Go Genuine BMW for the filter........

BMW E53 X5 M62 4.6L Drivetrain Automatic Transmission - 24341422673 - Transmission Filter - ES#45601

That looks like the ZF I got from CTSC

Filter Kit 5HP24

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps1706357f.jpg

This is what the dirty filter & pan looked like:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psad54f22b.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps0ce7104b.jpg

Thank you so much.

That confirms what I just found out too I also ordered the gasket but did not order the O-ring. Is the O-ring necessary? It is on the filter to the bottom of the pan where it connects to the control valve assembly. I assume all rubber should be replaced at 10 years?

Actually, ZF the transmission manufacturer said to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

ZF also operates service facilities, and no surprise, that operation said that you should go to them and pay to have the fluid changed. That is the business they are in.

I think BMW's motivation is pretty clear. There is no evidence that changing the fluid early will extend the life of the transmission economically.

It may be ZF did not recommend maintenance, although I doubt it however today they do:

ZF Parts | How to change oil

ZF automatic transmissions are filled with specially developed oils. At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on the driving style (e.g., many trips at high speeds or sporty driving), ZF recommends a transmission oil change every 80 000 to 12 000 km, or after 8 years at the latest.

Also, for anyone else doing this, the o ring & pan gasket are must change items.

I am a penny pincher and looked high & low for the "right" path as well as right parts. I bought Castrol and was convinced by members here to go ZF & returned the Castrol.

I found the best price for the filter kit at CTST and got the Lifeguard 5 from different sources finding just over 14.00 plus shipping the best price.

BMW, Audi Volkswagen etc all buy the ZF parts from ZF.

You are linking to a promotion for the ZF aftermarket parts sales division. QED

If people want to change their fluid, they should do it. I just find it amusing that BMW's motives in setting service intervals are called into question while ZF's aren't.

Looks like a ZF site showing their recommendation on intervals & proper procedure.

Regardless, it certainly backs up the position of the Transmission manufacturer on fluid replacement.

I am pretty sure you were among those that told me to use ZF parts were you not?

Here is a PDF that says the same:
http://www.zf.com/media/media/docume...hselkit_EN.pdf

Absolutely, if you are going to do it I suggest using OE ZF parts and fluids, as we don't have performance specs for any other parts. Get them from either BMW or ZF.

ZF has never overruled BMW's recommendation; they published a recommendation reinforcing it. The recommendation from BMW considers the engine and transmission control strategy, transmission cooling system performance, engine ratings, and vehicle limits (towing specs, GVW, etc).

ZF also has a business division in the aftermarket parts business, and that is perfectly fair. But it doesn't have anything to do with BMW's specific recommendation. Your PDF, below, is from the ZF parts marketing department.

If there is a document from the ZF engineering team that addresses BMW vehicles and those specific applications I would be interested to see it.

Consider as a counterpoint that commercial ZF transmissions (non passenger car) have a 250,000 km fluid change recommendation. It all depends on how the component is being used.