Regarding washer fluid, whatever you decide to use, do NOT use Rain-X. I did up until recently and had to replace two washer pumps on the X5. Likely cause of failing washer pumps on my previous BMWs.

BMW published data that their E70 transmissions (ZF happens to build them) use ATF with Shell M1375.4 specifications. Shell was the original manufacturer (and they for a time made that exact fluid, but sometime around 2011, they stopped making it and it became quite scarce to find (was $7/quart when I had my E53), and apparantly in the past couple years a few other manufacturers picked up where the niche was since for a time only ZF and BMW were the only 2 options and doing some relative price gouging.

Definitely agree that fluid "approval" does not necessarily equal "recommendation." There's more to it.

As you can see in the previous documents provided, BMW E70 transmissions call for Shell M-1375.4 ATF. Whatever those exact technical specifications be, any fluid to be approved for a particular specification would need to meet what was outlined by the manufacturer. So approved fluids for M-1375.4 specifications needed to meet those specs. Febi 34608 and Pentosin ATF1 happen to meet M-1375.4, with Pentosin ATF1 even went ahead and got further testing to also being approved for ZF's own TE-ML11B specification for 6 speed transmissions.

How does one get "approval" for a specification? You would need to submit your fluid and tested to the specs from the original specifications. You don't put an approval stamp on your fluid without risk of litigation for false advertisement for poor performance and/or damage. RMEuropean, Pelican, FCPEuro, and AutohausAZ, among other retailers stock, list and sell this Febi/Bilstein fluid (along with ZF LG6, genuine BMW, and Pentosin ATF1) for my 2011 35d. Heck, FCPEuro even lists genuine BMW M1375.4 ATF for sale for my car: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-83222220445

Now how does one get a "recommendation"? Of course BMW would "recommend" their own fluid, and of course, ZF would "recommend" their own LifeGuard 6 fluid. Why would they want to "recommend" Febi/Bilstein 34608 or Pentosin ATF1, when they have their own interests in play? There would be licensing fees charged to Febi/Bilstein or Pentosin to get that and the cost savings would not be so apparant.

Likewise as "Price" mentioned, why does BMW all of sudden recommend Shell recently, when in the past (probably past few decades) it was all Castrol fluids? Heck my Mercedes "recommends" Mobil1, but that's not the only oil I use in there--I use oil that meets objective specifications my car calls for. Think marketing and licensing fees involved and maybe some other financial incentives for the recent BMW "recommendation" to Shell?

According to BMW, 6 and 8 speed transmissions in LCI E70 are specified for ATF2.

Great clarification--thank you.

All pre-LCI E70 gas-engined (2007-2010) and all E70 diesels (2009-2013)used 6 speed ZF transmissions (which my post on the Febi 34608 ATF (and on the side, to Pentosin ATF1) pertains to--only 6 speed transmissions).

Whereas, the LCI E70 gas-engined (2011 and above; with twin turbo gas I6 or twin turbo gas V8 engines) have 8 speed transmissions, which use ZF Lifeguard 8 or apparently BMW ATF2 (or their spec-approved equivalents, which I have not personally looked into).

If you look-up realoem, X535D from 07/20111 calls for ATF2. Perhaps ATF1 and 2 are the same, but who knows really.

2 MONTH UPDATE

About 6 weeks after changing to Febi/Bilstein ATF 34608 (Shell M-1375.4 approved), I noticed my car was shifting a bit hard from 2nd to 3rd gear. Initially this hard (at times rough) 2-3 shifting was only in the AM when cold, then a few weeks later when I went on a 900 mile road trip, this rough 2-3 shifting would also occur it was warm and under higher torque conditions (uphill or with passengers). Had me concerned a bit, but I realized that I had not done an adaptation reset via software.

When I returned from my trip, I had an local independent do the adaptation reset via their software package (this is not the same as the ignition to ON, then flooring the pedal, then start sequence). Immediately after the adaptation reset, my shifting is back to normal and smooth again.

Of note, when you change the ATF in these cars, it will change the viscosity and friction modifiers with the new fluid. The car's transmission will need to a software reset to re-learn the new fluid characteristics for smooth shifting again.

1. You did not put 'new' fluid in. You mixed 50% old fluid with 50% febi fluid which is chemically differnt than ZF6.

2. In the document you posted it states:

Note that 83-22 0 142 516 is a SPECIFIC fluid. It is ZF6. Your assertion that any fluid meeting Shell M-1375.4 can be freely intermixed with ZF6 does other owners a disservice.

IMO that comma between M-1375.4 and BMW does not mean OR...

3. I know it is liberating to decide 'you are not going to fall for the man's manipulation of your oil buying decisions'...and 'you will not slavishly adhere to what BMW says for oil'. In fact, I might be much more supportive if you actually CHANGED the fluid to some new fluid.... it is the mixing of fluids and differentiating additive packages and friction modifiers that I find troubling. I do wish BITOG had more info on this.

4. I changed my ATF, using ZF6, and didnt have to reset crap. Havent read a report here where people had to reset the transmission after using ZF6.

5. Do report back, OK?

Did they show you pre-adaptation values, esp.for the troubled pack? It would be interesting to compare to the values after 1-2 weeks when new are established.

E70 X5 ATF fluid experience with Febi 34608?
 

Not to hijack this thread but I too am in need of changing my transmission fluid. The dealer is quoting me $386 to do a drain and fill and $740 for a full service. Do Most of you guys just do the drain and fill or the whole service and does that pricing seem to be in the ball park.


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That is pretty outrageous... why are you using a dealer?

Drain and fill is 30 minutes and 7 Liter at ~$20 a liter. 140 an hour, so 70 labor and 140 materila- $210 total. They are asking 386

Drop the pan and it adds $120 for the pan (ZF OEM) or $220 BMW OE. Add another 30 minutes.

So dealer price 140+220+140=$500 Their asking 740

Id sit down at their desk and ask "what are you actually charging me for with 786? What is each item, what is the MSRP cost, and WTF is the "book time" for this task???"