Let's talk Transmission Maintenance...

[Jarhed1964]

Originally Posted by Westlotorn

Mine was the 2008 4.8L but I think the tranny is identical.

Thats what I would think too. You have a GA6HP19Z?

If so, how did you manage to get your hand in there to reconnect that plug?

[Westlotorn]

I wish I had total recall but I don't. My hands are not tiny for sure but are not extra large either. I think I got the socket aligned and ready to be pushed in but since I did not have room for my hands I slipped a large flat blade screwdriver up there and used it as a pry bar to gently slip the plug into place. Key word, gently. I read these are very expensive if you break it.
I will be under the car tonight. I want to install a new drive shaft in the front. I am nervous about the failure rate these have had.
I will try and take a look and see if it jogs my memory on the tranny plug install.

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by Westlotorn

I wish I had total recall but I don't. My hands are not tiny for sure but are not extra large either. I think I got the socket aligned and ready to be pushed in but since I did not have room for my hands I slipped a large flat blade screwdriver up there and used it as a pry bar to gently slip the plug into place. Key word, gently. I read these are very expensive if you break it.
I will be under the car tonight. I want to install a new drive shaft in the front. I am nervous about the failure rate these have had.
I will try and take a look and see if it jogs my memory on the tranny plug install.

Driveshaft is under recall, you aren't eligible?

[Alpinerunner]

Finally got around to doing this last night. It went smoothly and took 5L. I skipped the Metronics sleeve per Jarhead's warning. I didn't notice any leaks from the trans. FLuid was black at 83,200 mi.

[Westlotorn]

Originally Posted by Ozer

Driveshaft is under recall, you aren't eligible?

No, the recall is for the newer 2010-2012 but does not include my 2008.

[Lambeau]

Originally Posted by JCL

OK, I'll bite to start it of. Carrying on the discussion from previous posts....

My lack of support for changing the fluid is not because "BMW said" but rather because I see little benefit to changing it, and a small but real risk. The risk of damage is slight, but it exists. At the same time, I think that the transmission is likely to fail from non-fluid related causes prior to the fluid degrading to the point that it causes a transmission failure itself.

The risk of transmission fluid changes that I refer to is not due to power flushing, which I wouldn't do. It is simply from draining and filling.

If owners do change it, I would use BMW recommended fluids (no aftermarket fluids), a new filter, and a very careful adherence to the BMW procedure for getting the correct amount of fluid in it, using a thermometer to determine fluid temperatures while setting the level.

Originally changed my filter/fluid at about 100,000 miles and yesterday at 173,000 changed just the fluid. Again used Pentosin NOT recommended BMW fluid. Have towed heavy trailers many miles (to Alaska & back & across country) and with the DPF/EGR delete and the extra power associated, I've really put this trans to the test with zero issues. Change the fluid, don't listen to the doomsday folks as they most likely own BMW stock and want to help ensure early transmission failure and replacement.

[robnitro]

Pentosin on my first change worked well. It has a thicker viscosity, similar to redline d4/mercon V/dex 3.
Lf6 is thinner like mercon SP/ dex 6/ redline d6.
Perhaps a thicker fluid is better for towing? How was the atf1 when it was very cold?

I used redline d6 on my latest drain and fill 6 months later and no apparent difference typo the atf1.

[Jarhed1964]

Not sure why one wouldn't change fluid at the recommended intervals. ZF recommends it, they make the transmission. I used ZF fluid and a ZF pan/filter. I still maintain that unless you like punishment, have someone else change the mech sleeve, at least on MY version of the trans where it is barely accessible.

[ard]

I own ZF stock.

So thank you

[Jarhed1964]

Originally Posted by ard

I own ZF stock.

So thank you

Awesome! I probably do too in at least one of the funds I'm in. Either way, I figure ZF made the trans, makes sense to use their stuff. The cost over the bargain stuff is negligible, in my opinion. Might as well be safe.