Lifetime oil?

[chamuel]

lifetime fluid.... you'd think a company as experienced and large as bmw would know what they are talking about... my tranny has never been touched and i have 230k on it. still shifts like a dream if i ever need to service it, i think ill go with whatever they put in it to begin with. ive always been told any additive is a snake oil and to never touch it. so i wont.

[Mike in CT]

For those that tend to follow manufacturer's recommendations, Martin Vogel of ZF has provided some information on the green tag transmissions.

From an Audi forum in 2009:

http://www.audiforums.com/forum/audi...-123705/page2/

The lifetime of the transmission is not exactly defined and each car manufacturer has his own philosophy therefor. The ZF transmissions are developed and tested to overcome lifetime without oil change under normal driving conditions. In our latest version ZF list of lubricants TE-ML 11 we mention that in case of running a car / transmission under severe conditions (highway driving in top speed range, offensive sporty driving style, frequent trailer operation) an oil change between 80.000 - 120.000K is recommended.

Under the Audi Oil no. G 052162 A2 and G 052162 A1 you will get the same fluid. The difference between A2 and A1 is only the amount of fluid / size of the can (A1-> 0,5 liter, A2 -> 1 liter).

Up to 2005 we have used the Esso LT 71141 as factory fill fluid and as service fluid (ZF Lifeguardfluid5). From 2006 on we have changed to Pentosin ATF 1. Both fluids are approved for use in the ZF 5HPxx transmissions.

I hope the mystery around the ZF transmissions is get a bit clearer for you.

If you have additional questions therefor please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen/Kind regards
Martin Vogel
Schmierstoffe und Polymere (TW-L)/Lubricants and Polymers (TW-L)

ZF Friedrichshafen AG
88038 Friedrichshafen, Deutschland/Germany
Telefon/Phone +49 7541 77-7181, Telefax/Fax +49 7541 77-907181
martin.vogel@zf.com

And from personal correspondence 2011:

According to the enclosed ZF list of lubricants TE-ML 11 page 3 the ZF 5HP24 transmission has to be filled with ZF Lifeguardfluid5 (ZF No. S671 090 170 / BMW Oil No. 8322 9407807). Only this fluid is approved for use. You can get this fluid via ZF service (ZF No. S671 090 170) or via your BMW service (BMW Oil No. 8322 9407807).

Mit freundlichen Grüßen/Kind Regards

Martin Vogel
Technik ZF-Konzern/Operations and Technology ZF Group
Schmierstoffe und Kunststoffe/Lubricants and Plastics (OTGM2)

And also:

The ZF Lifeguardfluid5 uses a part synthetic base oil mixture.
The fluid is developed and approved for use as lifetime fill fluid. That means that normally no oil change over lifetime of the transmission is necessary.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen/Kind Regards

Martin Vogel
Technik ZF-Konzern/Operations and Technology ZF Group
Schmierstoffe und Kunststoffe/Lubricants and Plastics (OTGM2)

So, over time, ZF's recommendation went from Esso LT 71141 to full synthetic Pentosin ATF 1 to the part synthetic ZF Lifeguard 5 (when Lifeguard 5 became available from ZF). If you pull up the ZF Lifeguard 5 MSDS sheet, you will see that it is manufactured by Pentosin.

My choice was to simply go with the full synthetic ATF 1. The extra cost for something that is done/should be done every 100K miles is not an issue with me. I did definitely have a surging shift problem at low speed on inclines that was solved by a fluid and Filtran filter change. Fairly minor but noticeable that the transmission was hunting for the right gear. Completely went away for the last 10K miles.

[KenR740]

It's great to hear positive reports from those of you with over 150K miles on the original fluid. I wish you continued success. I have 80K miles on mine and I'm definitely going to change the fluid and filter at or before it hits 100K.

[M I C H A E L]

Just added 10oz of the Lubegard Platinum ATF Protectant. Didn't change fluid or anything (I'm at 162k on mine). The shifts were immediately smoother. Butter smooth now. Really amazing.

Yep, keep using it, its awesome, awesome stuff, change your fluid and filter soon too. then add another bottle of it.

[big mike 84]

My choice was to simply go with the full synthetic ATF 1. The extra cost for something that is done/should be done every 100K miles is not an issue with me. I did definitely have a surging shift problem at low speed on inclines that was solved by a fluid and Filtran filter change. Fairly minor but noticeable that the transmission was hunting for the right gear. Completely went away for the last 10K miles.

i have that same problem now

[SBK740]

118k miles considered in the "safe zone" for fluid change?

[M I C H A E L]

118k miles considered in the "safe zone" for fluid change?

yeah, they say 70-100k. you're fine. Being an enthusiast id change it way more often than that... every 40k. ensures the longevity of your transmission.

[darkstarmedia]

It is my opinion that I always default to change it.... even over 200k miles. But, you know what they say about how everyone has one and they all stink....

Richard

[WarMachine7]

Who started this thread back up lol

WAR MACHINE