02-06-2018, 10:18 AM | #1 |
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ATF choices?
Planning to change the automatic transmissiion fluid and filter in my 8-speed ZF automatic (GA8HP45Z) soon. Searching extensively for fluids and their prices, here is what I found.
- BMW 83222289720 - BMW 83222152426 - ZF LifeGuard 8 ($22/L) - Febi 39095 ($17/L) - Transtar M465MVLV ($17/L) - RAVENOL ATF 8 HP ($25/L) - Motul ATF VI ($22/L) - Rowe ATF 9008 Hightec ($81/5L) - Red Line D6 ($13/qt) - Valvoline Maxlife multi-vehicle ($6/qt) Did I miss any? |
02-06-2018, 01:25 PM | #2 |
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I went with the OEM fluid. Since you wont be able to remove all the current fluid I think it is best to use the same fluid and not mix to different kinds.
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02-06-2018, 08:06 PM | #4 |
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02-07-2018, 06:37 PM | #6 |
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I think pentosin atf 1 is for 6spd auto like my 335i. Is it also suggested for 8 spd?
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02-10-2018, 11:49 PM | #7 |
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02-10-2018, 11:53 PM | #8 | |
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Would like to know what ATF others have used and at what mileage they did the service? |
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02-11-2018, 08:28 AM | #9 |
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Havent done it on the x1, but done it twice on the 335i - ravenol 6hp. A tip- pick lifeguard, ravenol, rowe or febi for your 8spd. Keep away from universal atfs like redline.
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02-11-2018, 05:13 PM | #10 |
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There are so many stories of people that have done the fluid change and had issues but there are also stories of people that used other brand fluids and are still running without any issues. 60,000 - 80,000 miles is common for people that drive hard or mod their cars. I am doing my 335i at 80,000 (78,000 currently). BMW said they would have the service done at 80,000 miles.
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02-16-2018, 11:03 PM | #11 |
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I've used pentosin ATF 1 for my X3, and X1's 8 speed. It's really the best fluid money can buy. Do it before 50K miles!
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02-17-2018, 06:57 AM | #12 |
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Thanks for your input. Would it do harm if mixed with factory ZF fluids? I'm planning to do a pan A/T drain and top it off approach on X1's 8 speed. Have you tried this approach?
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02-18-2018, 09:53 PM | #13 |
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You want to do a complete flush. Do a drain and fill with pentosin, then drive around (you can drive around for up to a week), then do a second drain and fill, this time replacing the pan, and you're set.
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02-06-2022, 02:23 AM | #14 |
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Well, exactly four years later (to the day!) I can report that I used the Valvoline Maxlife multi-vehicle and it worked just fine. Now at close to 100k miles it is getting time for the second ATF exchange.
I have used that same ATF in E39, E46, E92, and other BMW models (both GM and ZF auto trans), all with good results. |
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02-06-2022, 08:09 AM | #15 | |
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Quote:
Did you do a flush, or drain & fill? And what are your thoughts on this? I just hit 60k miles, and am considering this soon, but I'll have a shop do it - I want to make sure I know what to ask for. |
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02-06-2022, 08:46 PM | #16 |
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Good to know Valvoline MaxLife works with the ZF8HP45 without errors after 100k miles!
While I use ZF LG8 or BMW ATF3+ (they are the same thing just different labels), I feel any oil that meets the requirement codes should be fine. I mean we don't all use factory BMW engine oil now do we? Just drain, replace pan and refill. No need to flush. |
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02-06-2022, 11:04 PM | #17 |
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Thankyou, Gamb1t. Your mention of the pan prompted me to search for what the pan is, leading me to the zf provided video for doing this procedure on the 6AT It was pretty helpful to see the video. They recommend the drain, fill and pan/filter replacement every 50k - 75k miles, or about every 8 years.
For a 2015 with 60k miles, I caught it at a pretty good time. I asked about this last time I was at the dealership, and they said it's lifetime, I don't need to do anything, and they don't really see people with transmission issues. I guess that's good news, but I'd rather follow ZF's maintenance recommendations. |
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