X5 2004 tranny top up
 

Hi just discovered that my tranny have a small leak from the mech cable connector (standard issue?) Just bought the car so don’t know how long it was leaking for. The symptoms Of low fluid are very Mild atm but don’t want to take risks. Any suggestions what to use to top up please? I want to topUp for now and replace the fluid at a later date, have few other bits to do before I get to this. Thanks!

You need to tell us which model X you have. They all use different trans, so they all take different trans fluid. The GM trans uses Dexron ATF. The ZF trans uses ZF Lifeguard ATF and who know what is used in the Diesel engine.

Good point!

It’s 3.0 litre diesel with ZF 6HP-26X tranny.

ZF lifeguard 6 is stock. You can use Redline D-4 as aftermarket option. When you do your trans service do NOT fully flush the tranny. Just replace the fluid lost


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Sorry not sure if I understand correctly. Do you mean to do a regular service on it? Ie replace filter and fluid or just top up with one of the above atf fluids?

The procedure typically used is to collect the fluid when changing the filter, put that back in and top off with new fluid. A flush and fill is a drastic change likely to cause issues. (Something about adding a large amount of new cleaning agents).

One of the members on xo has been using this method and has 360,000 miles or something so it’s the method I will use on my two x5

Ok I got it now!

But mine was serviced at 100k and now is at 127k. Would you still recommend that technique or in this case replace the fluid and filter?

If serviced at 100, won’t need service into 150-160,000. If you want to make sure it’s topped off there is a procedure for that basically get the temp to 30c and fill until it overflows at the fill port. (Double check that temp). GM I think recommends 60,000 mile service interval

That’s what i thought to do temporarily because there is a small leak from mechatronics connector, read somewhere its a common issue when not replaced along with the filter, apparently o-rings go bad.
So:
1) if i just want to top up, get it to 30* and top up BUT how do i know what fluid to add? Will any Dextron III do?

2)if replace & fix the leak i can add any compatible ATF i choose. Most guys recommend redoil or Castrol trans max. Or should i go for ZF own ATF oil?

Thanks!

You need to get just the right fluid meant for your tx.

I like to use fcp euro to verify what I should get.

As I already stated. ZF lifeguard 6 is the OE fluid. Many people including myself have used Redline D-4 with no issues. You need to verify the specs of the fluid you use. The ONLY safe option ANYONE can suggest is use the factory OE fluid!


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Note also (since no one has mentioned it) you need to check the level with the engine running. Opening the fill port with the engine off will cause a large fluid loss and then your top up just got harder. Don't open the fill port until the engine is running and you've cycled through all the gear selector positions (P, R, N, D and back again).

And if your ZF 6HP26X is like mine (and I'm betting it is...) then the fill port is in the bottom of the pan. You'll need a fluid pump and a good idea of how to get fluid into the fill port.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...led-bottom.png

Here's a detailed procedure...

BMW 6HP26x Transmission fluid level procedures with Steel Oil Pan: Genuine ZF Parts