E63 650i auto gearbox question / running update

[Mitch16]

Hi all,

Any views on changing the gearbox oil, my car has covered 77k and is a 56 plate? I rang my local main dealer and they said sealed for life, best not to change. I rang a good local indy and they recommended changing, £300. I am happy to spend the money if it will be beneficial and wont create any problems.

Bought the car two months ago and loving it so far. 2000 miles covered and the only 'small' problem has been a replacement window regulator (£400 ouch) but start the V8 and everything is good in the world! Late 20's mpg on the motorway and a very comfortable crusier for me and the family.

Thank you

[Swervin_Mervin]

I had the ZF service kit on the "sealed for life" auto 'box on my E91 330i. The fact that the gearbox manufacturer makes a service kit should tell you all you need to know I think c80k is generally the recommended mileage for servicing.

Assume there will be a similar kit for the V8 - mine was new sump with integral filter and oil. £270-ish for the kit plus an hour's labour on top.

[quavey]

My 650i has done 62k on a 55 plate and I to have been pondering this issue. I looked on ebay and there were kits for £130 or so for a sump and replacement oil which seemed quite good value. Is there a reason not to go down this route? MFR by Meyle IIRC

[jayx73]

I planned to carry this out myself on my 635D as its now coverd 95k. I've seen the service kits on eBay and prices vary a lot

I e- mailed ZF customer services and they have a number of garages in the UK which are part of their "garage repair scheme " who carry out fluid changes .

Edited by jayx73 on Tuesday 28th July 21:34

Edited by jayx73 on Tuesday 28th July 21:41

[dom9]

I had my 545i done at 75k as there was a weep from the plastic sump.

If you read some of the literature from ZF, they say that is the sort of mileage it does need doing at. Sealed for 'life' they are not or shouldn't be considered to be.

So, definitely have it done (mine was 320 quid with a new sump and service parts) but have it done by a ZF transmission specialist (there are a few round the country) as the draining and refilling process is surprisingly 'involved'.

My car now changes is very smoothly and, for that money, I am confident that there are many, many more miles left in the 'box.

[Mitch16]

Thanks for the feedback all. I will get a price from my main dealer (if they will do it) but likely to take the car to my local BM specialist. I would rather pay a few hundred now than thousands for a new box as I intend to keep the car!

[dom9]

Mitch16 said:

Thanks for the feedback all. I will get a price from my main dealer (if they will do it) but likely to take the car to my local BM specialist. I would rather pay a few hundred now than thousands for a new box as I intend to keep the car!

See if there is a ZF certified specialist in your area. After reading up on the procedure and parts, I drove 2hrs to get mine done as opposed to trusting a main dealer or Indy. And it was cheaper.

[Maz_uk]

I've had some really really high mileage ZF boxes or original oil all working well, we generally only change them if the pan or connector sleeve have been leaking otherwise leave well alone!

[bigdom]

That may be the case, although ZF recommend a change every 60-80k and in Germany they have service centres. The oil only has a life of 100k or 10 years. Having rebuilt a box due to wear and seal hardening caused by oil deterioration,I'll disagree. My car is in next week for a oil change/sump replacement.

[Mitch16]

This is why PH is so useful to share information - thank you.

Maz UK: please can you let me know why you would recommend leaving it alone?

[bigdom]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[VerySideways]

My mum's 130i sleeve started leaking around 60k miles, I bought a new sump, sleeve, and oil from a transmission specialist online and did it myself at home.
Very messy job but not difficult if you take your time. Plenty of YouTube videos to show you how too.