2005 (E92?) 330D auto box oil change?
Discussion
Yes, defo worth doing, ZF themselves do suggest it.
Info here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
ZF's own 'How To' video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRrgmfM8VlQ&ab...
Info here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
ZF's own 'How To' video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRrgmfM8VlQ&ab...
helix402 said:
You need to fill the box at the correct temp. Anything that gives the box temp would do. Probably the easiest thing to use would be a Creator C301.
Ok, thanks Helix. That's a handy little tool. Dash keeps throwing up a reverse light failure and the bulb is fine, so hopefully I can clear that too.Depends on how many miles it's got on it.
Apocryphal tales on the internet say that if it hasn't been done by 100,000 miles then leave it...or you risk killing the 'box shortly after...as all the clutch material that is suspended in the old oil will be flushed out and it will never work as well as it did.
However, I'm planning on getting mine done every 50k miles in my F30 (currently on 43,000 miles on a 8HP45 I think) - after my e46 330D suffered a failure only 1000 miles after it's gearbox service in my e46 330D (1st at 120,000 miles according to previous owner, 2nd was at 170,000 miles). It got rebuilt, but then failed again less than 3,000 miles later...but the garage wasn't interested as it was outside their 6 month warranty period (would have happened much sooner except for covid).
Apocryphal tales on the internet say that if it hasn't been done by 100,000 miles then leave it...or you risk killing the 'box shortly after...as all the clutch material that is suspended in the old oil will be flushed out and it will never work as well as it did.
However, I'm planning on getting mine done every 50k miles in my F30 (currently on 43,000 miles on a 8HP45 I think) - after my e46 330D suffered a failure only 1000 miles after it's gearbox service in my e46 330D (1st at 120,000 miles according to previous owner, 2nd was at 170,000 miles). It got rebuilt, but then failed again less than 3,000 miles later...but the garage wasn't interested as it was outside their 6 month warranty period (would have happened much sooner except for covid).
New thinner oil does make the box more responsive but I'm not sure they'll last any longer. There are thousands and thousands of ZF boxes with 150k+ mileage on original oil that oddly haven't broken. It's generally a split brake drum, broken thrust washer or faulty solenoid that does for them as well as a gradual oil leak - cars with the big under trays make it hard to spot a leak.
It's a ramp job to do the sump and sleeve oil seal - sod doing it on the ground. You can use a cheap 30 quid heat sensing gun to get the oil level correct.
It's a ramp job to do the sump and sleeve oil seal - sod doing it on the ground. You can use a cheap 30 quid heat sensing gun to get the oil level correct.
It has done 140k. The service booklet is fully stamped...60% BMW and 40% Indy. There is no box to tick for the auto box oil to be changed so no way of knowing. Unless I call all of the garages and see if they still have records.
It is stating to cold onto 1st gear a bit long for my liking, like 3k revs or more with little throttle. I thought it was supposed to change up earlier than that. It also, sometimes has a bit of a delay in getting going. I just feel like it's starting to misbehave a bit, hence the change of oil.
It is stating to cold onto 1st gear a bit long for my liking, like 3k revs or more with little throttle. I thought it was supposed to change up earlier than that. It also, sometimes has a bit of a delay in getting going. I just feel like it's starting to misbehave a bit, hence the change of oil.
caduceus said:
helix402 said:
Probably the easiest thing to use would be a Creator C301.
Will this gadget reset the adaptations by any chance?It's a handy, inexpensive (relatively speaking) tool. I've found mine very helpful for diagnosing issues with my various BMWs.
Doesn't have the full functionality of Carly (with subscription) or INPA so your can't code functions, but it will read BMW specific trouble codes and live data.
Touring442 said:
New thinner oil does make the box more responsive but I'm not sure they'll last any longer. There are thousands and thousands of ZF boxes with 150k+ mileage on original oil that oddly haven't broken. It's generally a split brake drum, broken thrust washer or faulty solenoid that does for them as well as a gradual oil leak - cars with the big under trays make it hard to spot a leak.
It's a ramp job to do the sump and sleeve oil seal - sod doing it on the ground. You can use a cheap 30 quid heat sensing gun to get the oil level correct.
Yes, my E91 330i is on 140k and (I assume) still on the original fluid. Must admit not checked the receipts to see if it has been done but I doubt it.It's a ramp job to do the sump and sleeve oil seal - sod doing it on the ground. You can use a cheap 30 quid heat sensing gun to get the oil level correct.
I'll probably get it done on the 630i though.
caduceus said:
It has done 140k. The service booklet is fully stamped...60% BMW and 40% Indy. There is no box to tick for the auto box oil to be changed so no way of knowing. Unless I call all of the garages and see if they still have records.
It is stating to cold onto 1st gear a bit long for my liking, like 3k revs or more with little throttle. I thought it was supposed to change up earlier than that. It also, sometimes has a bit of a delay in getting going. I just feel like it's starting to misbehave a bit, hence the change of oil.
It won't be done by BMW, because BMW say sealed for life.It is stating to cold onto 1st gear a bit long for my liking, like 3k revs or more with little throttle. I thought it was supposed to change up earlier than that. It also, sometimes has a bit of a delay in getting going. I just feel like it's starting to misbehave a bit, hence the change of oil.
Is the holding onto first gear when the car is cold (first shift of the drive) or all the time? As I understand it, when it's v cold the box defaults to a cold program and will intentionally hold the gear to warm up the cats (for emissions).
g3org3y said:
Is the holding onto first gear when the car is cold (first shift of the drive) or all the time? As I understand it, when it's v cold the box defaults to a cold program and will intentionally hold the gear to warm up the cats (for emissions).
I think it is when it's cold, but will pay more attention the next few days and see. I might ring a few of the indies to see if they have service records still 'on record' and see if it's been changed. If I do the complete flush thing, would that eliminate the risk of the box getting worse after the oil change if it's never been done?...if you get my drift.
caduceus said:
g3org3y said:
Is the holding onto first gear when the car is cold (first shift of the drive) or all the time? As I understand it, when it's v cold the box defaults to a cold program and will intentionally hold the gear to warm up the cats (for emissions).
I think it is when it's cold, but will pay more attention the next few days and see. I might ring a few of the indies to see if they have service records still 'on record' and see if it's been changed. If I do the complete flush thing, would that eliminate the risk of the box getting worse after the oil change if it's never been done?...if you get my drift.
Worth bearing in mind, there's also a full service that also includes the mechatronic seal and electrical sleeve:
http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/zf-6hp-6-speed-g...
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