Transmission Service
 

I just ordered a ZF filter, o-ring, genuine BMW green trans pan gasket, 22 pan bolts and new drain and fill plugs for the 4.6 5hp24. I have always used Valvoline max life ATF which meets the LT71141 spec for my e38 with the 5hp24 and have had no issues. I know the 4.6 has the same trans but has its slight differences, so what do you guys think? Will it be sufficient?

From my recent experience with zf boxes. Yes. I just bought 8 liters of Valvoline max life to replace the pentosin I just put into a 6hp28. Pentosin was too thin but it came with the zf pan as a service kit so I used it. Very similar to lifeguard 6 from ZF. Which is fine if the trans has had fluids every 40k miles.

I did put liqui moly in my 6hp19 recently @182000 miles and had no issues. If it ever does, I'll throw Valvoline in that too.

I used Valvoline MaxLife in my N62 with the 6 speed ZF trans last summer. It says it meets the spec, but not certified. No issues so far. In fact, it shifts smoother since then. Part of the reason I did it was there was a leak, probably from the mechatronic sleeve, which I replaced. No signs of leakage after that.

The most important thing is to use the procedure detailed on this site and elsewhere so you add fluid after shifting through the gears with the engine running, at the right ATF temperature.

I did three drain and fills to make sure most of the fluid was exchanged. First time it was changed. It was almost 16 years old, but only 41k miles.

I would personally use redline. I changed the fluid in my 5hp24 with redline and it made the transmission shift so incredible well.

Just recently learned about this fluid. Going to drop the Valvoline fluid out after one more drain and fill, and put in redline d4 with a half bottle of Lucas trans fix per another user on heres suggestion. They 6hp28x in my wife's x5 35d is having e clutch issues. Probably the e clutch bushing but I'm going to try everything possible to avoid pulling the trans first. :D

If I was to go with a higher end trans fluid it would be Amsoil...

I ended up using valvoline import which has almost the exact same specs as the ZF fluid. It looks like my poor 4.6 has never had the trans fluid changed.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b88c9d8ac4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2e2950c42a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d05332d933.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2af4832ed3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ee2e57f388.jpg
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