Let's talk Transmission Maintenance...

[basilray]

Originally Posted by Westlotorn

Anything is possible but the ZF tranny in a Ford works just fine on Mercon SP.

While not exactly by initial intent (long story, won't bore anyone unless interested), I ended up swapping over to Mercon LV. I did a double-drain and fill to remove as much of the ZF fluid as possible.

I did the changeover at ~109k. What I assume to have been the original ZF fluid looked to be in good condition. Very minimal wear accumulated on pan magnets.

Since the changeover, I've put about 5k on it. No noticeable change in performance. I'm thinking that I will be doing a basic drain and fill at about 15k because the Mercon is so inexpensive. At about 30k from the changeover, I'll weigh going back to the ZF fluid.

[ard]

Good datum

On a lift spilling is less of an issue...PITA is when you are on your back, pumping fluid, looking for 'a thin stream' and trying to monitor temps....

(Folsom just down the hill from me. )

[seattle]

I highly recommend a set of ramps rather than messing with jacks and stands.
$40 for a pair at walmart or home depot.
They leave enough room to work under vehicle for an average-sized human.

[Westlotorn]

I read a little about this same ZF Tranny in Ford Trucks, same issues as in the X5's. They fill the tranny running in park in the Ford applications as well to reach the full level. They did mention using an infra red gun to determine proper temp when doing the fill up of this tranny.

[Dieseldonkey]

Interesting and informative thread!
2010 x35d e70
142,000 miles original transmission fluid
Contemplating...

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by Dieseldonkey

Interesting and informative thread!
2010 x35d e70
142,000 miles original transmission fluid
Contemplating...

Change it before its too late. I noticed better, crisp shifting after mine was changed. If you cant DIY, find a mechanic from a BMW shop that will do work on the side. Thats what i did and paid $200 labor for changing all the drive line fluids.

[Ricky Bobby]

Before I go through 14 pages of this thread, my wifes 2013 35D is coming in soon with 42k miles - I'd like to be sure the Trans lives a long and happy life.

IF YOU DONT SUBSCRIBE TO "LIFETIME" SERVICE, would it be prudent to do 50k drain and fill intervals, 50k flush and fill interval, or maybe 100k drain and fill? I tend to be pro-active with my maintenance

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Before I go through 14 pages of this thread, my wifes 2013 35D is coming in soon with 42k miles - I'd like to be sure the Trans lives a long and happy life.

IF YOU DONT SUBSCRIBE TO "LIFETIME" SERVICE, would it be prudent to do 50k drain and fill intervals, 50k flush and fill interval, or maybe 100k drain and fill? I tend to be pro-active with my maintenance

I had mine done at 125k miles, mostly highway driven with some city and not really towing besides a small boat here and there. My tech said the fluid "wasn't bad at all" so if you don't town and aren't 99% city driven then i say 75k should be the minimum you should start to think about changing. I would say close to 100k will be fine. If you are experiencing any weird shifting issues then a change may be worth it soon.

[80stech]

I would not do any "flushing" at any interval.

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I would not do any "flushing" at any interval.

Yeah no flushing, just drain and replace filter first time around, then next time around just drain and fill the fluid.

Do the front and read diffs and transfer case towards 100k, they are easy to do. ECStuning sells kits with plugs or you can source the parts yourself.