Should You Change Your BMW Transmission Fluid ? And What Kind To Use ??? 

It’s a must to change the fluid in the zf boxes what ever fluid you use life guard 6 or if over 100k use redline d4 or what Nathan is using

Nathan thank you! Next project on my car is changing the transmission fluid. Seriously was talking to my boss just today about this. Thanks for the fluid recommend.

2003 330xi w/GM auto. "Lifetime" fluid. Started having some shift problems, during the 3 days a year that it gets below 40 degrees here in Florida, at about 125k. Did some research, knowing full well that there is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid, unless you consider 100k miles a lifetime. After communicating with Castrol, I decided to use their 'All Import ATF'. Changed the fluid and filter, and it has shifted firm and strong for the past 55k miles.

Been using the Valvoline Maxlife in ZF & GM transmissions for a while now, done a few fluid changes without issue. It’s good stuff but you’re spot on about the smell!

I changed the fluid & filter (myself) at 100k in my 2001 ( purchased new) 525. It has the ZF trans. Had no problem at all afterwards. Btw i live in Massachusetts. I used the ZF fluid. Now has 227k on it and still tight. Ready to change again. I went to Fcp euro for the fluid & filter.

Much respect for what you do.

Thats what used when i changed my e46 this past summer. I did the e60 with the brown zf atf this past summer aswell. I probably stick with valvaline next time i do the e60.

I have a Touring with GM auto trans. Changed trans fluid, filter, and new pan bolts and gasket. Wow much smoother shifting especially in cold weather. Bottom of pan near magnet had dark sludge.

Yes please do! I follow the dealership instructions not to and I ended up putting a all new one!

ZF in Germany told me it should be done at 150k km so some 90k miles and for sportier types or people often cruising at freeways in high speeds even earlier. They do not recommend flush but only to drain it and change the gasket which contains filter. This changes about 2/3 of the oil. I did this and my transmision 6hp feels softer now.

I’ve got a 2001 X5 at 155k. When I bought it the transmission was juddering between gear shifts and skipping when cruising at 50mph. I did the double fluid change and it’s been fine for the last 4 years. Trans service is a must every 50k in my book.

I rebuilt my ZF5HP19 transmission and use maxlife. I have 2000 miles on it now with no issues.

Nathan, you the man!

The maxlife worked great in my e46 with GM box. I still like to use Pentosin tho (closest to LifeGuard but cheaper) in the e85 with ZF box.

The Valvoline multi vehicle synthetic ATF is liquid gold! Used on the family E60 550i going on almost 2 years. Your channel inspired me to DIY it. Almost used Castrol but went with this instead. I also used Valvoline for the power steering fluid! I know it calls for CHF, but sofar so good! I bought an Amazon sourced cheap transmission pan/filter and it sealed up perfectly! It was missing 2 new bolts so I just reused the old bolts in separate areas on the pan. 🤞🏽

Great first hand experience and advice.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world. You are making this world a better place. I appreciate your time. God bless you.

Thank you so dang much for the information bubba! I'm gonna drain my transmission fluid and replace it 1st then when I get money issues out the way, I'll do the pan and filter! Thank u

You freaked fixed that shudder I have on my 2009 528i ZF box. Thanks sooo much

I worked for ZF and remember having many transmissions coming in with red fluid. Clutches were burnt and yes smelled like burnt. Cost thousands to fix those transmissions.

Short answer: Yes. It'll help prolong the life of your gearbox. Will it fix an already bad one? Probably not. My ZF 5HP24 out of my 2001 540i had 148k miles on it and had never been changed in 18 years. I dropped the fluid and refilled it using the correct procedure and it made an improvement - contrary to the horror stories I read online.

Great videos man. I'm a first time used BMW owner... you've helped me out a ton with all your information. I'm about to take my 325i to hopefully 300k miles haha. I can hope right!

Thank you for honest advice and experience, love your videos man thanks a bunch

I have used this in my BMW ZF and also a Mercedes NAG1, works just fine and its so cheap at Walmart.

Another good honest informative video Nathan, my 540i is lined up to have a fluid change this Xmas. Trans was rebuilt about 6 years ago but its started to act like the torque converter isnt locking up under light throttle in top gear, fingers crossed this will sort it out.

Ever tried washing out the pan/filter and reusing it? While I have seen certain solvents turn a filter from porous to a barrier, it seems like it would be possible to clean. Think it's worth it?

Very informative thank you

I emailed ZF re: my 8 speed and they told me the change interval should be 40k to 6pk. I had my dealer change it at about 40k. Have now gone another 20k miles with no issues. Changing it too late may cause problems.

Nathan is the man! Listen to what he says!

Thanks for the reassurance. I have 185,000 on my 335i and I just want to get a few more years out of it and using Valvoline and saving over $150 will be preferred.

As the owner of 2 ZF 5HP19 equipped E46's, driven aggressively, YES, change the fluid!!! FYI: Don't waste your $90 on Redline ATF, Valvoline MAX Life works great for ~$30. Don't ask me how I know!

Thanks Nathan

Nice video! I have acquired a 1996 BMW 328i Convertible (automatic) with 73K miles. I am changing all fluids. However, the tramsmission pan is 2 pans (1 square, 1 rectangular (smaller). Drives fine. Should I pull the pans and change the filter too? Would you recommend the Valvoline MAX Life fluid for replacement?

Simple answer - ZF manufacture recommends fluid changes in the 60k mileage. There simply isn’t ANY petroleum based fluids that are “lifetime”.

Thanks for this info Nathan! Do you still stand by this fluid recommendation and have you have any future problems to date now that we're currently in 2023?

I also had the e39 A5S-390R 2nd to 3rd shifting problem fixed with a trans fluid change at 104K.

Bless you Nathan!! I've been getting a shudder, long lag, then hard shift into gear from a stops and sometimes get the reduced acceleration transmission message on iDrive.I've tried resetting the adaptations and each time I get different shift points. I'm going to replace my pan and fluid. Hopefully it fixes my issue.

My first BMW and the dealer wanted to charge me $2700 to replace solenoid and oil lmao thanks now I did my research and imma spend a measly $400 DIY. Appreciate the knowledge.

Ok, Nathan is a genius(I know he does not look like one, LOL)! Maxlife fixed my transmission issues!

I agree about changing your flight Jenny

My 06 750li was shifting funny it worked !!!

In talking with some ZF engineers they said they would change the fluid at 100k. I wish there was an easier way however to change the fluid, in particular the refill. There’s a market for a fill tube/dipstick mod that attaches to the fill port of the ZF transmissions to make refill a simple process. A drain plug on the pan is an easy do it yourself mod also.

Thank you very much man ‘ first time owner just bought a 2008 650i and i was shifting ok but not good I had like a lag when u down shift I decided to do a transmission fluid change but people told me that I was going to messed up the car ‘ now with this info I’m about to go for it 👍

Well, I went to a independent BMW transmission specialist. He confirmed the transmission had some issues related to the torque converter, and the valve body needed to come down and taken apart and cleaned. The sleeves needed to be replaced. Again no codes, no leaks, proper level. The technician said nothing about the transmission slipping like Norwood BMW, MA. I’m taking a week off after this covid 19 is over, and doing it my self. I’m going to make a video. I’m going to do what you said. The technician wanted to do a flush, my eye brows raised lol. No way. The fluid has never been changed since 2008.

My 2012 X3 F25 just started having trouble downshifting going up hills. Do you think I still can save it if I use this method? Great video!

What filter is recommended for the E90 GM transmission besides the BMW one of course

Real nice worshop mate, lots of room !!

I agree about changing your transmission fluid but how do you do it I have an 08 335I with the end in 54 motor

Thank you

Thanks for sharing this video! I have an 02 BMW 745li. My gear PRND blinks. Could that mean fluid is low or solenoid replace?

Just purchased some Valvoline ATF off Amazon. Not questioning but hope your correct on ATF. I just got this 07 650i convertible and working through the maintenance issues. Oil was used up so I`m making the assumption transmission and rear diff is needing service also. Car has 83K runs good but during startup, it almost sounds like starter drags. or timing is off (old school), thoughts?? Also, what`s your experience on plugs? Thanks! Great Video!

Thanls for the video Nathan i had bought only 1 jug need to go buy another one . Can i use the same fluid for the power steering fluid in my 2009 e90??

I changed mine it was easy and it worked fine just fluid at 80k miles never had an issues

Hey Nathan love your videos you helped me change the starter in my wifes car..But now it does not move(goes back to park) until it is warm,then it goes into gear fine.it also has transmission malfunction light on occasionally but goes off when you switch the car off then back on.the car is a 2010 528i with 150000 miles and i dought it was ever done.(fluid filter change).do you think it is low or could that be bad trans fluid or what???HELP!!!Thanks Wayne

My personal experience with BMW transmission .. I wasn’t down shifting back to 1st gear when stopping .. I swapped the trans and it wouldn’t shift at all .. couldn’t get it out of park and I kept getting a DTC I forget the code number but it was say cast not recognized so I kept the valve body that came with the new trans and put my old cast back in and it started shifting again and I haven’t had problem since .. it’s been about 3 months anyone that has a FO2 this may help u ... no thanks needed glad I can pass on the knowledge..

I agree never back flush, all it does is shoot everything back up into the transmission.

Great video, I just got a 2010 650i 114,000 miles. Is that the Valvoline oil?

Nathan,is it safe to put some kind of engine cleaner in the oil crankcase to kind of wash out the inside of the motor ? 03 325i M54

What viscosity are you using? The same as recommended by bmw or a bit thicker?

Hi Nathan. Thank you for your videos but quick question; would i use this fluid to change out my power steering fluid as well?

did my e46 2001 325xi about 9 years ago with Valvoline MaxLife, drove over 40,000mi no issues before I sold it still running well. I am working on my wife's Z3 1998 , solenoid A and B replacement so watching through your videos for info. Bought some more Maxlife from Walmart, had free shipping over $25 so they arrived on my porch two days after I placed the order. Thanks for all your videos.

Can I use this fluid for a 2006 bmw e90 320i?? Thanks for your advice.

Hey natha,i got a 1999 bmw 328i e46 And right now you can feel the shift going up and feel them coming down, please tell me what could it be,it has 220,000 miles on it and it's runs good only you can feel the hard shift, thanks.

my 99 camry's transmission clunk when shifting from park to reversed.....that disappeared when i changed to maxlife

So I use valvoline max life of the power steering too? cause the cap says ATF oil only

Hello, my 2003 E39 540i has driven 233,000 How much does this fluid fit? How many liters is suitable? Will it harm the carrier as it is rumored? Do I completely change the fluid in one go? I hope for an answer because this question is very important to me. Thank you

I have a 2015 Bmw X4 35i With N55. 77k miles, Should I change it? it has not been done yet, runs well.

MaxLife ATF has kept my diesel Mercedes running smoothly for 250,000 miles. I also ran it in my VW TDI for 120,000 miles. Great stuff if it's compatible with your transmission.

Definitely change the fluid, I had a 525i E60 sold it and now I have a 325i E90 with the ZF 6HP19, I live in the northeast part of the country so the fluid gets changed on schedule. What transmission fluid do I use? I use Ford Mercon SP, Mercon SP was used in the 2006 Lincoln Navigator with the ZF 6HP26 And a few other makes and models.....Works great 👍

Do u have to do a flush?? Before using different fluid?

Ok, i did a drain and fill on my zf6hp19 with the valvoline. I had a 4-5 flare before i did it and it seemed to fix that for me. No more ZF fluid for me, only Valvoline max life. I have a lot of miles on the car. Changed fluid and pan @ 150k miles with ZF and drove 90 K with flare if pushed hard it would flare so i just drove it easy for the 90 K to prevent it flaring. Drain and fill with Valvoline @ 240k. ZF fluid is about 5 times more expensive also

I have '08 BMW 328xi Coupe (Automatic Transmission). The car now has 121,000 miles. I bought the car when it had 54,000 miles and I'm wondering if I should change the transmission fluid. I heard some people say that it may cause more trouble changing it? Thanks. I ran a scan on the car, and one of the codes that is shows is: "578E Gearbox oil: wear".

Now we got max life high miles transmission fluid at the store .

What's up man..I have a quick question where would I be able to find a trans oil pump to change trans fluid...

I've never done bwm ATF fluid change, but I know all liquids degrade over time and need to be replaced at necessary service intervals.. Also the people having issues may have been doing a complete flush, for a long overdue ATF fluid change.. If oil is black (burnt) chances are the trans has had some damage.. Instead of flush it's best to change fluid few times, perhaps around 100mile intervals.. Even if you drain 4 to 6 quarts, chanes are there is another 6 to 8 still remaining in the system.. A few fluid changes will normalize, without flushing out all the particles a neglected transmission fluid would normally have.. Causing slipping during shifts or shuddering with some cvt, or even completely failing..

I have a e39 540 with 230k miles and I think the car have never had the trans fluid changed, you guys think I should change the fluid now or just leave it be?

I have a '06 330i with 100k miles on it. I took it to the dealer to have the transmission fluid changed and to fix 3 recalls. The dealer told me that the transmission fluid did not need to be changed on that model. I didn't think that sounded right.

How does Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF Full Synthetic 1 Gallon compare to Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle ATF 1 Gallon? Didn't you recommend Castrol stuff before, I see this is listed as Full Synthetic unlike Castrol but both are bmw approved. Very similar price at walmart.

The filter and gasket for my gm trans from bmw is $215

when you switched to MaxLife, how do you get the old fluid out? I don't like the idea mixing two different types of fluid.

What about a 2014 428i x drive not shifting at all check engine says monitoring all ratio clutches

Hey nathan I have a 05 530i E60 3.0 I'll be changing the ATF would you recommend the OEM ATF or that Valvoline ATF ??

There is a jerk coming from 1st > 2nd upshift in E90 GM transmission. Is that normal or should the fluid be changed ?

So for a 2007 BMW 530i what kind of fluid should I use exactly?

My 97 528i has developed a shifting issue. 224000 on the dial. It will only shift up manually. As if I had the sport shift option. Pretty sure I don’t. So, if I put it in drive. And take off on the highway, it will not shift up. If I put shift in 1st, then nurse the throttle up, until close to redline, it will shift. And I have to do this through each gear.felt lucky, it got me home . Don’t know what to do? It’s not leaking.

I need your help my m54 blew up i can get a cheap m52tu can i use the m52tu long block with my m54 intake ?

Need help. When I was changing my transmission fluid and filter. As I was looking for the fill plug and could not locate it. I seen a 19mm plug just in front of the pan. I thought that must be the fill plug. I removed it and out came a spring and a fitting with 3 Bent prongs. It looks like there should have been something like a ball bearing that seats in the prongs that I didnt see fall out. I looked in the hole with a scope. Nothing stuck ip there and the prongs didnt match up with the fitting with holes up in there. I looked around didnt see anything else. Is there just the threaded plug the spring

I just had my gm oil change and the mechanic didn't do the job right. He didn't leave the car running to cycle the fluid, I watched him fill the fluid to the point it dripped out a little, then he closed the fill whole. Now my transmission slips in 1 and 2 in normal drive but not so much in my manual mode. My car is an 08 328i 160k+ miles it was driving lovely before the fluid change. I was getting a code for deteriorating fluid in the transmission which is the reason for the fluid change. If push comes to shove I want to replace the transmission and want to know if I'll be able to swap a gm to zf in a 08 328i.

I have a question for you I live in Scottsdale AZ and in the summers here it gets up to 120 degrees. I have a must loved and very well cared for 2009 BMW z4 with the 3.0 six . The car now has just turned over 80k and have owed it for a year now .I have been doing all of the required matiness so at the the BMW repair shop that i take my car too says that don't change the ATF. The car runs great and shifts fine but with this many miles on her have no idea if it has been changed before. Should I tell them for a piece of mind have them do it anyway. I believe on this trans the filter is built into the pan . Thanks for any help on this

Do you need to pull the valve body and change the rubber seals?

I have a used 07 bmw 328xi coupe it's kinda of jerking in 2nd or 3rd gear an I haven't changed any fluids on it yet I've jus had the car for bout 5months now changing the transmission fluid would help that gear shift smoothly correct whts your opinion on it

The current 8-speed ZF transmissions are SO COMPLICATED to just change the fluid -- it's insane. I had a car once (not a BMW) that had no transmission filter and just a drain plug. It was sooooo simple -- I changed the trans fluid all the time. Now days it's so freaking complicated. Have to have a lift, get a new pan (filter in the pan) fill from UNDER THE FUCKING CAR, get car to the perfect temperature (need special equipment that will read the trans temp), then top off the trans again (from under the car, of course). Your ordinary joe does not have car lifts and special equipment to read the trans temp. Nor do they know how to fill the trans from UNDER the car. It's flat out stupid -- I seriously think they made it difficult on purpose. If they WANT you to change it why not make it easier????? Like a fill tube from the top and an external filter -- and GEE -- I don't know -- MAYBE a fucking dip stick??!? Seriously WTF? !00% serious -- why do the do this?

Hey Nathan, any advice on the F30s? I see they recommend a super expensive newer fluid.... thoughts?

Can I use Maxlife after changing whole transmission pan and gasket?

My 06 bmw 325xi wagon it shifts hard back into 1st when you slow down its like a bump back into first. and sorta shift kinda hard. wonder if i need to change mine. never done it on a bmw lol

Nathan’s BMW Workshop. I have a 2012 335i. ZF 6HP19. Noticed when the car is cold or sometimes when it’s hot (not all the time) the car likes to upshift a little rough. Kinda random. Noticed in sports mode it definitely upshifts harder. What would you recommend? Low fluid? Mechatronic sleeve?

BMW AT 93 e36 m40b18 engine have 105k miles. There is a sudden jolt when I change P or N or D. When I drive slow, automatic transmission, a yellow sign appeared. After restarting the car, the yellow sign disappeared. Should I change transmission fluid?

What do you recommend for 2014 BMW 750li xdrive...transmission fluid....

Excellent video Nathan. AS BMW E46 ZF ATF owner (110K miles), I was wondering about what fluid to use. Thanks for your video. Do you recommend adding (about 10%) Lucas Transmission Oil with the drain and fill?

2012 n52 e88. bought 09/2019. just change it. 6L45 had 62,000 when I got it. 2nd owner. I will change every 20k till death do, us part.