[Karan335i]

I drive a 2011 335i xDrive with the 6 speed automatic transmission. I also have a XHP transmission tune for the past 30,000km

My cars at 180,000km and I’ve never changed the transmission fluid ever in my ownership since 130,000km (Not sure if the previous owners ever did it)

I’ve never had any transmission related issues however today I was driving in semi automatic for a while (pushing the car here and there) until the transmission just started feeling weird/clunky ish. No actual concerning noises just felt like somethings going on.

Right after that the car gets stuck in second gear and the transmission error light comes up on the screens. I was near my house so I drove it slowly in second gear and shut it off when I got home. Started it again 2 minutes later and it was back to normal shifting through all the gears good again.

I’m now looking to do a transmission fluid flush. A few questions

1. Is it necessary to change the actual transmission fluid pan when doing this service?

2. If anyone ever experienced something like this did it end up damaging the transmission or was it good after a transmission fluid flush?

3. How much should all materials usually cost and how much should labor for this service cost?

4. Could this problem be related to something else ?

Any input is appreciated, Thanks!

[lordnikon]

If you have the ZF auto, you must change the pan because the filter is integrated with the pan. The pan is plastic.

If it's a GM auto, it has a metal pan and the filter is a separate item. Depending on the condition of the pan, it's may not be necessary to change it.

If you decide to do it, just change the fluid, not necessary flush it. Just make sure the correct spec fluid is used, topped up at the right level and temperature.

Also get new pan bolts.

[whyzee125]

You have a 335i so no GM option. The ZF has some seals that tend to go bad and need to be replaced around that mileage. I'd do the fluid, pan/filter, mechatronic sleeve, bridge adapter, and the 4 tube seals. That's a pretty standard service on these transmissions and will very likely solve your issue. If that doesn't, replace the solenoids.

[StradaRedlands]

This ^^^^

[Karan335i]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

You have a 335i so no GM option. The ZF has some seals that tend to go bad and need to be replaced around that mileage. I'd do the fluid, pan/filter, mechatronic sleeve, bridge adapter, and the 4 tube seals. That's a pretty standard service on these transmissions and will very likely solve your issue. If that doesn't, replace the solenoids.

Thanks for the info. What fluid would you run?
Would you recommend this kit from ECS Tuning ?

Thanks

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...117571217lmkt/

[chaltau]

I have the same car and did a drain & fill last year at about 100k miles.

Though it would be good to replace all the things mentioned above, I did not want myself to get too deep in trouble. I read somewhere that ZF filters are pretty good. So, I decided to just do a simple drain and fill and get the hang of it.

It's no joke jacking up the car at level, removing the front 4X4 drive axle from rear end, getting the fill plug off, drain, pump new oil in, start the car, go through gears (while on jack stands), fill more oil while the car is running and wait for optimum temperature.

I got close to 5 quarts in.

I plan to do another drain and fill this year with the filter, now that I know what it takes to get there.

Oh yes, only ZF Lifeguard ATF. Nothing else.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by chaltau

Oh yes, only ZF Lifeguard ATF. Nothing else.

!!!!!!!!

[BB_cuda]

Really good place to get BMW transmission parts for this change. You can't call them but Klaus is real good with answering questions via email.

thectsc dot com

They sell the ZF fluid and its generally a better deal to get a 6L pack. I'm unfamiliar with the N55 6 spd auto but have changed fluid and other seals prior poster mentions on diesel version of ZF trans (mechatronic sleeve, bridge seal, 4 sleeves).

On the same site, it gives a great DIY guide on changing fluid. Good luck!

[mainbearing]

No. That kit is mostly aftermarket parts. The CTSC other suggested will be genuine ZF parts.

I got the 6HP valve body seals from Klaus.

Originally Posted by Karan335i

Thanks for the info. What fluid would you run?
Would you recommend this kit from ECS Tuning ?

Thanks

[Charly Brown]

Hello to all bimmers fans
I’m new here and last week that I was reading some comments here about to change or not the transmission fluid in my 09 328i with 160k miles
I finally got it done today and it feels just fine and smooth drive
So thanks for the advice once again
I was afraid

[Cloverdale]

Many of us use Valvoline Full Synthetic Max Life (meets all recommended specs at a fraction of the ZF cost).

[chaltau]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Cloverdale

Many of us use Valvoline Full Synthetic Max Life (meets all recommended specs at a fraction of the ZF cost).

I just looked it up, Valvoline is about $25/gallon whereas ZF will cost about $75/gallon.

A 5-6 quart drain/fill will save significant money, especially if you do it 3-4x times.

Maybe if the process was not so convoluted (unlike my honda where it is easier than an oil change), I might consider third party and do it more often.

[Kenneykickin]

I personally would only use ZF fluid only. I don’t know anything about the valvoline fluid

[whyzee125]

Only use ZF lifeguard 6. RockAuto has a good price on it.

This fluid is only made for these transmissions whereas the Valvoline is a universal fluid and regardless of whatever THEY claim, they didn't make the trans and made the fluid for a whole variety of cars.

and for those who say "yeah, but ZF is trying to sell you something so of course they're gonna say use their fluid"

Valvoline is also selling you something. Stick with the only fluid these were designed to use.

Don't even get me started on Redline D4 or D6.

[Karan335i]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Only use ZF lifeguard 6. RockAuto has a good price on it.

This fluid is only made for these transmissions whereas the Valvoline is a universal fluid and regardless of whatever THEY claim, they didn't make the trans and made the fluid for a whole variety of cars.

and for those who say "yeah, but ZF is trying to sell you something so of course they're gonna say use their fluid"

Valvoline is also selling you something. Stick with the only fluid these were designed to use.

Don't even get me started on Redline D4 or D6.

Decided to go with the original fluid and a URO Parts Aluminum transmission oil pan. Got it for $200 CAD Shipped on Amazon.
( https://a.co/d/2WbVaDj )

A shops charging my $180CAD for labour. Is that where about it should be priced at or am I over paying ?

Thanks

[lordnikon]

Originally Posted by Karan335i

Decided to go with the original fluid and a URO Parts Aluminum transmission oil pan. Got it for $200 CAD Shipped on Amazon.
( https://a.co/d/2WbVaDj )

A shops charging my $180CAD for labour. Is that where about it should be priced at or am I over paying ?

Thanks

Which shop did you go to?

[whyzee125]

That's a good price for labor

[Leucosticte]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Only use ZF lifeguard 6. RockAuto has a good price on it.

This fluid is only made for these transmissions whereas the Valvoline is a universal fluid and regardless of whatever THEY claim, they didn't make the trans and made the fluid for a whole variety of cars.

and for those who say "yeah, but ZF is trying to sell you something so of course they're gonna say use their fluid"

Valvoline is also selling you something. Stick with the only fluid these were designed to use.

Don't even get me started on Redline D4 or D6.

What's wrong with the Redline stuff? I ran it in my auto before I 6mt swapped and it shifted great (was a GM though). Now I'm running D6 in my 6mt and the shifts are much smoother.

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by Leucosticte

What's wrong with the Redline stuff? I ran it in my auto before I 6mt swapped and it shifted great (was a GM though). Now I'm running D6 in my 6mt and the shifts are much smoother.

It's probably decent fluid but it's the wrong fluid for the ZF trans.

[Leucosticte]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

It's probably decent fluid but it's the wrong fluid for the ZF trans.

Oh, I thought you meant redline fluid sucked in general.

FWIW I put Liquimoly ATF in my parents' X3 with the ZF8 and its been perfectly fine.