F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > N55 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > transmission fluid
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-13-2016, 11:02 PM   #45
harkes
Colonel
harkes's Avatar
China
1072
Rep
2,353
Posts

Drives: M135i, E39 M5, NSX and AE86
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Xiamen, China

iTrader: (0)

I was considering having my indie shop doing this oil change.......not os much anymore - this is complicated shit! Possible at all without access to ISTA?
__________________
M135i 8AT PWG, MHD, Pure Stage2, WMI via Torqbyte CM5-LT, Custom tuned by PureBoost
(A Dane in China)
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2016, 05:46 AM   #46
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by harkes View Post
I was considering having my indie shop doing this oil change.......not os much anymore - this is complicated shit! Possible at all without access to ISTA?
It's theoretically possible to do this without ISTA.

From what I've seen, the main purpose of ISTA is to be able to read the temperature sensors from the transmission to determine the transmission oil temp.

If you Youtube transmission fluid changes for ZF transmissions, there are people that have done it on other cars without the need for a factory diagnostic software.

But it is a complicated process for a transmission fluid drain and fill... in general.
Appreciate 1
stxf3094.00
      10-15-2016, 08:59 PM   #47
AGONXF30
Captain
AGONXF30's Avatar
United_States
263
Rep
728
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Upstate

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cryptocar
Quote:
Originally Posted by F30_CH
How many are needed for a flush?
Buy a transmission fluid kit from somewhere like FCP Euro.
You need to replace the filler plug, whole pan with integrated filter and all mounting bolts so the kit includes all of that along with 7L of the ZF8 Lifeguard fluid.
This is the kit I bought.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt
Keep in mind to properly flush and fill the trans fluid you need to run an ISTA procedure to adjust and balance the oil. (The BMW workshop guide specifically states that not using the diagnostic procedure will break your tranny)
I had been looking for the quantity. I need to do mine ASAP. Dealer is charging me 200 for labor which is reasonable.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2016, 09:09 PM   #48
etinifni
Captain
etinifni's Avatar
United_States
203
Rep
943
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i Modern Line
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: NC

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by AGONXF30
Quote:
Originally Posted by cryptocar
Quote:
Originally Posted by F30_CH
How many are needed for a flush?
Buy a transmission fluid kit from somewhere like FCP Euro.
You need to replace the filler plug, whole pan with integrated filter and all mounting bolts so the kit includes all of that along with 7L of the ZF8 Lifeguard fluid.
This is the kit I bought.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt
Keep in mind to properly flush and fill the trans fluid you need to run an ISTA procedure to adjust and balance the oil. (The BMW workshop guide specifically states that not using the diagnostic procedure will break your tranny)
I had been looking for the quantity. I need to do mine ASAP. Dealer is charging me 200 for labor which is reasonable.

Some things are worth being someone else's headache IMO.
__________________
:wave:
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2016, 09:36 PM   #49
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AGONXF30 View Post
I had been looking for the quantity. I need to do mine ASAP. Dealer is charging me 200 for labor which is reasonable.
You'll use anywhere from 5 to 6.5L.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2016, 09:57 PM   #50
insanecoder
Banned
1410
Rep
3,211
Posts

Drives: 340isDrive
Join Date: May 2016
Location: East Coast USA

iTrader: (0)

The process is similar to that for other brands.. I dont see the need for ISTA for that
The level should be at just where it begins to drip out of the fillplug
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2016, 09:33 PM   #51
harkes
Colonel
harkes's Avatar
China
1072
Rep
2,353
Posts

Drives: M135i, E39 M5, NSX and AE86
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Xiamen, China

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by insanecoder View Post
The process is similar to that for other brands.. I dont see the need for ISTA for that
The level should be at just where it begins to drip out of the fillplug
Something as important as this is good to have registered in the BMW service system/history so Ill probably bend over and let BMW do it.
__________________
M135i 8AT PWG, MHD, Pure Stage2, WMI via Torqbyte CM5-LT, Custom tuned by PureBoost
(A Dane in China)
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2016, 09:36 PM   #52
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by harkes View Post
Something as important as this is good to have registered in the BMW service system/history so Ill probably bend over and let BMW do it.
It would not matter. BMW says it's a "lifetime fill" so it doesn't matter whether it's on your BMW service history or not...
Appreciate 0
      10-22-2016, 01:27 PM   #53
AGONXF30
Captain
AGONXF30's Avatar
United_States
263
Rep
728
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Upstate

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Polo08816 View Post
You'll use anywhere from 5 to 6.5L.
The dealer used around 4.75L or so since around .25 came out slowly. I hope that is ok.
Appreciate 0
      10-23-2016, 09:21 PM   #54
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AGONXF30 View Post
The dealer used around 4.75L or so since around .25 came out slowly. I hope that is ok.
That sounds like exactly the same amount of fluid I used.
Appreciate 0
      10-25-2016, 10:42 PM   #55
AGONXF30
Captain
AGONXF30's Avatar
United_States
263
Rep
728
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Upstate

iTrader: (0)

I have a residual transmission fluid smell, but I cannot see anything leaking. Anyone experience anything similar.....

Shifts are a bit smoother, but not a drastic change. The fluid came out pretty dark, but nice and fluid still, and there were no metal shavings or other particles in the fluid or filter. Overall it needed a change, but conditions were not terrible for the fuild. For anyone that drives normally, basically, does not get into manual shifting or sporty driving; the fluid should last at least 80K, for those that drive more spirited a 50K is on order and those that track the car, should have a temp gauge and possibly change it at 30K or so....
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2016, 06:00 AM   #56
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AGONXF30 View Post
I have a residual transmission fluid smell, but I cannot see anything leaking. Anyone experience anything similar.....

Shifts are a bit smoother, but not a drastic change. The fluid came out pretty dark, but nice and fluid still, and there were no metal shavings or other particles in the fluid or filter. Overall it needed a change, but conditions were not terrible for the fuild. For anyone that drives normally, basically, does not get into manual shifting or sporty driving; the fluid should last at least 80K, for those that drive more spirited a 50K is on order and those that track the car, should have a temp gauge and possibly change it at 30K or so....
...there is a temp gauge already. It's just not visible to the driver.
Appreciate 0
      06-05-2017, 03:04 PM   #57
Alaaaan
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 435xi
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cryptocar View Post
Yes. It's been indispensable.
I love ISTA as well as my Bentley Service manual. I've found instances where ISTA straight up skips steps in its guides and the Bentley guide is the same except has one more step in the middle using a special tool ISTA never mentions. I use them side by side for most of my jobs on my car.
How do i get ISTA?
Appreciate 0
      06-06-2017, 09:35 AM   #58
cryptocar
Captain
cryptocar's Avatar
United_States
496
Rep
902
Posts

Drives: 13' F30 385xi VNV Speed Custom
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaaaan View Post
How do i get ISTA?
Buy a subscription from BMW or PM me and i may be able to point you in the right direction.
__________________
13' 335xi, ACF Tuned, ACF Stage 3 Turbo Kit (67mm),PDU PI, ACF Stage 4 LPFP, M-Perf Brakes, AEM CM10 Meth/Nitro, CG DR-1 + VS-1 3.5" Turboback, AFe S2 CAI+Ram Scoop, ER Chargepipe, Wagner EVOII Comp. FMIC, Stop-Tech SS Brake Lines, BMS Sport Oil Cooler Valve+Spacers F10mm R15mm, 19" Bridgestone Potenzas, KW EDC Coilovers, CF Seibon Hood + CSL trunk. Track:Pagid Race Pads, Stop-Tech Custom Pads Front+Rear Racing Tow Hooks
Appreciate 1
Polo088161593.50
      06-06-2017, 06:38 PM   #59
murphius1118
Private First Class
murphius1118's Avatar
99
Rep
191
Posts

Drives: 2013 328i xDrive
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Philly area

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
ZF, the transmission mfg, has a video on their website on how to change tranny fluid. No ISTA required. See link below...

https://www.zf.com/corporate/en_de/a...vorgang_1.html
__________________
'13 328i xDrive│Jet Black│BMS JB Stage 1│MPE│18" 400M & Conti DWS 06│DelVal BMW CCA #533245
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2017, 06:45 AM   #60
Ivan Ivanov
Lieutenant
Ivan Ivanov's Avatar
Russian Federation
1781
Rep
437
Posts

Drives: X1, X3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: RUSSIA

iTrader: (0)

It is not very clear, there is already a general opinion - whether it is necessary to change the oil in the automatic transmission or not (as official dealers say)?
I'll even put the question in another - is it dangerous?
I do not know how you are, but in Russia on the services there is an opinion that if the oil in the automatic transmission has not been replaced by a run of 100,000 km then it is already dangerous to replace it (it's unclear why).

P.S. Car, if it matters - 320D (rear-wheel drive), the mileage is already 150.000km
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2017, 10:20 AM   #61
insanecoder
Banned
1410
Rep
3,211
Posts

Drives: 340isDrive
Join Date: May 2016
Location: East Coast USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivan Ivanov View Post
It is not very clear, there is already a general opinion - whether it is necessary to change the oil in the automatic transmission or not (as official dealers say)?
I'll even put the question in another - is it dangerous?
I do not know how you are, but in Russia on the services there is an opinion that if the oil in the automatic transmission has not been replaced by a run of 100,000 km then it is already dangerous to replace it (it's unclear why).

P.S. Car, if it matters - 320D (rear-wheel drive), the mileage is already 150.000km
Yes your Russian mechanics are right
this is why you need to at least replace the fluid every 50-60,000mi
you do not want that tranny over 100,000 miles w/o change at that point I would just leave it alone and be resigned to having tranny issues and/or to replace the transmission in the near future
Appreciate 1
Polo088161593.50
      06-30-2017, 06:50 AM   #62
Ivan Ivanov
Lieutenant
Ivan Ivanov's Avatar
Russian Federation
1781
Rep
437
Posts

Drives: X1, X3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: RUSSIA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by insanecoder View Post
Yes your Russian mechanics are right
this is why you need to at least replace the fluid every 50-60,000mi
you do not want that tranny over 100,000 miles w/o change at that point I would just leave it alone and be resigned to having tranny issues and/or to replace the transmission in the near future
I feel some sarcasm in your words, colleague ))
However, I prefer the policy of Russian mechanics, who say - "Do not interfere with the machine to work!" moreover, that it agrees with the opinion of the German mechanics, who say that "the oil in an automatic transmission is designed for the entire lifetime of the car".
And they have good reasons for this, because already quite a large number of BMW 3 series in Germany drove more than 500,000 km and none of them stopped due to a breakdown of the automatic transmission - at least, I never heard about it in Germans forums.
Appreciate 0
      06-30-2017, 11:43 AM   #63
insanecoder
Banned
1410
Rep
3,211
Posts

Drives: 340isDrive
Join Date: May 2016
Location: East Coast USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivan Ivanov View Post
I feel some sarcasm in your words, colleague ))
However, I prefer the policy of Russian mechanics, who say - "Do not interfere with the machine to work!" moreover, that it agrees with the opinion of the German mechanics, who say that "the oil in an automatic transmission is designed for the entire lifetime of the car".
And they have good reasons for this, because already quite a large number of BMW 3 series in Germany drove more than 500,000 km and none of them stopped due to a breakdown of the automatic transmission - at least, I never heard about it in Germans forums.
No sarcasm there
They are correct
its because of sludge buildup
if you wait til sludge developes
its too late you may as well let it be and dont touch it
they are absolutely correct
there is no oil which will defy the principles of engineering & physics and how things break down esp under intensive use
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2018, 03:10 PM   #64
Marlinman
First Lieutenant
101
Rep
316
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i xDrive
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

has anyone completed this and what are your results? Issues after the fluid change? POLO I read somewhere you needed a new tranny not far after, but has anyone done this closer to 100K miles?
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2018, 03:20 PM   #65
bimmer456
Major General
2940
Rep
5,983
Posts

Drives: 340i
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cryptocar View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by cptcrunch
Quote:
Originally Posted by cryptocar View Post
Keep in mind to properly flush and fill the trans fluid you need to run an ISTA procedure to adjust and balance the oil. (The BMW workshop guide specifically states that not using the diagnostic procedure will break your tranny)
Are you saying that just for a standard drain and fill you need to run an ISTA procedure? If so, that seems a little more complicated than the E90's drain and fill transmission service.
I have the BMW workshop service guide software and an independent publishers service manual to our cars that was approved by BMW. Both make special notes regarding this procedure requiring diagnostic tools to properly flush and fill the system.
It most definitely is different and more complicated than the E9X. Because the ZF8HP is a very different transmission than the old ZF trans it requires special care and treatment.
Since BMW considers tans fluid to be a lifetime fill pre filled from the factory not to be changed for 100k miles they don't care how difficult it is to change since it's not a common service item. Those of us with HP cars take better care and more preventative maintenance of our cars to keep us from blowing expensive components like the transmission, transfer box, and engine block.
E9x used a GM transmission except for 335i vs all F30 use the ZF transmission.
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2018, 05:08 PM   #66
Marlinman
First Lieutenant
101
Rep
316
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i xDrive
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

....
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:50 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST