.


https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemed...e-ml-11-en.pdf

150k km is roughly 94k miles, so in line with the transmission shop's recommendation earlier in the thread.

When I did my research 2.5 years ago, there was also a six year recommendation. As I noted earlier, my fluid looked pristine at 15.5 years, ~40k miles.

[jeep]

I got the transmission, front and rear differential fluids all changed at 95k miles. The transmission pan was also replaced at the same time. The indy who did it approvingly asked who suggested getting it changed, it's was a good idea. The X5 has been running fine, hope I have prolonged it's life. With over 250k on your odometer it gives me real hope