Is mixing ZF Lifeguard 8 and 9 Trans Fluid Okay?

AndoSellingWood · 09-26-2022, 07:39 PM

Hey everyone. I'm in the process of doing my trans service but I have noticed that Lifeguard 8 is not in stock anywhere. I'm not sure if it was discontinued but I was wondering if anyone knows if mixing Lifeguard 9 on my trans is okay. I did see that ZF designed Lifeguard 9 to be used with 8HP50 I just don't know if it can be mixed.

https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemed...e-ml-11-en.pdf

https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemed...191025-eng.pdf

ctcarbonari · 09-30-2022, 08:11 AM

I have this exact same question for the same reasons as OP.

It sure seems like it, but I know enough to be dangerous. lol.

JoHnMuir · 09-30-2022, 08:16 AM

Their application list (TE-ML11) does not list Lifeguard9 as a suitable fluid for the 8HP50 in the 340i. So, I would not use it. You can find some BMW ATF 3+ in stock at various stores online, which is suitable.

ctcarbonari · 09-30-2022, 08:34 AM

Looks like ZF LifeGuard9 has a lower viscosity at 40 deg. C. and a lower Flash Point.

ctcarbonari · 09-30-2022, 10:01 AM

ZF doesn't list LifeGuard9 for the 8HP50; however, it does list BMW ATF 3+ (83 22 2 289 720) for all their transmissions that require LG8 OR LG9.

JoHnMuir · 09-30-2022, 12:00 PM

Didn't notice that. Seems strange, since LG8 and LG9 are obviously different from each other. Perhaps another instance of BMW disregarding what ZF says.

09-26-2022, 07:39 PM	#1
AndoSellingWood Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Is mixing ZF Lifeguard 8 and 9 Trans Fluid Okay? Hey everyone. I'm in the process of doing my trans service but I have noticed that Lifeguard 8 is not in stock anywhere. I'm not sure if it was discontinued but I was wondering if anyone knows if mixing Lifeguard 9 on my trans is okay. I did see that ZF designed Lifeguard 9 to be used with 8HP50 I just don't know if it can be mixed. https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemed...e-ml-11-en.pdf https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemed...191025-eng.pdf
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09-30-2022, 08:11 AM	#2
ctcarbonari Second Lieutenant 295 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 535i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 535i [0.00] 2015 BMW 535i [0.00]	I have this exact same question for the same reasons as OP. It sure seems like it, but I know enough to be dangerous. lol.
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09-30-2022, 08:16 AM	#3
JoHnMuir Private First Class 70 Rep 131 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Their application list (TE-ML11) does not list Lifeguard9 as a suitable fluid for the 8HP50 in the 340i. So, I would not use it. You can find some BMW ATF 3+ in stock at various stores online, which is suitable.
	Appreciate 1 ctcarbonari295.00 Quote

09-30-2022, 08:34 AM	#4
ctcarbonari Second Lieutenant 295 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 535i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 535i [0.00] 2015 BMW 535i [0.00]	Looks like ZF LifeGuard9 has a lower viscosity at 40 deg. C. and a lower Flash Point. Attached Images
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09-30-2022, 10:01 AM	#5
ctcarbonari Second Lieutenant 295 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 535i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 535i [0.00] 2015 BMW 535i [0.00]	ZF doesn't list LifeGuard9 for the 8HP50; however, it does list BMW ATF 3+ (83 22 2 289 720) for all their transmissions that require LG8 OR LG9. Attached Images
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09-30-2022, 12:00 PM	#6
JoHnMuir Private First Class 70 Rep 131 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Didn't notice that. Seems strange, since LG8 and LG9 are obviously different from each other. Perhaps another instance of BMW disregarding what ZF says.
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