Let's talk Transmission Maintenance...

[nosignolife]

I took the plunge and had the transmission fluid changed along with the trans sump (which my independent said had a slight leak) filter and gasket at 100,000 on my E70 X5 3.0d. Must say the gears seem much smoother since


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[Ricky Bobby]

I've always been a fan of Redline fluids in my E53 - I wonder if using the Redline D6 ATF and the ZF filter kit would be a good substitute for the ZF fluid - I need to look at fluid specs comparison but I am considering it -

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Perfect! Debating if I want to stick with the BMW magic oil in the engine or use my favorite Rotella T6 (I mean honestly, 1.0 ash in the T6 vs. 0.8 in the BMW stuff for a 60% price difference) - I believe in changing oil and filters often so my X5 will never see more than 7500 miles between OCI's going forward -

T6 would probably be OK, but Castrol EDGE 0W-40 is cheap, and LL-01 approved.

[Ricky Bobby]

I have a diesel so LL-01 is of no use to me - LL-04 is our spec but the big deal is the ash content as we need low SAPS - I also don't care as much about LL spec since I don't do long OCI's and I care more about the lubrication, protection, additive packages, TBN after an OCI, etc on my engines

So yes T6 would work for me (and work phenomenal for you too in case you've never used it, on your 4.8) - because it does have the super low SAPS spec needed for DPF's but Castrol Edge would not -

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I have a diesel so LL-01 is of no use to me - LL-04 is our spec but the big deal is the ash content as we need low SAPS - I also don't care as much about LL spec since I don't do long OCI's and I care more about the lubrication, protection, additive packages, TBN after an OCI, etc on my engines

So yes T6 would work for me (and work phenomenal for you too in case you've never used it, on your 4.8) - because it does have the super low SAPS spec needed for DPF's but Castrol Edge would not -

Ah gotcha. Didn't see you had a diesel. And yeah T6 is sort of a use-anywhere oil, but I'd rather stick with LL-01, which is the hardest oil spec to meet. Zinc is only one small part of a quality oil.

[Ricky Bobby]

^Just because T6 is not an expensive oil and doesn't have an LL-01 spec doesn't mean its not one of the finest oils you can buy

I use it in my 1700cc Triumph Thunderbird as well as my E53 - but oil opinions are like assholes....

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I've always been a fan of Redline fluids in my E53 - I wonder if using the Redline D6 ATF and the ZF filter kit would be a good substitute for the ZF fluid - I need to look at fluid specs comparison but I am considering it -

Just have to remember about the mixing redline with ZF fluid since you dont get all the ZF fluid out with simple drain. Unless you get it flushed out with redline, which flushing is a no no around the higher end miles. Your call.

ZF does what its designed to do so i personally see no reason to do anything different.

[Ricky Bobby]

Hey Ozer - I decided to change my post after doing more research - I am going to stick with the ZF Lifeguard fluid - pricier yes but its what the engineers designed for it - thanks for all your help!

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Hey Ozer - I decided to change my post after doing more research - I am going to stick with the ZF Lifeguard fluid - pricier yes but its what the engineers designed for it - thanks for all your help!

I got this kit from this seller, great price. See if he has what you need.

oem ZF Transmission Oil Pan Filter Kit & 6-Liter's ZF Lifeguard 6 Trans Fluid

[Ricky Bobby]

Thanks that's perfect - 6L enough capacity for service on our 35d's?