[BMWAutoXer]

When DIYing the 8HP ZF trans is there any reason to pay and extra $120 for the ZF brand lifeguard fluid vs Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800 ATF?

[Billfitz]

I doubt it. Liquimoly gets top marks all around.

[bfaone]

I am about to change my Transission filter + ZF trans oil as its already bought a week ago ......

DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ON ISTA-D after changing the filtre ZF + Lifeguard ZF ??

any advise would be appreciated , sorry for thread high jack

[ooshnoo]

Originally Posted by bfaone

I am about to change my Transission filter + ZF trans oil as its already bought a week ago ......

DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ON ISTA-D after changing the filtre ZF + Lifeguard ZF ??

any advise would be appreciated , sorry for thread high jack

No

[123Britt]

This was my decision maker:

http://www.thectsc.com/images/header...warn_fluid.gif


From The California Transmission Company

[Billfitz]

Let me guess...they only sell Life Guard fluid.

[123Britt]

In reality, all the aftermarket fluids will work well if they are compatible specs.
.
However - per LM using Top Tec 1800 "Optimum effectiveness is only possible when the product is used unmixed." Meaning if your going to use this fluid you have to drain and fill 2-3 more times to clear out of the old ZF Lifeguard, so why not stick with ZF


I drained my AT ZF and only got out like 5L of fluid -- so several liters remain.

.
Cheaper than BMW Fluid - the Lifeguard Kit was a good option for me -- but, hey your choice. Just my take.

Bimmerworld Likes Redline: Looking for an alternative to the more expensive OE transmission fluid? We'd urge you to check our Red Line's D6 ATF for 6-speed and 8-speed auto models (approximately 2006 and newer). We find the Red Line D6 ATF offers the best stability and protection on these cars, where the ZF transmission calls for a lighter lower viscosity fluid than some earlier BMWs used. We have used the Red Line ATF in our own BimmerWorld M235R race cars, which use the same ZF 8 speed auto found in most automatic BMWs from 2012 forward. The Red Line fluid handles the extremes of racing, as well as the varied conditions and demands for everyday street driving.

I tend to lean toward OEM Trans Fluid believing that ZF builds such a good product -- I put my $$$ transmission in their hands and will follow the 62,000 OCI.

[BMWILUVU]

As long as top tec is compatible with oem fluid specs and as long as you follow ZF guideline intervals for fluid changes, either will be fine.

[AspektUSA]

I would bet the ZF Lifeguard fluid is rebranded Pentosin or something, which would explain why it's much more expensive than Liqui Moly.

[mousefarmer]

I've used Liquid Moly with no issues with this transmission.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by AspektUSA

I would bet the ZF Lifeguard fluid is rebranded Pentosin or something, which would explain why it's much more expensive than Liqui Moly.

Actually it's Shell (M-L2108) and no you can't buy it from them. In fact Shell may be the only supplier for the market.

[capt_slow]

If you go with LiquiMoly, their data sheet says:

LIQUI MOLY also recommends this product for vehicles or assemblies for which the following specifications or original part numbers are required:
BMW 83 22 2 289 720

This is the BMW part number for the 8HP fluid.

[AspektUSA]

Originally Posted by capt_slow

If you go with LiquiMoly, their data sheet says:



This is the BMW part number for the 8HP fluid.

They recommend it, but they don't have the approval for it.

Likely due to licensing agreements.

[Billfitz]

Likely because they don't pay BMW for the rights to do so. Always follow the money.

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by AspektUSA

They recommend it, but they don't have the approval for it.

Likely due to licensing agreements.

Yep, I agree on this one. This is not a explicit statement of compliance and it cant be, as there is no manufacturer substantiation to use Liqui Moly. This is different than Liqui Moly saying their TopTec 4600 engine oil meets/exceeds LL-04 spec, since TopTec 4600 is actually on a BMW-maintained list of compliant oils.

ZF periodically updates a list of approved lubricants for their transmissions. It's document TE-ML 11. The last revision is January 2021 and explicitly lists below oils for the 8HP:

According to spare part number of vehicle manufacturer:
ZF LifeguardFluid 8 (ZF No. S671 090 312)
=> Audi / VW Oil No. G 060162 A1 / A2 / A6 ATF
=> BMW ATF 3+, Oil No. 83 22 2 289 720
=> Jaguar Oil No. 02JDE 26444
=> Land Rover Oil No. LR023288
=> Chrysler Oil No. 68157995AA
=> Petronas Tutela Transmission AS8

You might be able to find one of above oils for cheaper than the ZF or BMW branded bottles. This can happen:

2.5gal bottle of BMW-branded DEF: $21.19
10L bottle of VW-branded DEF: $8.51

Both bottles meet the ISO22241-1 spec outlined in my F31's owners manual. You can probably tell that I put VW-branded DEF in my BMW F31 328d.

[RidgeRunnerMotorwerke]

Where are you getting those numbers? I'm changing the fluid in an F15 and the ZF is actually less expensive than LM. May I suggest looking into FCPEuro? I've had good luck with their company on pricing and availability.