Should You Change Your BMW Transmission Fluid ? And What Kind To Use ???

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[@voodoocars2134]

I’ve got a 2001 X5 at 155k. When I bought it the transmission was juddering between gear shifts and skipping when cruising at 50mph. I did the double fluid change and it’s been fine for the last 4 years. Trans service is a must every 50k in my book.

[@davidrodriguez6287]

I got a 2001 3.0 X5 with 113k I can feel the tranny needs a change but not sure exactly what to do and what do you mean by “double fluid change”

[@dbarbush]

@@davidrodriguez6287 I think he means that you drain, pour in and turn it over and run through some gears, then dump it again and then final fill.

[@davidrodriguez6287]

@@dbarbush exactly what I did & my X5 runs way better now

[@jonc2914]

My x5 was fine until I changed the fluid at 170k miles and now its slipping... fail

[@larrygerfen2801]

Simple answer - ZF manufacture recommends fluid changes in the 60k mileage. There simply isn’t ANY petroleum based fluids that are “lifetime”.

[@vviiper]

Short answer: Yes. It'll help prolong the life of your gearbox. Will it fix an already bad one? Probably not. My ZF 5HP24 out of my 2001 540i had 148k miles on it and had never been changed in 18 years. I dropped the fluid and refilled it using the correct procedure and it made an improvement - contrary to the horror stories I read online.

[@HollywoodHornet]

@James Edward same tranny in my e38. I changed it with the Max Life at 220k and no problems to report in 1.5 years since the fluid change. That stuff does stink though. Don't open it in your kitchen, and get that neat little pump deal on Amazon. It works great.

[@HollywoodHornet]

@Gustavo Estrada I changed out my filter when I did the procedure. Those things can get clogged up and starve the pump of fluid if the get clogged.

[@makemoneyonline8793]

vviiper I changed the transmission fluid in a lot of high mileage cars and I never had any issues after the service was done, If your transmission is in good condition you shouldn’t have any problems no matter how many miles the car have.

[@vviiper]

@@makemoneyonline8793 Yeah basically if it's operating as normal, servicing it is fine and should help prolong the life and improve gearbox operation. If it's already knackered, a service won't help in most cases.

[@sgreenfield4]

As the owner of 2 ZF 5HP19 equipped E46's, driven aggressively, YES, change the fluid!!! FYI: Don't waste your $90 on Redline ATF, Valvoline MAX Life works great for ~$30. Don't ask me how I know!

[@MTechGuy]

Been using the Valvoline Maxlife in ZF & GM transmissions for a while now, done a few fluid changes without issue. It’s good stuff but you’re spot on about the smell!

[@gail6904]

is the 2008 BMW an N52 GM tranni metal pan or plastic its 2 wheel rear drive?

[@jacoblami1731]

@@gail6904 I have had 2 N52 cars. 1 was a 128i with RWD and had a plastic pan. The other was Xdrive (AWD in BMW-eese) and had a metal pan. I'm pretty sure the ZF gearboxes (6 speed) use a plastic pan and the GM gearboxes (5 speed) use a metal one. Either way they have an integrated filter and should therefore be replaced any time you're changing the fluid.

[@OzzyTheFerret129]

It’s a must to change the fluid in the zf boxes what ever fluid you use life guard 6 or if over 100k use redline d4 or what Nathan is using

[@mcgyverb1664]

And yet those criminals at the stealership been brainwashing customers saying it’s a lifetime fluid do not change it smh.

[@johnazhderian5734]

When they "lifetime" fluid they mean the lifetime of the fluid not the transmission.

[@mcgyverb1664]

John Azhderian it’s still a sarcastic term to mislead customers, if you call any bmw dealership and mention anything about tranny fluid change, they will tell you they don’t do that.

[@MrNicoe36cabrio]

Yep. But why is there a gearbox oil change manual in ISTA+? hahaha. The only thing they want is to change your megatronic unit ($2500)( because it failed by bad gear oil!!!). Here in Europe, they're called Stealerships aswell. Dutch regards, Nico

[@mihai-danut6955]

Oil in engine or gearbox it's exactly like the oil which you use when cooking and potatos or meat or anything else,loose his propertys and need replaced!JUST CHANGE HIM

[@mihai-danut6955]

Ive own 728 E38,bought it 3 years ago,didn't saw it nothing in his history anything about gearbox oil.Last year ive been replaced 3 times and this year one more time,6 liters of ATF and the filter which her in Englad was cost me just 55£(58$ or 57 €)!Its not a big deal,just do it!KEEP UP NATHAN

[@sugardaddy3145]

My first BMW and the dealer wanted to charge me $2700 to replace solenoid and oil lmao thanks now I did my research and imma spend a measly $400 DIY. Appreciate the knowledge.

[@davidsoto7114]

Fuck the stealerships lol, what model is yours ?

[@rufiorufioo]

Great videos man. I'm a first time used BMW owner... you've helped me out a ton with all your information. I'm about to take my 325i to hopefully 300k miles haha. I can hope right!

[@billye.7293]

Me and you both I’m praying. I’m at about 223k now. 🙌🏼🙏🏻

[@Nate-qm9xz]

I’m at 251,xxx 🙏🏽

[@LuisHernandez-px1yd]

I just hit over 300,000 on my 06 530i and transmission malfunction light came on Faith changing the trans filter oil solenoids , crank shaft spark plugs and terminals will fix it .

[@sergiodoordie319]

I'm at 235 on my 325i

[@twizzymontana7430]

Seen this post im at 291k N52 motors are the best i seen one at 350k

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

The current 8-speed ZF transmissions are SO COMPLICATED to just change the fluid -- it's insane. I had a car once (not a BMW) that had no transmission filter and just a drain plug. It was sooooo simple -- I changed the trans fluid all the time. Now days it's so freaking complicated. Have to have a lift, get a new pan (filter in the pan) fill from UNDER THE FUCKING CAR, get car to the perfect temperature (need special equipment that will read the trans temp), then top off the trans again (from under the car, of course). Your ordinary joe does not have car lifts and special equipment to read the trans temp. Nor do they know how to fill the trans from UNDER the car. It's flat out stupid -- I seriously think they made it difficult on purpose. If they WANT you to change it why not make it easier????? Like a fill tube from the top and an external filter -- and GEE -- I don't know -- MAYBE a fucking dip stick??!? Seriously WTF? !00% serious -- why do the do this?

[@TheFrenchPug]

They could easily put a fill tube from the pan up through the engine compartment. Total bullshit. I agree with you. Just changed my pan, seals, bridge, and fluid and did not like having to be on my back to fill it!

[@greenman7612]

Great observation and post. It’s so difficult I have read that pros can’t refill them properly. I’m not changing mine. My E38 has 180,000 miles. We’ll see how the E39 530 goes. F25 and F30 are also wait and see.

[@WayToManyAssassins]

They want to sell you a new transmission, that's why

[@vqdriver]

The Valvoline multi vehicle synthetic ATF is liquid gold! Used on the family E60 550i going on almost 2 years. Your channel inspired me to DIY it. Almost used Castrol but went with this instead. I also used Valvoline for the power steering fluid! I know it calls for CHF, but sofar so good! I bought an Amazon sourced cheap transmission pan/filter and it sealed up perfectly! It was missing 2 new bolts so I just reused the old bolts in separate areas on the pan. 🤞🏽

[@icecanator]

Rudy VQdriver 6hp19 transmission?

[@vqdriver]

Eiron Warrington Yep the ZF 6HP!! Make sure you look up videos on how to fill it to proper level. Idle and top off the trans in less than 10mins or the fluid gets too hot and spews out. Use a scanner to monitor temp or just go by time. I remember seeing a write up on a forum, but there was also KZbin vids on other cars that have ZF (Chrysler for instance). Good luck!

[@davedammitt7691]

2003 330xi w/GM auto. "Lifetime" fluid. Started having some shift problems, during the 3 days a year that it gets below 40 degrees here in Florida, at about 125k. Did some research, knowing full well that there is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid, unless you consider 100k miles a lifetime. After communicating with Castrol, I decided to use their 'All Import ATF'. Changed the fluid and filter, and it has shifted firm and strong for the past 55k miles.

[@kristijangrgic9841]

ZF in Germany told me it should be done at 150k km so some 90k miles and for sportier types or people often cruising at freeways in high speeds even earlier. They do not recommend flush but only to drain it and change the gasket which contains filter. This changes about 2/3 of the oil. I did this and my transmision 6hp feels softer now.

[@TedSchoenling]

183,000 miles. E46 325i, zf box. never been changed. shifts fine. North Carolina, garage kept.

[@dailygrinders89]

At that mileage dont dont dont touch it lol

[@lukeknight1133]

Same here mines 165k floored it everywhere sense I got it XD

[@TedSchoenling]

now up to 191K and still running fine.

[@formulabred3553]

@@TedSchoenling never got to do the flush?

[@TedSchoenling]

@@formulabred3553 never been opened. ever. I"m now at 194K miles and still fine.

[@pfmurphy525]

I changed the fluid & filter (myself) at 100k in my 2001 ( purchased new) 525. It has the ZF trans. Had no problem at all afterwards. Btw i live in Massachusetts. I used the ZF fluid. Now has 227k on it and still tight. Ready to change again. I went to Fcp euro for the fluid & filter.

[@KennethBostonian]

Well, I went to a independent BMW transmission specialist. He confirmed the transmission had some issues related to the torque converter, and the valve body needed to come down and taken apart and cleaned. The sleeves needed to be replaced. Again no codes, no leaks, proper level. The technician said nothing about the transmission slipping like Norwood BMW, MA. I’m taking a week off after this covid 19 is over, and doing it my self. I’m going to make a video. I’m going to do what you said. The technician wanted to do a flush, my eye brows raised lol. No way. The fluid has never been changed since 2008.

[@aaroneaton4849]

Nathan thank you! Next project on my car is changing the transmission fluid. Seriously was talking to my boss just today about this. Thanks for the fluid recommend.

[@greaterbw]

I agree never back flush, all it does is shoot everything back up into the transmission.

[@Carlos3ac]

Yes please do! I follow the dealership instructions not to and I ended up putting a all new one!

[@pauld9542]

I emailed ZF re: my 8 speed and they told me the change interval should be 40k to 6pk. I had my dealer change it at about 40k. Have now gone another 20k miles with no issues. Changing it too late may cause problems.

[@ciscocane2716]

Thats what used when i changed my e46 this past summer. I did the e60 with the brown zf atf this past summer aswell. I probably stick with valvaline next time i do the e60.

[@erikalvarez4516]

Thanks for the reassurance. I have 185,000 on my 335i and I just want to get a few more years out of it and using Valvoline and saving over $150 will be preferred.

[@jdsilvaca]

Yes, every 50,000 miles, use the fluid that transmission manufacturer recommends

[@theresamyers8146]

I bought a 2015 BMW X5 DIESEL 107000 Miles runs great. Since I do not know when it was last serviced, should I get all the fluids changed motor oil, trans, exhaust fluid?

[@kenhoworth9243]

Ok, Nathan is a genius(I know he does not look like one, LOL)! Maxlife fixed my transmission issues!

[@stevengraham3138]

I changed mine it was easy and it worked fine just fluid at 80k miles never had an issues

[@thebywall]

Much respect for what you do.

[@tomgoffnett5624]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world. You are making this world a better place. I appreciate your time. God bless you.

[@kowboykel665]

Another good honest informative video Nathan, my 540i is lined up to have a fluid change this Xmas. Trans was rebuilt about 6 years ago but its started to act like the torque converter isnt locking up under light throttle in top gear, fingers crossed this will sort it out.

[@perryjarvis2795]

I have used this in my BMW ZF and also a Mercedes NAG1, works just fine and its so cheap at Walmart.

[@ironmantooltime]

Which zf box (or which bimmer)?

[@jasonfelty3531]

I rebuilt my ZF5HP19 transmission and use maxlife. I have 2000 miles on it now with no issues.

[@VENUEATHENS]

I've never done bwm ATF fluid change, but I know all liquids degrade over time and need to be replaced at necessary service intervals.. Also the people having issues may have been doing a complete flush, for a long overdue ATF fluid change.. If oil is black (burnt) chances are the trans has had some damage.. Instead of flush it's best to change fluid few times, perhaps around 100mile intervals.. Even if you drain 4 to 6 quarts, chanes are there is another 6 to 8 still remaining in the system.. A few fluid changes will normalize, without flushing out all the particles a neglected transmission fluid would normally have.. Causing slipping during shifts or shuddering with some cvt, or even completely failing..

[@andy123789able]

I worked for ZF and remember having many transmissions coming in with red fluid. Clutches were burnt and yes smelled like burnt. Cost thousands to fix those transmissions.

[@atexascabron7328]

Thank you so dang much for the information bubba! I'm gonna drain my transmission fluid and replace it 1st then when I get money issues out the way, I'll do the pan and filter! Thank u

[@Jasonv65]

There should be a class action lawsuit against BMW (& other manufacturers) for saying that the transmission fluid doesn’t get changed because that’s total crap (like my transmission). My 2009 BMW 1 series 128i convertible has transmission issues and only 116k miles. The previous owner never changed the fluid per BMW and now it shudders in 4th & 5th gears when I drive it in full automatic mode. If I manually shift it drives fine with no shudder. If there has been a schedule to change the fluid and the previous owner had it done this most likely wouldn’t be a problem. Now I’m screwed with a transmission that is not going to last very long. It’s a crime to not have a schedule to maintain it. I read up on this and found that there is no coolant flush, or trans flush, or diff flush or fuel filter that is scheduled by BMW. That’s criminal on the part of BMW. No wonder BMWs have so many issues. I’m sick of auto makers misinforming customers on these maintenance issues. BMW should be forced to either replace transmissions that have issues like mine or replace the entire car. Won’t ever buy another BMW ever again.

[@bhurley5243]

I have a '06 330i with 100k miles on it. I took it to the dealer to have the transmission fluid changed and to fix 3 recalls. The dealer told me that the transmission fluid did not need to be changed on that model. I didn't think that sounded right.

[@jess_o]

Definitely not right. They're hoping to see you in a few months/years when your gearbox breaks.

[@simplyrandomjim4694]

Thank you for honest advice and experience, love your videos man thanks a bunch

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Thanks for watching

[@billrichardson5386]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop Really enjoy your videos. So I am one of the guys that was told not to change transmission fluid. I have 2004 545i. I have 280k miles. The car has been well maintained. I bought it with 150k. I put 100k+ miles in about 2 years. I have not had any shifting issues. I looked on what maintenance records were available and do not see a trans fluid change. So its possible its never been done. Based on this video I think I would drain it and refill like you said, then go,back and change filter and refill. Any advice based on what Ive told you. Thank you in advance.

[@eljaypost513]

How much should I expect to pay for a local German Auto mechanic to replace the transmission fluid and reseal it.

[@eddiebezzell]

I had a “lifetime” bmw in california but the exact same car in the uk with the same trans has to be changed or you lose your warranty!!!! Lifetime just means getting the car passed the majority of 1st owners and the initial free maintanence period so bmw do not need to pay. Nothing is lifetime oil period

[@Nmax92]

Bless you Nathan!! I've been getting a shudder, long lag, then hard shift into gear from a stops and sometimes get the reduced acceleration transmission message on iDrive.I've tried resetting the adaptations and each time I get different shift points. I'm going to replace my pan and fluid. Hopefully it fixes my issue.

[@derrickjames8401]

Nmax92 try shutter stop they sell it at Advance Auto and on EBay,comes in a Red Tube

[@catalyst_yt1472]

Derrick James fixed mine but it still shifts hard. And I need this car to go at least another 60k without issues so probably should change it

[@wonderwalls3565]

These fluids are life time fluids. The life time of the vehicle is the warranty period.

[@The_e64_project]

Thank you very much man ‘ first time owner just bought a 2008 650i and i was shifting ok but not good I had like a lag when u down shift I decided to do a transmission fluid change but people told me that I was going to messed up the car ‘ now with this info I’m about to go for it 👍

[@SW-pm3ls]

What happened

[@Dave-in-MD]

Transmission has a lifetime fill of fluid but if you change the fluid it has a longer lifetime. Every car is delivered with a lifetime fill of gasoline but add more gas and it runs longer.

[@chuckschreiber2365]

In talking with some ZF engineers they said they would change the fluid at 100k. I wish there was an easier way however to change the fluid, in particular the refill. There’s a market for a fill tube/dipstick mod that attaches to the fill port of the ZF transmissions to make refill a simple process. A drain plug on the pan is an easy do it yourself mod also.

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

really? you rock!!! for real? I have a 2015 Bmw x4 35i, N55, 77k miles, runs great, I should do it at 100k?

[@XxBANKAIxxFUSIONxX]

I have a e39 540 with 230k miles and I think the car have never had the trans fluid changed, you guys think I should change the fluid now or just leave it be?

[@markf3908]

did my e46 2001 325xi about 9 years ago with Valvoline MaxLife, drove over 40,000mi no issues before I sold it still running well. I am working on my wife's Z3 1998 , solenoid A and B replacement so watching through your videos for info. Bought some more Maxlife from Walmart, had free shipping over $25 so they arrived on my porch two days after I placed the order. Thanks for all your videos.

[@gnomebmw]

I have a Touring with GM auto trans. Changed trans fluid, filter, and new pan bolts and gasket. Wow much smoother shifting especially in cold weather. Bottom of pan near magnet had dark sludge.

[@amritpree]

Hey, my f25 diesel transmission is jerky at cold start, 150k kms on it.. what are my options please ?

[@manmetdiemielie]

You freaked fixed that shudder I have on my 2009 528i ZF box. Thanks sooo much

[@talesfromthehood5374]

Valvaline multi atf fixed my 98 Porsche boxster

[@persian1997]

Thank you for the advice but I still wanted to ask I just got a 2004 E60 525d with almost 200k miles. Do you think it's a good idea to change the trans fluid if there is no record of it being done. I'm asking since there is a theory that if it has not been regularly changed it might slip if I change it.

[@paveleftimov8554]

chamge it!

[@intellectualme5000]

Thanks for this info Nathan! Do you still stand by this fluid recommendation and have you have any future problems to date now that we're currently in 2023?

[@edwardglatzmayer5466]

Nice video! I have acquired a 1996 BMW 328i Convertible (automatic) with 73K miles. I am changing all fluids. However, the tramsmission pan is 2 pans (1 square, 1 rectangular (smaller). Drives fine. Should I pull the pans and change the filter too? Would you recommend the Valvoline MAX Life fluid for replacement?

[@twistedknowledge8382]

My personal experience with BMW transmission .. I wasn’t down shifting back to 1st gear when stopping .. I swapped the trans and it wouldn’t shift at all .. couldn’t get it out of park and I kept getting a DTC I forget the code number but it was say cast not recognized so I kept the valve body that came with the new trans and put my old cast back in and it started shifting again and I haven’t had problem since .. it’s been about 3 months anyone that has a FO2 this may help u ... no thanks needed glad I can pass on the knowledge..

[@aceali2867]

What you consider changing the fluid at 154,000 miles too risky if never changed before? 2010 328i

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

No, change it no matter what, thats a old chevy myth from the 70's

[@levifreeman4536]

My 2012 X3 F25 just started having trouble downshifting going up hills. Do you think I still can save it if I use this method? Great video!

[@kenhoworth9243]

Nathan is the man! Listen to what he says!

[@ciscocane2716]

Nathan, you the man!

[@greggc8088]

Ever tried washing out the pan/filter and reusing it? While I have seen certain solvents turn a filter from porous to a barrier, it seems like it would be possible to clean. Think it's worth it?

[@mikey_likes_it_]

The maxlife worked great in my e46 with GM box. I still like to use Pentosin tho (closest to LifeGuard but cheaper) in the e85 with ZF box.

[@1nvalid955]

I have a 2006 BMW E92 that I got about a year ago and it currently has about 172k miles and I do not know if the fluid has ever been changed throughout the cars life. What would be the right call? As far as Im aware I am not having upshift or downshift issues and the color of the fluid is light brown with a slight hue of red.

[@1nvalid955]

My 4th and 5th gear sensor is also going bad.

[@defloratimes7799]

What about a 2014 428i x drive not shifting at all check engine says monitoring all ratio clutches

[@joemorales8021]

I have a e60 535i it has a hard time shifting into 4th gear and reduce power do any of yall know if i flush the tranny fluid it would fix it?

[@rleslie845]

MaxLife ATF has kept my diesel Mercedes running smoothly for 250,000 miles. I also ran it in my VW TDI for 120,000 miles. Great stuff if it's compatible with your transmission.

[@rnr5445]

Need help. When I was changing my transmission fluid and filter. As I was looking for the fill plug and could not locate it. I seen a 19mm plug just in front of the pan. I thought that must be the fill plug. I removed it and out came a spring and a fitting with 3 Bent prongs. It looks like there should have been something like a ball bearing that seats in the prongs that I didnt see fall out. I looked in the hole with a scope. Nothing stuck ip there and the prongs didnt match up with the fitting with holes up in there. I looked around didnt see anything else. Is there just the threaded plug the spring

[@drew5134]

BMW AT 93 e36 m40b18 engine have 105k miles. There is a sudden jolt when I change P or N or D. When I drive slow, automatic transmission, a yellow sign appeared. After restarting the car, the yellow sign disappeared. Should I change transmission fluid?

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I have a 2015 Bmw X4 35i With N55. 77k miles, Should I change it? it has not been done yet, runs well.

[@arthurneroshchin5015]

i have 2000 740i. 155.000 miles. Transmission fluid as far as i know has never been changed. Should i do it ? can i use zf fluid ?

[@paveleftimov8554]

i have x5 2007 and will change it.

[@ychang408]

just changed my e90 GM ATF w Valvoline Dextron VI synthetic at 90k miles. No problem at all & it’s smoother than I expected. I did the product data sheet comparison & this is the best synthetic ATF I can found for my car.

[@sakuraturbo3364]

The valvoline oil Still working good let me know please I’m not sure wish one is better Castrol dextron or valvoline

[@ychang408]

@@sakuraturbo3364 Valvoline Dextron VI still works great for me. I think you can go for either Valvoline or Castrol as spec wise they are almost the same.

[@dironizareyes596]

Can this fluid work with the Gm tranny GA6L45R? 2010 328i xdrive

[@maintsgt3637]

Just purchased some Valvoline ATF off Amazon. Not questioning but hope your correct on ATF. I just got this 07 650i convertible and working through the maintenance issues. Oil was used up so I`m making the assumption transmission and rear diff is needing service also. Car has 83K runs good but during startup, it almost sounds like starter drags. or timing is off (old school), thoughts?? Also, what`s your experience on plugs? Thanks! Great Video!

[@carkingspot3973]

I have '08 BMW 328xi Coupe (Automatic Transmission). The car now has 121,000 miles. I bought the car when it had 54,000 miles and I'm wondering if I should change the transmission fluid. I heard some people say that it may cause more trouble changing it? Thanks. I ran a scan on the car, and one of the codes that is shows is: "578E Gearbox oil: wear".

[@glenglene8473]

when you switched to MaxLife, how do you get the old fluid out? I don't like the idea mixing two different types of fluid.

[@universlty1780]

i know on 6hp ones they have a drain plug usually replace the pan too

[@mjg607]

So when i replace my transmission pan/ filter/ fluid, I should avoid fcpeuro b/c it’s more expensive for a LIFETIME part. ok.

[@yahyashabazz5721]

Missing the point badly.

[@matt.108]

Nathan’s BMW Workshop. I have a 2012 335i. ZF 6HP19. Noticed when the car is cold or sometimes when it’s hot (not all the time) the car likes to upshift a little rough. Kinda random. Noticed in sports mode it definitely upshifts harder. What would you recommend? Low fluid? Mechatronic sleeve?

[@saeedh2603]

Hey, did you ever change it and how did it go ?

[@mattschmerbeck8375]

Why are people so weird and weary about doing this? CHANGE THE FLUID! The transmission will fail if you don't change it. Unless you consider the "life of the car" to be about 150,000 miles. It's not even that hard to do. You change your oil, don't you?

[@gabymaldo2424]

Hey natha,i got a 1999 bmw 328i e46 And right now you can feel the shift going up and feel them coming down, please tell me what could it be,it has 220,000 miles on it and it's runs good only you can feel the hard shift, thanks.

[@BimmerM5e39]

How does Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF Full Synthetic 1 Gallon compare to Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle ATF 1 Gallon? Didn't you recommend Castrol stuff before, I see this is listed as Full Synthetic unlike Castrol but both are bmw approved. Very similar price at walmart.

[@michaelnelson9140]

My 97 528i has developed a shifting issue. 224000 on the dial. It will only shift up manually. As if I had the sport shift option. Pretty sure I don’t. So, if I put it in drive. And take off on the highway, it will not shift up. If I put shift in 1st, then nurse the throttle up, until close to redline, it will shift. And I have to do this through each gear.felt lucky, it got me home . Don’t know what to do? It’s not leaking.

[@jank358]

I'm really on the fence about having preventative maintenance done with my 2011 e90 transmission. BMW dealers and a transmission expert told me to leave it alone since I don't have any issues, other mechanics tell me to change it before I have a problem (currently at 95K). The transmission expert told me he's been specializing in transmissions for 40 years and if I get some work done now and nothing is wrong I am asking for problems. I'm so confused!

[@saeedh2603]

Hey, did you ever change it and how did it go ?

[@jank358]

@saeedh2603 I did. Long story short, I wish I would have done it sooner. I waited too long (133K) and my transmission may be going out. Best to get done around 100K... that is what the maker (GM) of the transmissions say. DO NOT BELIEVE BMW WHO SAYS IT IS "LIFETIME"... it is only good for 100K. I started to get codes telling me the fluid was deteriorated. That means it's past due.

[@jank358]

@saeedh2603 Just wanted to add - I had some issues for a day or so, however after that it drove much smoother after I changed it. I can tell the difference, better torque.

[@saeedh2603]

@@jank358 I’m have a 2011 e90 as well and I’m at 75k miles but I’m scared to change to fluid. Any tips or recommendations ?

[@jank358]

@saeedh2603 Change it before 100K... find someone who knows how to change the filter as well, I got the parts from FCP Euro. With one change you will only get a quarter to half of the oil out (fluid will still be in the torque converter) Change it about 3 times within a few days or a week apart to get the fluid as fresh as possible. However you only need to change the filter and seal once.

[@aaryadeb893]

There is a jerk coming from 1st > 2nd upshift in E90 GM transmission. Is that normal or should the fluid be changed ?

[@cuttingedgecool7235]

Great first hand experience and advice.

[@Henry4PC]

Excellent video Nathan. AS BMW E46 ZF ATF owner (110K miles), I was wondering about what fluid to use. Thanks for your video. Do you recommend adding (about 10%) Lucas Transmission Oil with the drain and fill?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

just use the max life on that 5hp19

[@Henry4PC]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop Thanks for the reply. An independent BMW shop mentioned to use fluid Pentosin ATF 1. Any experience with this product for ZF transmissions? It's pricey $50 per gallon

[@tropicalco2339]

Lucas seems to gum things up in my experience. I stopped using it.

[@BJ-fk9sq]

@@Henry4PCdid you use the maxlife? How was it?

[@rogervonschleusingen4603]

Real nice worshop mate, lots of room !!

[@dwaynereynolds4269]

Very informative thank you

[@MHD_85]

Hello, my 2003 E39 540i has driven 233,000 How much does this fluid fit? How many liters is suitable? Will it harm the carrier as it is rumored? Do I completely change the fluid in one go? I hope for an answer because this question is very important to me. Thank you

[@sgt.roychannel8804]

I have a BMW i135 convertible. My transmission icon is. coming on YELLOW. I hate going to the dealership. Should I change the fluid?

[@pinarellospeedracer]

I have a question for you I live in Scottsdale AZ and in the summers here it gets up to 120 degrees. I have a must loved and very well cared for 2009 BMW z4 with the 3.0 six . The car now has just turned over 80k and have owed it for a year now .I have been doing all of the required matiness so at the the BMW repair shop that i take my car too says that don't change the ATF. The car runs great and shifts fine but with this many miles on her have no idea if it has been changed before. Should I tell them for a piece of mind have them do it anyway. I believe on this trans the filter is built into the pan . Thanks for any help on this

[@user-ub5rg6fn6e]

I thought you said Castrol transmax before a couple of years ago why the change?

[@swervin-482]

Hi Nathan. Thank you for your videos but quick question; would i use this fluid to change out my power steering fluid as well?

[@philbrutsche8928]

To answer your question, I suggest look it up. Most vehicles use the same fluid in their power steering as they do the transmission. I can't speak for all makes & models, but it seems to be a universal statement.

[@gail6904]

NATHAN ~pLEASE ANSWER ON A 2008 bmw 328I i CANT GET THE POWER STEERING PUMP HIGH PRESSURE banjo BOLT OFF THE PUMP..IM TRYING TO CHANGE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSES..I TOOK THE BOTTOM CAR SHIELD OFF (ENGINE BLACK PLASTIC SHIELD) BUT i CANT GET ANY SOCKET TO FIT WITH THE AUTO. TRANNI COOLING LINES IN THE WAY..I TRIED A SWIVEL AND ABOUT 50 OTHER TOOLS..PLEASE HELP! THE OTHER BOLT CAME LOOSE WITH A SMALL BREAKER BAR..I CNAT EVEN FIT ANY BREAKER BAR IN THERE..DO I HAVE TO TAKE OFF TIRE/FENDER SHIELD? THANKS

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Use a wrench and hook another one to it to break it loose

[@gail6904]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop Ill try but i cant even get in there with those darn cooler lines in the way..do i have to take tire off and fender plastic piece? thank u very much ty also for ur videos

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

@@gail6904 I don’t remember on e90

[@slvenyhammer4031]

What viscosity are you using? The same as recommended by bmw or a bit thicker?

[@joelcerrillo4255]

I have a used 07 bmw 328xi coupe it's kinda of jerking in 2nd or 3rd gear an I haven't changed any fluids on it yet I've jus had the car for bout 5months now changing the transmission fluid would help that gear shift smoothly correct whts your opinion on it

[@yeisonmunera8701]

Hi everyone question i have a bmw x5 e70 2012 n55 engine with 119k miles i bought a transmission fluid kit service from fcp euro with the pan is it safe to change the fluid or is too late now people keep telling me not to do it bc of the milege of the car what are your thoughts should i do this or not the car shifts perfect with no problems ?

[@BB-nr9uf]

So I use valvoline max life of the power steering too? cause the cap says ATF oil only

[@kenhoworth9243]

Ok, i did a drain and fill on my zf6hp19 with the valvoline. I had a 4-5 flare before i did it and it seemed to fix that for me. No more ZF fluid for me, only Valvoline max life. I have a lot of miles on the car. Changed fluid and pan @ 150k miles with ZF and drove 90 K with flare if pushed hard it would flare so i just drove it easy for the 90 K to prevent it flaring. Drain and fill with Valvoline @ 240k. ZF fluid is about 5 times more expensive also

[@MJ-yu7kw]

I have a 2015 bmw 530d with 140K kms, no issues .. should I change the transmission fluid ?

[@verasvacuum182]

Thanks for sharing this video! I have an 02 BMW 745li. My gear PRND blinks. Could that mean fluid is low or solenoid replace?

[@geogabi77]

My f10 535i Xdrive 2014 has 75k miles, is it late to change it’s trans fluid? I live in Chicago. Thanks

[@duece3000gt24]

Nathan. I bought a 2009 x3 e83 body with n52 engine. It has 167k on the clock and idk if the tranny fluid has even been replaced. What do you suggest i do because i want to change the filter and the fluid, but don’t want to damage or “expose” a potential problem prematurely. Or find out i need to replace tranny for a vehicle i just bought. :-/.

[@twinturbo8304]

I agree about changing your flight Jenny