So recognizing that ZF has their own recommendations for service intervals on the GA8HP as opposed to BMW's, I checked into a fluid , filter and pan change on the CEO's F32 at my friendly neighborhood dealer. Already armed with FCP Euro's ZF OEM kit price of $303 for fluid and parts, I figured a dealership total of :dunno: about $650 for the job.


Put your seatbelts on and brace for impact :scared: $1700 quoted :wow: They wanted $110 per liter for the fluid and $234 for the pan/filter. I'll be doing that one myself.


2002 X5 3.0 388,000 miles
2014 428i 74,400 miles


2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration

Yikes on the $1400 labor charge.

Actually, the labor was the cheap part. They wanted about $1200 in parts and fluid.

I have the GM L480-E and honestly only took a couple of hours taking my time. But I only changed the filter and gasket. No real mess, I found myself getting oily hands on refill. One hand on the laptop watching EGS temp and one holding the pump and hose. It did get a little messy.

Not even. Going to put the old fluid back in... :p:

I figure I'll lose a little in the process and only had about 500ml of LG6 from my last fluid level check, so I grabbed another litre.

Surprisingly, the cost of LF6 have halved in the last 6 months - last one I bought was $65 - this one was $35 (from the same supplier). I should buy more now for when I do replace more fluid. :rolleyes:

But I want to try the old fluid back in there first, with new seals to get the pressures back to where they should be. I'll reset the adaptations too.

https://i.ibb.co/Q9SYDn0/20210118-212521.jpg

From top left, there is: -

Bridge seal (pump output to mechatronic)
Mechatronic Sleeve Seal
Four "jump' seals (connecting the mechatronic output to the clutch packs etc.)
ZF LifeGuard 6

Pan gasket and filter were pricey - over $60 each! :confused:

So a quick follow-up. I had saved the freeze frame and cleared the code when we got home. Popped back up in less than 2 minutes the next time I drove it. I checked my log book and the thermostat was purchased at the dealer just over 2 years ago. I thought it couldn't have failed so fast so I went out and pulled the intake center shroud to have a look at the thermostat wiring and connector.

Wiring looked fine, no exposed or cut wires. Disconnected the thermostat connector and looked at the terminals. They looked spread to the point that no way it could make contact on the pins of the thermostat housing. I tightened the gap on the terminals by gently prying them inward with a small pick and reinstalled the connector. No CEL in 3 days.

Not claiming victory yet but time will tell. After 17 years, one cannot expect the integrity of the factory loom and connectors to not be compromised with age and heat. Fingers crossed...

Fingers crossed for you OB.

At least you have experience with auto wiring and harnesses. I'm 100% I would have thrown a thermostat at it only to later discover the compromised pins. 100% ;)

Yes! Because a new wire harness is not going to be gentle on the wallet. Trust me!!