[sspade]

Anyone else been quoted by their dealer for a ZF 8HP45 fluid change and new filter/pan?

Please share quotes.

As I said before, knowing the price of the kit and also the fact that dealers get them for even less - this should be a $600+ tax service in my opinion. Enough to pay the Tech a few hours labour and also make a couple two-three hundred.

This is making the following assumptions:

1. They can source kit for $200
2. Tech makes $25/hr
3. Job pays 4 hrs

[insanecoder]

ok once again.. heres ZF tellin ya to change every 100,000 km (62,000mi)

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by sspade

Awesome... please share what SA has to say.

Im at 62k and very interested in what I should do as well.

Personally, Im going to be keeping this car for a long time (100k miles+ on top of what I have now) and want to make the most of it. Quadruple knock on wood.

Not going to pay a grand for someone to do it though... not when you can buy a kit a third of that.

Will do Won't be until around Thanksgiving, because that's the next time I'll be home from school, but will update if anything unordinary happens.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

ok once again.. heres ZF tellin ya to change every 100,000 km (62,000mi)

Good video. So why tf is BMW saying lifetime? I kind of want to show this to my SA when she will invariably tell me it's a lifetime fluid and it doesn't need to be changed.

[s3ri3s1]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

Good video. So why tf is BMW saying lifetime? I kind of want to show this to my SA when she will invariably tell me it's a lifetime fluid and it doesn't need to be changed.

Lifetime for BMW is up until the warranty ends. After that, it is your problem

[mtherr]

I had a rather interesting call with my service advisor at the dealer yesterday. I asked her when was the last transmission fluid change in my 2013 F30. She said it is not required as it is lifetime.....

Ok. What is lifetime? 150K km? 200k km? .... silence,,,

My car has 140k km and is under a 200k km warranty program....

I asked her... how much do you charge do change it?
Answer: we would have to estimate this; this is something we never have done

I ask : can I do it myself? Would my warranty be honoured if I have a transmission issue ?
Answer: no..,you should not do that... do it after the expiration of the warranty....

My understanding..... with my car under extended warranty, I cannot follow a proper maintenance plan and I better think of changing that car. I fear that changing the fluid at 200k km / 125k miles is too late and may actually lead to transmission slippage.

Is 125-130k miles too late to start maintaining that transmission?

[CandyRedRC46]

Originally Posted by mtherr

I had a rather interesting call with my service advisor at the dealer yesterday. I asked her when was the last transmission fluid change in my 2013 F30. She said it is not required as it is lifetime.....

Ok. What is lifetime? 150K km? 200k km? .... silence,,,

My car has 140k km and is under a 200k km warranty program....

I asked her... how much do you charge do change it?
Answer: we would have to estimate this; this is something we never have done

I ask : can I do it myself? Would my warranty be honoured if I have a transmission issue ?
Answer: no..,you should not do that... do it after the expiration of the warranty....

My understanding..... with my car under extended warranty, I cannot follow a proper maintenance plan and I better think of changing that car. I fear that changing the fluid at 200k km / 125k miles is too late and may actually lead to transmission slippage.

Is 125-130k miles too late to start maintaining that transmission?

I could not talk either of my 2 local dealers in to changing the fluid. I couldn't talk my friend that owns a bmw performance shop into doing it either. They all said the same thing, "its lifetime, so dont touch it unless something is wrong". That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.

My advise is, change the fluid now and don't tell them that you changed it. That way you still have some warranty left, post fluid change.

[bgalakazam]

At 47k miles this is something that will be coming up for me probably while I am still in Italy. Lube costs here are ridiculous and if you bring own parts, most Italian shops will not take you (more of an insult than warranty issue). Only other option is to pay the mechanics on base where I can bring my parts, but I don't think they have ISTA. I have the software but I really don't want to do this change due to all the temp requirements and so much margin for error.

Is there a directory for ZF certified shops in Italy I can check out? Last resort will be BMW Italia...

[bheng89]

The ZF website has a locator option. unfortunately the only ones closest to my current location are over a 4 hour drive. I have considered taking it to a transmission shop. I found that the ZF transmission is across a bunch of different car makes

[CandyRedRC46]

Originally Posted by bheng89

The ZF website has a locator option. unfortunately the only ones closest to my current location are over a 4 hour drive. I have considered taking it to a transmission shop. I found that the ZF transmission is across a bunch of different car makes

I am in Orlando Florida and I looked for a service center also in Florida. There seems to be one in Miami, which would be okay, but it says marine, so I am not sure if they even work on cars...

I sent ZF an email. I'll see how that goes...

[CandyRedRC46]

Okay straight from ZF themselves:

"ZF doesn't have any service centers in the US aftermarket. I would suggest finding the nearest Bosch Auto Service Center. They know the ZF products pretty well.."

[bheng89]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

Okay straight from ZF themselves:

"ZF doesn't have any service centers in the US aftermarket. I would suggest finding the nearest Bosch Auto Service Center. They know the ZF products pretty well.."

lol..I guess that instills some sort of confidence. I'll ask my SA if they contract their transmission work to someone else or do in house work. but piggybacking off of CandyRedRC46...

https://am.boschcarservice.com/us/en...orkshop_search

[bgalakazam]

Any help finding the closest one to Venice in Italy? I am having a hard time. Looks like Milan or above San Marino have ones. I also emailed ZF

[CandyRedRC46]

I spoke with my local Bosch service center. Really nice and informative gentleman. I asked him for a quote for the pan/filter and fluid change and to make sure they were familiar with zf 8hp fluid changes. He said that this transmission is in a lot of cars and they are very familiar with them. He also said that 60k miles is the recommended service interval and I will be perfectly fine with changing mine at 100k, but the sooner the better. And now for the good stuff, the quote:

Labor is $105/hour times 2 hours = $210
The pan/ filter kit is around $210
8 quarts of their recommended fluid (liquid moly something or other?) at $8/quart = $70
or
8 quarts of ZF fluid at $45/quart = $360

So the total was $790.63 out the door for a full service with ZF fluid or
$481.36 out the door with their recommended fluid

I am kind of on the fence about ZF fluid or their recommended fluid. The Bosch service center assured me that their fluid was perfectly fine and equivalent, but the ZF video adamantly said "USE ONLY ZF FLUID!"

Then also part of me is saying "just buy the bmw scan tool, fluid, pan filter kit and do it yourself".

Anyone have a recommended scan tool that is capable of reading the trans temp etc to do this job? Thanks.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

I spoke with my local Bosch service center. Really nice and informative gentleman. I asked him for a quote for the pan/filter and fluid change and to make sure they were familiar with zf 8hp fluid changes. He said that this transmission is in a lot of cars and they are very familiar with them. He also said that 60k miles is the recommended service interval and I will be perfectly fine with changing mine at 100k, but the sooner the better. And now for the good stuff, the quote:

Labor is $105/hour times 2 hours = $210
The pan/ filter kit is around $210
8 quarts of their recommended fluid (liquid moly something or other?) at $8/quart = $70
or
8 quarts of ZF fluid at $45/quart = $360

So the total was $790.63 out the door for a full service with ZF fluid or
$481.36 out the door with their recommended fluid

I am kind of on the fence about ZF fluid or their recommended fluid. The Bosch service center assured me that their fluid was perfectly fine and equivalent, but the ZF video adamantly said "USE ONLY ZF FLUID!"

Then also part of me is saying "just buy the bmw scan tool, fluid, pan filter kit and do it yourself".

Anyone have a recommended scan tool that is capable of reading the trans temp etc to do this job? Thanks.

I got a quote from a local, reputable BMW shop that has experience with these transmissions and it was $760, so in the same ballpark, and that's of course with the ZF fluid. I'd be very interested to hear about this Bosch fluid though, because that price is great. If they say it'll work well, I'd lean towards trusting them. If it was a random shop saying to use generic AT fluid, no way, but Bosch fluid is a different story. Maybe see what ZF has to say about it... though I think we'd be able to predict their response. Thanks for the info.

[CandyRedRC46]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

I got a quote from a local, reputable BMW shop that has experience with these transmissions and it was $760, so in the same ballpark, and that's of course with the ZF fluid. I'd be very interested to hear about this Bosch fluid though, because that price is great. If they say it'll work well, I'd lean towards trusting them. If it was a random shop saying to use generic AT fluid, no way, but Bosch fluid is a different story. Maybe see what ZF has to say about it... though I think we'd be able to predict their response. Thanks for the info.

ZF's response:

"ZF recommends you use our fluid or the OEM fluid. The reason is, the software was written with the fluid in mind. The slip co-efficient, detergents and protective additives were all engineered for the components in the ZF transmission. If you use a fluid that doesn't have the same characteristics there is a chance it could result in a failure or premature wear.."

[bheng89]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

I spoke with my local Bosch service center. Really nice and informative gentleman. I asked him for a quote for the pan/filter and fluid change and to make sure they were familiar with zf 8hp fluid changes. He said that this transmission is in a lot of cars and they are very familiar with them. He also said that 60k miles is the recommended service interval and I will be perfectly fine with changing mine at 100k, but the sooner the better. And now for the good stuff, the quote:

Labor is $105/hour times 2 hours = $210
The pan/ filter kit is around $210
8 quarts of their recommended fluid (liquid moly something or other?) at $8/quart = $70
or
8 quarts of ZF fluid at $45/quart = $360

So the total was $790.63 out the door for a full service with ZF fluid or
$481.36 out the door with their recommended fluid

I am kind of on the fence about ZF fluid or their recommended fluid. The Bosch service center assured me that their fluid was perfectly fine and equivalent, but the ZF video adamantly said "USE ONLY ZF FLUID!"

Then also part of me is saying "just buy the bmw scan tool, fluid, pan filter kit and do it yourself".

Anyone have a recommended scan tool that is capable of reading the trans temp etc to do this job? Thanks.

I am not sure of their policy as I haven't called the local Bosche service center yet...but why not ask if you can bring your own filter and fluid and pay labor? The kit is $270 + maybe some inflated labor for bringing your own kit might come out cheaper than using their fluids.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt

Also along the lines of the transmission being in a lot of cars, many transmission specialists would be able to complete the change for you as well (assuming they are reputable).

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by CandyRedRC46

ZF's response:

"ZF recommends you use our fluid or the OEM fluid. The reason is, the software was written with the fluid in mind. The slip co-efficient, detergents and protective additives were all engineered for the components in the ZF transmission. If you use a fluid that doesn't have the same characteristics there is a chance it could result in a failure or premature wear.."

That's about what I expected, thanks for reaching out to them. Now we have to find out what the difference between ZF and Bosch's fluid is.

[CandyRedRC46]

Originally Posted by bheng89

I am not sure of their policy as I haven't called the local Bosche service center yet...but why not ask if you can bring your own filter and fluid and pay labor? The kit is $270 + maybe some inflated labor for bringing your own kit might come out cheaper than using their fluids.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt

Also along the lines of the transmission being in a lot of cars, many transmission specialists would be able to complete the change for you as well (assuming they are reputable).

Looks like that kit contains the correct fluid? Awesome so I will be getting the kit. Now I just need to find a scan tool to read trans temp. Does anyone have any scan tool recommendations? Thanks for all your help.

[Gen13 F36]

I heard someone bought a kit at fcp euro. Anyone tried them.

I'll check my local BMW if they install outside parts and how much before I buy the kit.

[CaptainTupelov]

Originally Posted by jamesf30n20

Hey guys, I just wanted to see your opinions on weather or not I should change my transmission fluid, my car is at 92k miles now still running strong as hell, transmission is working fine, 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.

Yeah, I'd go ahead and change it but if it bothers you that much, loosen the drain plug just enough to let a tiny amount of fluid come out and check the color. If it's jet black and thick, I wouldn't change it as new fluid and its detergents would likely scrub any of the natural sludge/varnish that gets built up over time. However, if it's just dark and the viscosity is thin, I'd go ahead and change it. BMW is funny sometimes...they should just admit that the tranny fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals and bring back the dipstick so that the level and color can be more easily checked. I love mine but there is a certain amount of bull$hit that comes with owning a foreign car and this is just one of those things. One more thing...I've seen the OEM gasket, filter and fluid go for around $200 give or take so if you're getting charged that much in labor for an hour's worth of work, do it yourself or take it somewhere else. Many shops will still do the service if you bring them the materials and $400 in labor for a drain and refill is a joke. Good luck!

[crogers]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm about to conduct this service. ZF is very specific to keep the oil between 30-50 degrees C. How do you measure the transmission oil temp? Any special device?