what type of transmission fluid?

[dragracer440wed]

Hello, I just picked up a '99 540iT with 144k miles and want to change the transmission fluid, the trans pan has a green lable on it and says"lifetime fluid" . But I would rather change it. There is a BMW trans fluid # 83229407807. I was told I can use Redline DF4 ATF instead is that true? it is a ZF trans not the GM trans.

Thank you
Ezra

[dragracer440wed]

Ok I got 2gallons of redline DF4 ATF and will do my trans service tomorrow.

[M5 Jed]

Redline D4 ATF is the way to go. Same specs as the LT71141.

"Lifetime Fluid" in BMW speak means up until warranty expires, so 40k - 50k the ATF should be changed.

[dragracer440wed]

Thank's M5 Jed

Changed the fluid today dropped the pan and changed the filter. I think I will drive it another 1,000 miles and drain the atf and refill.

[AquilaBMW]

Ezra - You gotta teach me how to change tranny fluid one of these days. How difficult is it?

[dragracer440wed]

Ezra - You gotta teach me how to change tranny fluid one of these days. How difficult is it?


Michael, Not that hard to do, I think I spent more time trying to find out what fluid to use instead of the expensive BMW stuff. I just ran it until the trans flud was warm , up on jack stands , cracked loose the fill plug(and checked the level) drained fluid and dropped the pan changed the filter and clean up the pan. reinstalled the pan add fliud,run thru the gears several times and rechecked the level. Was good to go..

[wheelgarage]

I think Bavarian Auto has a DIY video on it. I did see it on their latest catalog.

[AquilaBMW]

Michael, Not that hard to do, I think I spent more time trying to find out what fluid to use instead of the expensive BMW stuff. I just ran it until the trans flud was warm , up on jack stands , cracked loose the fill plug(and checked the level) drained fluid and dropped the pan changed the filter and clean up the pan. reinstalled the pan add fliud,run thru the gears several times and rechecked the level. Was good to go..

How did you check the fluid level and "add" the fluid though?

[dragracer440wed]

There is a fill plug on the right side of the case towards the rear.. just used a suction gun to fill until the atf started to dribble out of the filler hole.(with the car idling)

[AquilaBMW]

There is a fill plug on the front side of the case.. just used a suction gun to fill until the atf started to dribble out of the filler hole.

Okay... makes sense. How much oil is in these transmissions? I assume we are talking about the 5HP24 ?

[dragracer440wed]

Okay... makes sense. How much oil is in these transmissions? I assume we are talking about the 5HP24 ?

with dropping the pan and changing the filter, used almost 7qts. I plan on driving another 1,000 miles and then just drain and refill.

[M5 Jed]

Thank's M5 Jed

Changed the fluid today dropped the pan and changed the filter. I think I will drive it another 1,000 miles and drain the atf and refill.

That's a good idea, draining it won't completely get all the old fluid in the torque converter. So another drain and refill should get 95% of the old fluid out.

[motorade1]

I just did mine and thought it was a pain in the ass without a lift. I used the Valvoline Max Life fluid which is around $6.50 a quart, and is compatible with the LT 71141, and is a synthetic blend like the Esso. The old fluid was pretty dirty, lots of sediment in the bottom of the pan, and the magnets were caked with junk. Tranny definitely seems to be shifting better now.