[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by queensfield

Some more info on ZF transmission is attched. Apologies if you have seen before, but I learned a little more about it.

Thanks I've never seen this one before. Very useful.

[chromisdesigns]

Originally Posted by boogiee90

*****Sept 21 2011*****
okay guys. here it is....i just got back from shop replacing the (AT) tranny pan and fluid. After draining the fluid down, the tech removed the pan with integrated filter. The old fluid is dark like its supposed to...After 135k. But he told me that the two ring magnet inside the pan doesnt have a single sign of metal shavings or gunk, meaning no signs of burning or anything abnormal.

After draining as much as he can out of the tranny (except whatever is left from the torque converter) he replaced it with new tranny pan with the integrated filter. (refer to www.realoem.com)
Then filled it up 50% new and 50% old ATF.

RESULT:

-Tranny shifts smoother
-no more worries for me at least for another 100K
-im a happy camper.

I don't understand -- why, after going to all that trouble, would you replace only 1/2 the old fluid? Why not fill with all new, especially given that there is still some old stuff in the converter housing that can't be drained?

[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by chromisdesigns

I don't understand -- why, after going to all that trouble, would you replace only 1/2 the old fluid? Why not fill with all new, especially given that there is still some old stuff in the converter housing that can't be drained?

+1 I never noticed that part about using 50/50 new and old fluid. Why would you do that?

[boogiee90]

Tranny adapts to the consistency of the atf. So if you change the fluid at a high mileage theres a chance it might slip.

[DimSum]

if you got software, you can reset your tranny fluid adaptations and learning's so after the change of fluid you won't have to worry about it slipping and not following the consistency of the new stuff.

[boogiee90]

Originally Posted by DimSum

if you got software, you can reset your tranny fluid adaptations and learning's so after the change of fluid you won't have to worry about it slipping and not following the consistency of the new stuff.

i should do that when i change fluid again after 40k

[Snyperx]

Not to being up an old thread, but thought it was better than starting a new one. I have about 71k on my 2006 325i and have no idea on whether my transmission has ever been serviced. Do I wait until 100k or swap the fluid and filter now at 71k??

[boogiee90]

mine didnt have a problem at all. you can change just the fluid now then change the pan and filter @ 100k. but its just preference i think. i dont know how you drive. but most of the miles i put in my car was from light cruising. i drive aggressive maybe 9% of that.

may i also suggest changing the mechatronics sleeve when you drop the pan because it tends to leak.

[decker335i]

I changed mine at 50K, '07 335i sedan. A lot smoother shifts and good piece of mind. It can't HURT as long as the change is done correctly, it's quite possible some inexperienced shops can screw up the change if they don't fill it correctly.

[gwake1]

Originally Posted by boogiee90

mine didnt have a problem at all. you can change just the fluid now then change the pan and filter @ 100k. but its just preference i think. i dont know how you drive. but most of the miles i put in my car was from light cruising. i drive aggressive maybe 9% of that.

may i also suggest changing the mechatronics sleeve when you drop the pan because it tends to leak.

Could you provide the part # for the mechatronics sleeve?

[jmlekofl]

I had 90k miles on my 06 330i e90 when I changed it, bought new filter/pan, 6 liters of ZF lifeguard 6 and a filler plug for $238 from a ZF Dealer... Just a drain and fill, no flush... I have 138k miles now, probably going to do it again around 150k because we didnt get it all, apparently there are 9 liters total. It shifted a little off for the first 10 miles, then straightened out... still running strong...

[boogiee90]

Originally Posted by nthinhere

I had 90k miles on my 06 330i e90 when I changed it, bought new filter/pan, 6 liters of ZF lifeguard 6 and a filler plug for $238 from a ZF Dealer... Just a drain and fill, no flush... I have 138k miles now, probably going to do it again around 150k because we didnt get it all, apparently there are 9 liters total. It shifted a little off for the first 10 miles, then straightened out... still running strong...

Speaking of that. Im @152k
Thinking of doing this again. I used the pentosin atf1 btw and it works just fine.