E70 X5 ATF fluid experience with Febi 34608?
 

I'm looking at doing an ATF drain and refill on my 2011 35d. Looks like it uses either OEM ZF Lifeguard 6 (around $20-24/qt online; partially synthetic) or the genuine BMW fluid (very overpriced at around $40/qt). However, it appears that Febi 34608 ATF ($10/qt online at rmeuropean.com) is certified for the required Shell M-1375.4 spec (per literature was created specifically for the 6 speed transmissions). Not sure if it's partial or fully synthetic. I am looking at ordering 6 liters and will probably do a drain and fill every 40k or so.

BMW X5 xDrive35d Sport Utility E70 3.0L L6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (1 Liter)

Anyone with direct experience using Febi 34608 ATF? Of note, Pentosin ATF1 (a fully synthetic ATF; ~$18/qt) is also approved based on approval spec sheets (ZF TE-ML 11B and Shell M-1375.4)--looks like a great option as well.

Nope, I use the ZF fluid, why would you take a chance?
Genuine ZF Parts

I am using ZF fluid now.

on our previous X5 (2002 4.4) I used quakerstate multipurpose. it is sold under other brand names too (penzoil I think) found documentation it satified the spec. drained the pan every other oil change. traded in at 170k without issues. I can't find this fluid anymore.

if it meets the spec why not?

I used Pentosin ATF1. I didn't notice any increase or decrease in performance after using it, but my transmission had pre-existing issues before the change. Many people have used it without issue. You can get it in 5L jugs on Amazon for $12/L. I used 11L for two pan drops.
https://www.amazon.com/Pentosin-1058...dp/B00JMAQ0LW/

Just becuase the fluid meets misc specs does not mean it is ZF approved for that trans.... It isnt

This is one of those Ven diagrams problems that people get wrong...

ZF6 is the only fluid recommended or spec'd by ZF for this transmission

ZF6 is complies with Shell M-1375.4

Febi whatever fluid also meets Shell M-1375.4

This does not mean that Febi is approved for the ZF transmission



I will also opine that could use almost anything and wont notice anything for months or years...or never.

Does saving a few bucks every 50k really matter??? Even doing a 2x drain and fill its only 100-150 you save.

We have a saying in our business...... Price is irrelevant.

Of course this may be a bit of a stretch for some, but when it comes to protecting assets that cost thousands of dollars, as far as lubricants go, price is truly irrelevant.

As an update, did the drain and refill using the Febi/Bilstein 34608 ATF (used a little over 5 quarts). Has been working great with no issues. Based on spec sheets (see attached), the BMW ZF 6 speed transmission utilizes Shell M-1375.4 fluid (see pages 6 and page 7 for E70 cars with I6 and V8 engines).

In the same note, so long as the fluid meets and is certified for the specification, it should be fine. Otherwise, I would imagine you would ONLY use genuine BMW fluids--genuine BMW engine oil, genuine BMW DOT4 brake fluid, genuine BMW rear differential fluid, genuine BMW BlueDef (if you have a diesel), and dare I say genuine BMW washer fluid? A bit overkill. If the fluid didn't meet specification, that's a different story. Of note, I stuck with genuine BMW transfer case fluid as there's no substitute, given there is no listed/known specification for it. Of course, everyone is welcome to use what they are comfortable with paying.

agree.

:thumbup:

You are confused. BMW and ZF recommend one fluid. This fluid happens to also meet M-1375.4

This does not mean all fluids that meet that spec are 'recommended'.

It is pretty simple logic. (Venn diagram stuff...)

Now, if you want to go outside of the recommended fluids, that is fine- and I might even say it is likely to be technically sound- but you ARE outside of the recommendations.

I totally agree that there is likely nothing magical about BMW recommendations- but given that both BMW and ZF have not published a complete spec other than ZF6, it is a disservice to try and say 'all you need is shell M175.4 to meet all the BMW (or ZF) requirements'

Not long ago BMW recommended Castrol - even the oil cap says this!:-) - and now magically Shell is the way to go...

Febi is OK. It's likely the very same fluid found in ZF bottles, from the same manufacturer, just different distributor.