Replacement Transmission fluid FYI

[ArmyRn33]

Hi, While researching an alternative for the ZF8 OEM fluid which is ridiculously expensive I came across a thread in the charger forums that there is a company that blends custom ZF8 fluid that is half the cost and equal or better to OEM. The ZF8 as we know is used across multiple platforms, IE Chrysler,Audi,BMW etc. This gentleman who is with the company is well versed in the nuances of the ZF8 and its fluid needs.

Its great to find a viable alternative for us that are DIY or to have an Indy change our fluids fluids. Here is the link to the charger
forums..
https://www.chargerforums.com/forums...d.php?t=240058

I emailed the company today about the alternative for my X5 4.4 and this is the response I received..

Mark
Department
General Inquiry
Your Message
Hi,

I found your site / fluids through researching for servicing the zf8 and the charger forums. I actually have an BMW X5 with the zf8. Wanted to find out if you have or blend the zf8 Bmw oem fluid? I apologize if this a second email, not shure if the first went thru... Thanks for any info, Mark Iowa

Yes, we talk to BMW owners all the time about the 8 speed ZF transmissions. OUTRAGEOUS what BMW wants for the pan, bolts and fluid for these vehicles!

We save people well over $1,000 on the service of these units!

Our QuantumBlue ZF 8 Speed Racing ATF is significantly better than OEM and helps these units perform better than factory.

Simply give us a call at 440-821-9040 and we can discuss fully the options for you and your BMW.

Regards,
Brian Schubert
BND Automotive LLC
440-821-9040
www.bndautomotive.com

I hope this helps

[TheUltimateDrivingManiac]

Not sure if it worth the risk...

[Maverik259]

Give him a call and let us know man!

[goate]

Who's charging over $1,000? The dealership? I ordered this one for my F11, $300 and a few hours of work. It's sold directly by ZF and they supply the BMW part numbers (see second link).

https://www.amazon.com/ZF-Automatic-...smission+fluid

See this link for fitment:

https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/parts/...2901/appliance

EDIT: I see now there's a serious shipping fee added, I'm in Europe and shipping was free. Nevertheless, this set can be found for way less than $1,000.

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by goate

Who's charging over $1,000? The dealership? I ordered this one for my F11, $300 and a few hours of work. It's sold directly by ZF and they supply the BMW part numbers (see second link).

https://www.amazon.com/ZF-Automatic-...smission+fluid

See this link for fitment:

https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/parts/...2901/appliance

EDIT: I see now there's a serious shipping fee added, I'm in Europe and shipping was free. Nevertheless, this set can be found for way less than $1,000.

If you don't know what you are doing when changing your transmission fluid, you can damage it. It will make your life easier if you have a lift. When filling the trans back up, you need to go through each gear afterward fill it back up. Most indie places will charge 400-500 for this service.


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

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

If you don't know what you are doing when changing your transmission fluid, you can damage it. It will make your life easier if you have a lift. When filling the trans back up, you need to go through each gear afterward fill it back up. Most indie places will charge 400-500 for this service.


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

Sorry just waking up. Edited to correct typos.

[Silververtu]

Did he prove any testing data and field trial data that proves his fluids are better than OEM?

I wouldn't risk for any unproven ATF fluids.

[Mr.47]

Do not use other fluids then ZF 8hp Lifeguard, you don't want to mix off brand blend with the old zf fluids and cause unpleasant/rough shifting, and besides the Dodge Charger may use the same 8 speed transmission but its diffrent internally/mechanically/operation characteristics than ZF because its build and spec by Mopar while using a ZF licence to produce.

As bmwx1sq mention FCP euro has a full kit for <$300 with pan assembly, replacement pan bolts, replacement fill plug and 7 quarts of ATF which is plenty for a drop/ fill and its free shipping, its the best option available.

Also do note this is NOT your average drain and fill transmission, you perform a shift pattern "P-R-N-D-M1-M2-M3 and back" and Holding RPM "2000 for 3 mins (in P or N) for torque converter fill/warm up" while trying to maintain filling temperature between 30-40*C for 8hp70Z and 40-50*C for 8hp45

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Mr.47

Do not use other fluids then ZF 8hp Lifeguard, you don't want to mix off brand blend with the old zf fluids and cause unpleasant/rough shifting, and besides the Dodge Charger may use the same 8 speed transmission but its diffrent internally/mechanically/operation characteristics than ZF because its build and spec by Mopar while using a ZF licence to produce.

As bmwx1sq mention FCP euro has a full kit for <$300 with pan assembly, replacement pan bolts, replacement fill plug and 7 quarts of ATF which is plenty for a drop/ fill and its free shipping, its the best option available.

Also do note this is NOT your average drain and fill transmission, you perform a shift pattern "P-R-N-D-M1-M2-M3 and back" and Holding RPM "2000 for 3 mins (in P or N) for torque converter fill/warm up" while trying to maintain filling temperature between 30-40*C for 8hp70Z and 40-50*C for 8hp45

This sounds fun. Can't wait to give this a go in another 30k miles lol

[bmwx1sq]

Hope you got access to a lift. I couldn't imagine someone using jack stands for this.

[Mr.47]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

Hope you got access to a lift. I couldn't imagine someone using jack stands for this.

I did mine with 4 car ramps one on each wheel had acceptable amount of work space.

[alvav]

...don't do it...

[turboawd]

For all we know zf could just be buying a standard trans oil and repackaging it under their name. Actually this is most likely true. And they keep tight lips on the spec, and profit in selling the fluid.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by turboawd

For all we know zf could just be buying a standard trans oil and repackaging it under their name. Actually this is most likely true. And they keep tight lips on the spec, and profit in selling the fluid.

Lol ya their tranny ain't from the space ship. At the end of the day it's still a tranny albeit a popular one at the moment.

[alvav]

Yes, yes. Just a tranny...a very very expensive tranny...don't do it.

[pits200]

So most people will change their tranny fluid once in their ownership of the car. If you're lucky, you'll save $150 bucks. You realize that is like 2 tanks if gas, one decent dinner, you get the point. You could obviously try to see if another one matches zf but is it worth it for something that is changed once every 4 to 6 years?

[alphaod]

Doesn't seem worth skimping on... unless you do yours every other oil change...

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

If you don't know what you are doing when changing your transmission fluid, you can damage it. It will make your life easier if you have a lift. When filling the trans back up, you need to go through each gear afterward fill it back up. Most indie places will charge 400-500 for this service.


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

Originally Posted by pits200

So most people will change their tranny fluid once in their ownership of the car. If you're lucky, you'll save $150 bucks. You realize that is like 2 tanks if gas, one decent dinner, you get the point. You could obviously try to see if another one matches zf but is it worth it for something that is changed once every 4 to 6 years?

Originally Posted by Maverik259

This sounds fun. Can't wait to give this a go in another 30k miles lol

Anyone try the Liqui Moli Trans fluid that fcpeuro sells? I only use the Moli for my engine oil so I assume they're good for trans too but want to see if anyone has actually used it.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...kt#description

[RED_Y_]

I would stick to the ZF fluid since they are the transmission manufacturer.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt

[crystalworks]

Yes, have used it in a 180,000 mile ZF6hp19 in our E61. Have put about 10,000 miles on it with no issues.

Will also be putting it in the F15's 85000 mile 8hp soon (have the FCP Euro trans service kit here already). I don't want to have to replace the trans @ 166000 miles like I am doing on our E70 35d. It sucks (I'm halfway through).

If worried about mixing fluids, order extra fluid and do a fluid drop/change first (no pan service). Drive it for a week, then do the full pan/filter service. If really worried you could do the fluid drop/fill as many times as you were willing to pay for fluid.

As with anything, this is anecdotal, and YMMV.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Yes, have used it in a 180,000 mile ZF6hp19 in our E61. Have put about 10,000 miles on it with no issues.

Will also be putting it in the F15's 85000 mile 8hp soon (have the FCP Euro trans service kit here already). I don't want to have to replace the trans @ 166000 miles like I am doing on our E70 35d. It sucks (I'm halfway through).

If worried about mixing fluids, order extra fluid and do a fluid drop/change first (no pan service). Drive it for a week, then do the full pan/filter service. If really worried you could do the fluid drop/fill as many times as you were willing to pay for fluid.

As with anything, this is anecdotal, and YMMV.

Def would rather change the fluid/pan rather than the whole trans! Sorry to hear that. I'm still in the fence about which fluid to use but I'm sure the Moly would be just fine..

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

Def would rather change the fluid/pan rather than the whole trans! Sorry to hear that. I'm still in the fence about which fluid to use but I'm sure the Moly would be just fine..

I wouldn't (obviously) hesitate to use it. As long as the fluid fill procedure is followed, you shouldn't have a problem. Unless you already have an issue with the trans (like my E70 did, e-clutch bushing/bearing failure).

BTW, shops charge a small fortune for trans fluid/pan service. I was quoted $1400 at an indie. I understand covering expenses and all, but that's starting to sound like BMW dealership markups.