[roma3]

Looking to do this soon - glad I found this thread.

Has anyone tried the LiquiMoly Top Tech 1800?
Looks like it checks out with all the requirements and is an option on FCPeuro website.
TopTech 1800 by Roman G, on Flickr

[Solidjake]

Originally Posted by stroker15

Hi Jake, you said the car is driving great. Can you feel a difference after the fluid changes? Was it driving great when you took it in, or it's now driving better than before?

It's driving perfectly as it should. No issues shifting (manual), no notchy shifting as well. I saw your previous posts and YES I definitely recommend getting new fluid and filter if you have an auto. On my E46 my auto trans died at 145k due to the torque converter going and the oil being burnt

[roma3]

Originally Posted by D041987

For the MT I used MOTUL or redline fluids but previously have used LUCAS with great results and lower temps as well. Mainly use MT-90 weight (factory spec). For the Diff I use 75w90( for spirited driving and also it's the factory spec). But you can upgrade all the way from a 90 to 110 to 140 if you track or drive the car hard or launch it a lot. M3 uses 140 in the diff.

DO NOT USE MTL (Even though Redline spec page says it's ok), it's too thin for our trans and any hard driving will result in bearing/ syncro wear/ whining and will destroy your trans.

Is that 75w90 GL-4 or GL-5 (your is E90 RWD I presume)?
my F30 328xi states I need GL-5 for the front and GL-4 for the rear.
Seems a bit odd.

[CandyRedRC46]

Based on everything thats been brought up in this thread, would you say ZF "recommends" the trans service at 100k km or ZF is saying the 100k km service is "mandatory"?

[BettyFkinCrocker]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

Based on everything thats been brought up in this thread, would you say ZF "recommends" the trans service at 100k km or ZF is saying the 100k km service is "mandatory"?

I'd say it's somewhere in between. "Highly Recommended" is the phrase I'd use. Lifetime fluid has been a topic of discussion for years. For peace of mind and longevity, it'd be best to change so long as it's not far past recommended it's service interval.If you are at 30-110k miles, I'd say change it. Over 120k, possibly a bigger risk of causing major damage. However, people have left it alone well into 200k miles without issue.

Heavily depends on driving style as well.

[roma3]

Just did the AT Fluid/Pan, Rear Diff, and Transfer Case @76K

AT Temp measured with Torque App (over Bluetooth w/ Android phone)

AT - used LiquiMoly ATF TopTech 1800 (total of 5.5L or so)
Rear Diff - LiquiMoly 75w90 (just over 1L)
Transfer Case - Motul Multi DCTF (Shell TF 0870 equivalent - just over 0.5L - tough to get that fluid out lol)

ProTip - take you time and dont rush - also exhaust gets hot very quickly (during AT filling/level)

Looking at my used AT fluid - I'm glad I did - look at that junk in on the magnet.
F30 AT magnet by Roman G, on Flickr
F30 AT filtrate by Roman G, on Flickr

[Gamb1t]

^ Update on the LM TopTec tranny oil? Any issues?

[roma3]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

^ Update on the LM TopTec tranny oil? Any issues?

No issues so far. I want to say that it shifts a little smoother than before (might be in my head though). I will say that before the oil ATF change I did have an occasional jerk while shifting with city driving (maybe 1 time a week or even every 2 weeks) - that has not happened yet after the ATF change.

Overall I am pretty satisfied with the TopTec - nothing crazy good to report but it does the job.

I will keep you guys posted as I put more miles on the 328.

[prncess23]

Okay, I am in the same boat and glad I found this post and forum. I have a 2013 F30. I drive about 80 miles a day for work so I have a bunch of miles. I had a few things that needed fixing so I took it to my trusted mechanic and well, the bill is already $1000+, which was expected. He told me that I should get a transmission service; recommended. It's $1100. Is it really worth it? From reading everything it doesn't look like it is. I do regular oil changes and had him do the 100,000 mile service as well. I obviously don't have warranty on this anymore so the $$$$ I spend on it, I am cautious because I will be selling it in the near future.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by prncess23

Okay, I am in the same boat and glad I found this post and forum. I have a 2013 F30. I drive about 80 miles a day for work so I have a bunch of miles. I had a few things that needed fixing so I took it to my trusted mechanic and well, the bill is already $1000+, which was expected. He told me that I should get a transmission service; recommended. It's $1100. Is it really worth it? From reading everything it doesn't look like it is. I do regular oil changes and had him do the 100,000 mile service as well. I obviously don't have warranty on this anymore so the $$$$ I spend on it, I am cautious because I will be selling it in the near future.

If you are thinking of selling the car leave the transmission alone. Why go to that expense with no return? $1,100 is outrageous! Sounds like a mechanic who blindly buys all his BMW parts from the dealer. The same parts without the BMW label total about $300.

Parts from ZF, the actual manufacturer of the automatic transmission, are available for much less. ZF replacement pan with filter is about $150. ZF auto transmission fluid for the 8-speed auto transmission is about $33 per quart. (BMW is $72/quart!) I've read that the drain and fill process takes about 5 quarts, but have seen kits with 8 quarts.

The labor procedure is unusual to have to run the engine on a flat lift and fill the transmission at a certain temperature. But it's not the rocket science that is sometimes claimed to justify a huge labor charge. Very easy for a mechanic who has done them before.

[Gen13 F36]

I just read from here :

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1512602&page=3

207k miles and counting... no transmission oil replacement. So who knows best

[banglenot]

Originally Posted by roma3

Just did the AT Fluid/Pan, Rear Diff, and Transfer Case @76K

AT Temp measured with Torque App (over Bluetooth w/ Android phone)

AT - used LiquiMoly ATF TopTech 1800 (total of 5.5L or so)
Rear Diff - LiquiMoly 75w90 (just over 1L)
Transfer Case - Motul Multi DCTF (Shell TF 0870 equivalent - just over 0.5L - tough to get that fluid out lol)

ProTip - take you time and dont rush - also exhaust gets hot very quickly (during AT filling/level)

Looking at my used AT fluid - I'm glad I did - look at that junk in on the magnet. snip

Not at all unusual -- in fact, pretty typical to see that on the magnets between fluid changes. Normal wear particles. If you see larger particles than that slurry, or black fluid, you have a problem.

Much more important is the condition of the fluid. Visually, the ZF fluid is a light amber in color when new. If kept in a normal operating temp it should be dark amber when changed, and will be translucent.

If it's black, that means it was overheated and likely clutch material has entered it because of hard usage (towing) or outright abuse (leaving strips). Overheated/abused fluid rapidly loses it's lubricating characteristics. There are numerous charts available on the net discussing speed of fluid deterioration at various temperatures. It's surprising how fast it can deteriorate at operating temps much higher than normal.

The black fluid also leaves crap throughout the system, and is a potential problem for the mechatronics as deposits accumulate. I refreshed my fluid (on the ZF6 and the GM6) at 100K mi and both fluids were translucent with their original color (amber and red, respectively). My guess is if you treat the tranny well, it'll last for a very long time.

BTW, there was an earlier post on this thread that gave bad info on the tranny capacities. On the ZF 6 speed, total fill is about 10 liters. Simple drain is about 5- 5.5 liters, and a pan drop being 6.5 or a bit more. I've never found a way to get more with a simple refresh as ZF recommends. There are people who do a second drain/fill to get the new fluid up to 80% or so. I suppose pulling the coolant loop could get more out, but using ZF's recommended 45Kmi to 70Kmi refresh is plenty. Also, no one I've heard of has had good luck with using flush machines on ZF trannys. So, just don't use them.

Per the Chrysler use of the ZF 8 speed, the capacity is 9 Liters, and the drain/fill on the 8 should be proportional to what I noted above: https://www.motor.com/newsletters/20...8HP_Tranny.pdf Really good tech description. Of course, they also claim "lifetime" which is BS.

Many, many debates on if you can use non-ZF fluids. ZF lifeguard 6 is Shell spec 1374.5. There are multiple fluids out there that meet that spec, so do your own research. ZF LG 8 is Shell L12108/Lifeguard8. Never done research on that spec, so can't opine on alternates. here's a comment from AMS: https://www.oildepot.ca/dodge-dealer...000-atf-flush/ They claim their "AMSOIL OE Fuel Efficient ATF" is a replacement for ZF LG6 and LG8.

For those new to this, the term "flush' is used interchangeably for a "refresh" drain/fill or the use of flush machines. These last two are very different processes and should not be confused.

[banglenot]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

Based on everything thats been brought up in this thread, would you say ZF "recommends" the trans service at 100k km or ZF is saying the 100k km service is "mandatory"?

They recommend it. But for those that believe "oil is cheap, but metal is expensive", it's a great idea to change early if you tow, drive in really hot climates all the time, or beat the crap out of it for fun.

If you drive long easy trips on superhighways, it'll last a lot(!) longer.

IMHO, YMMV

[MAILIYAT]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

A change around 100k isn't a bad idea, Sarkari Result Pnr Status 192.168.1.1 but you should also change the filter, which means changing the pan.

I've never changed my transmission fluid before, I know bmw advertises it as lifetime but nothing lasts forever. If I do a drain and fill with new oil at or before the 100k mark do you think it would slip. Is it not worth it? Or is it a good idea? Let e know what u guys think.

[BettyFkinCrocker]

Originally Posted by MAILIYAT

I've never changed my transmission fluid before, I know bmw advertises it as lifetime but nothing lasts forever. If I do a drain and fill with new oil at or before the 100k mark do you think it would slip. Is it not worth it? Or is it a good idea? Let e know what u guys think.

We think you should probably read this thread instead of asking a question that has already been answered...multiple times.

[roma3]

Originally Posted by banglenot

...

If it's black, that means it was overheated and likely clutch material has entered it because of hard usage (towing) or outright abuse (leaving strips). Overheated/abused fluid rapidly loses it's lubricating characteristics. There are numerous charts available on the net discussing speed of fluid deterioration at various temperatures. It's surprising how fast it can deteriorate at operating temps much higher than normal.

...

Thanks for your input.
My fluid was not black (like dirty engine oil) but more like sewage water? ( dirty/grey) and semi-transparent.

I can have some peace of mind for the next 60k that my ATF is a little cleaner (as you mentioned not 100% of it is new).

[roma3]

Originally Posted by johnung

If you are thinking of selling the car leave the transmission alone. Why go to that expense with no return? $1,100 is outrageous! Sounds like a mechanic who blindly buys all his BMW parts from the dealer. The same parts without the BMW label total about $300.

Parts from ZF, the actual manufacturer of the automatic transmission, are available for much less. ZF replacement pan with filter is about $150. ZF auto transmission fluid for the 8-speed auto transmission is about $33 per quart. (BMW is $72/quart!) I've read that the drain and fill process takes about 5 quarts, but have seen kits with 8 quarts.

The labor procedure is unusual to have to run the engine on a flat lift and fill the transmission at a certain temperature. But it's not the rocket science that is sometimes claimed to justify a huge labor charge. Very easy for a mechanic who has done them before.

Agreed!
FCP Euro has a kit available for under $300 (ZF fluid 7L, pan/filter, and bolts)
fcpeuro.com...auto-trans-service-kit...

[johnung]

Originally Posted by roma3

Agreed!
FCP Euro has a kit available for under $300 (ZF fluid 7L, pan/filter, and bolts)
fcpeuro.com...auto-trans-service-kit...

Thanks! Best price I've seen so far!

[BMWILUVU]

The 8HP is not a simple drain-fill. If you do not follow the proper steps you end with low oil levels and ruining your expensive box.

[CandyRedRC46]

Okay guys, I just completed the job in my garage. It was pretty nerve-racking and messy, but after finishing it and filling in some of the missing steps you don't see in the how tos and videos (car needs to sit and cool for at least 12 hours before hand and the initial top off, second top off is completed with engine running), I could probably do it easily in 2 hours. I took it for a test drive and all seems well. Wish me luck.

[muniz_ri]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

Okay guys, I just completed the job in my garage. It was pretty nerve-racking and messy, but after finishing it and filling in some of the missing steps you don't see in the how tos and videos (car needs to sit and cool for at least 12 hours before hand and the initial top off, second top off is completed with engine running), I could probably do it easily in 2 hours. I took it for a test drive and all seems well. Wish me luck.

Congrats! Like most things, it's nerve wrenching the first time but pretty straightforward thereafter. Which fluid did you use?

[CandyRedRC46]

Originally Posted by muniz_ri

Congrats! Like most things, it's nerve wrenching the first time but pretty straightforward thereafter. Which fluid did you use?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-ga8hp45z-ga8hp70z-auto-trans-service-kit-24118612901kt


Full OEM zf kit from fcpeuro.