Auto Transmission Servicing - A good idea
Discussion
In answer to your question, yes a good idea.
I had mine done as preventative, I was over 120k. I ummed and arrred for a while and after speaking to BMW who gave me the lifetime sealed pitch I used Austrin in the North East.
He said if you want to improve longevity of gearbox, gearbox service is no difference to servicing your engine.
BMW quote their lifetime as the expected life of vehicle which isn't going to be past 100k IMO.
As said above, Austrin work on a cold engine and temp check through as well as run diagnostics before and after to check for gearbox readings.
My oil was like sludge, they also advise when gearbox is open whether its even worth a service. So if it appeared there was fillings/grinding found in pan they wouldn't service.
Anyways mine was serviced without hitch. Drives lovely.
I'd recommend. That said that's no guarantee your box is going to be bomb proof, it could still pop. At least with a service you've done your best to keep it in the right condition.
I'd try and stick with specialists with gearbox servicing, too many horror stories out there.
I had mine done as preventative, I was over 120k. I ummed and arrred for a while and after speaking to BMW who gave me the lifetime sealed pitch I used Austrin in the North East.
He said if you want to improve longevity of gearbox, gearbox service is no difference to servicing your engine.
BMW quote their lifetime as the expected life of vehicle which isn't going to be past 100k IMO.
As said above, Austrin work on a cold engine and temp check through as well as run diagnostics before and after to check for gearbox readings.
My oil was like sludge, they also advise when gearbox is open whether its even worth a service. So if it appeared there was fillings/grinding found in pan they wouldn't service.
Anyways mine was serviced without hitch. Drives lovely.
I'd recommend. That said that's no guarantee your box is going to be bomb proof, it could still pop. At least with a service you've done your best to keep it in the right condition.
I'd try and stick with specialists with gearbox servicing, too many horror stories out there.
Edited by ahas on Monday 22 June 00:39
I have done quite a few ZF6 'boxes.
Some on Range Rovers and Discos that give them a much harder life.
One thing I have found, the filters, even at 150k mies seem to have loads of life left in them.
Only bother if you are going to flush the lot out.
A full flush without changing the filter at all is better than only getting half the fluid out with new filter.
For me I drain out from sump, then if the sump comes off OK change the filter, then I under the cooler line and have a hose going into a bucket and use a 5l garden pump to pump to push all the old fluid out, usually takes around 15l to come through completely clean.
Do the cooler up, get it to temp, top up as normal to get the levels right.
Reset adaptations.
Job done.
Feels like a brand new gear box.
This has sorted a Disco with 150k miles on it that was going into limp mode going from 3rd to 4th, clutch E again and is still fine now with 230k miles on it. Oh, and because getting the filter out is so hard on a Disco that was just new fluid and adaption reset.
Total cost was £100 in fluid and a 5L garden sprayer pump and some clear hose, we bought two 10L drums of ZF6 transmission fluid from eBay for £80 delivered.
Dead easy to do on your drive in 40 minutes or so.
Some on Range Rovers and Discos that give them a much harder life.
One thing I have found, the filters, even at 150k mies seem to have loads of life left in them.
Only bother if you are going to flush the lot out.
A full flush without changing the filter at all is better than only getting half the fluid out with new filter.
For me I drain out from sump, then if the sump comes off OK change the filter, then I under the cooler line and have a hose going into a bucket and use a 5l garden pump to pump to push all the old fluid out, usually takes around 15l to come through completely clean.
Do the cooler up, get it to temp, top up as normal to get the levels right.
Reset adaptations.
Job done.
Feels like a brand new gear box.
This has sorted a Disco with 150k miles on it that was going into limp mode going from 3rd to 4th, clutch E again and is still fine now with 230k miles on it. Oh, and because getting the filter out is so hard on a Disco that was just new fluid and adaption reset.
Total cost was £100 in fluid and a 5L garden sprayer pump and some clear hose, we bought two 10L drums of ZF6 transmission fluid from eBay for £80 delivered.
Dead easy to do on your drive in 40 minutes or so.
To bring this thread back to life...
Had the ZF box serviced on the wife's X5 (4.8i). It has the ZF 6HP box, BMW say sealed for life but we all know that's not the case. I understand the 4.8 is harder on the box than the 6 cyl models (I have this box on both the E91 and E63) and because I think the X5 is a keeper, want to look after it as much as possible.
Had the service done at a local BMW specialist. ~ £380 (parts&labour) + VAT.
I believe this was the 'regular' service, so oil replacement, sump/filter replacement. I understand some places offer the 'full' service which includes doing the mechantronic bits and pieces. I may look into that the next time I'm having it serviced.
Shifts seem smoother overall. When giving it some grief, definitely less jerking on quick upshifts. I'm pleased with the result and hopefully it'll keep the box in good shape. The X5 is on ~64k miles. I'll probably get this done on the E63 too (88k miles), it's way overdue on the E91 (139k miles).
Had the ZF box serviced on the wife's X5 (4.8i). It has the ZF 6HP box, BMW say sealed for life but we all know that's not the case. I understand the 4.8 is harder on the box than the 6 cyl models (I have this box on both the E91 and E63) and because I think the X5 is a keeper, want to look after it as much as possible.
Had the service done at a local BMW specialist. ~ £380 (parts&labour) + VAT.
I believe this was the 'regular' service, so oil replacement, sump/filter replacement. I understand some places offer the 'full' service which includes doing the mechantronic bits and pieces. I may look into that the next time I'm having it serviced.
Shifts seem smoother overall. When giving it some grief, definitely less jerking on quick upshifts. I'm pleased with the result and hopefully it'll keep the box in good shape. The X5 is on ~64k miles. I'll probably get this done on the E63 too (88k miles), it's way overdue on the E91 (139k miles).
g3org3y said:
To bring this thread back to life...
Had the ZF box serviced on the wife's X5 (4.8i). It has the ZF 6HP box, BMW say sealed for life but we all know that's not the case. I understand the 4.8 is harder on the box than the 6 cyl models (I have this box on both the E91 and E63) and because I think the X5 is a keeper, want to look after it as much as possible.
Had the service done at a local BMW specialist. ~ £380 (parts&labour) + VAT.
I believe this was the 'regular' service, so oil replacement, sump/filter replacement. I understand some places offer the 'full' service which includes doing the mechantronic bits and pieces. I may look into that the next time I'm having it serviced.
Shifts seem smoother overall. When giving it some grief, definitely less jerking on quick upshifts. I'm pleased with the result and hopefully it'll keep the box in good shape. The X5 is on ~64k miles. I'll probably get this done on the E63 too (88k miles), it's way overdue on the E91 (139k miles).
That’s a good price. Last year I had a quote for £780 on an E91 330iHad the ZF box serviced on the wife's X5 (4.8i). It has the ZF 6HP box, BMW say sealed for life but we all know that's not the case. I understand the 4.8 is harder on the box than the 6 cyl models (I have this box on both the E91 and E63) and because I think the X5 is a keeper, want to look after it as much as possible.
Had the service done at a local BMW specialist. ~ £380 (parts&labour) + VAT.
I believe this was the 'regular' service, so oil replacement, sump/filter replacement. I understand some places offer the 'full' service which includes doing the mechantronic bits and pieces. I may look into that the next time I'm having it serviced.
Shifts seem smoother overall. When giving it some grief, definitely less jerking on quick upshifts. I'm pleased with the result and hopefully it'll keep the box in good shape. The X5 is on ~64k miles. I'll probably get this done on the E63 too (88k miles), it's way overdue on the E91 (139k miles).
Super_G said:
That’s a good price. Last year I had a quote for £780 on an E91 330i
That is ridiculous!
My local guy charges £349 for a full flush which is 12l pumped round and new filter and mechtronic sleeve.
Or £399 if he comes to you. Mind you that was 2019 last time I spoke to him and he was considering knocking the mobile service on the head as he was getting 4 or so a day in at the workshop so didn't really need to do mobile anymore.
That might have changed with Covid of course.
g3org3y said:
To bring this thread back to life...
Had the ZF box serviced on the wife's X5 (4.8i). It has the ZF 6HP box, BMW say sealed for life but we all know that's not the case. I understand the 4.8 is harder on the box than the 6 cyl models (I have this box on both the E91 and E63) and because I think the X5 is a keeper, want to look after it as much as possible.
Had the service done at a local BMW specialist. ~ £380 (parts&labour) + VAT.
I believe this was the 'regular' service, so oil replacement, sump/filter replacement. I understand some places offer the 'full' service which includes doing the mechantronic bits and pieces. I may look into that the next time I'm having it serviced.
Shifts seem smoother overall. When giving it some grief, definitely less jerking on quick upshifts. I'm pleased with the result and hopefully it'll keep the box in good shape. The X5 is on ~64k miles. I'll probably get this done on the E63 too (88k miles), it's way overdue on the E91 (139k miles).
Sounds like you need to change the transfer box oil too. Lifespan of about 50k miles. It will be butter smooth under acceleration. Only buy the fluid from BMW - think I paid about £25 for a litre bottle from Lloys Colne on eBay. Change the fluid and re-adapt the box. Worked wonders on my 65k 4.8iS in the past and my current F15 50i on 47k miles...Had the ZF box serviced on the wife's X5 (4.8i). It has the ZF 6HP box, BMW say sealed for life but we all know that's not the case. I understand the 4.8 is harder on the box than the 6 cyl models (I have this box on both the E91 and E63) and because I think the X5 is a keeper, want to look after it as much as possible.
Had the service done at a local BMW specialist. ~ £380 (parts&labour) + VAT.
I believe this was the 'regular' service, so oil replacement, sump/filter replacement. I understand some places offer the 'full' service which includes doing the mechantronic bits and pieces. I may look into that the next time I'm having it serviced.
Shifts seem smoother overall. When giving it some grief, definitely less jerking on quick upshifts. I'm pleased with the result and hopefully it'll keep the box in good shape. The X5 is on ~64k miles. I'll probably get this done on the E63 too (88k miles), it's way overdue on the E91 (139k miles).
gizlaroc said:
Super_G said:
That’s a good price. Last year I had a quote for £780 on an E91 330i
That is ridiculous!
My local guy charges £349 for a full flush which is 12l pumped round and new filter and mechtronic sleeve.
Or £399 if he comes to you. Mind you that was 2019 last time I spoke to him and he was considering knocking the mobile service on the head as he was getting 4 or so a day in at the workshop so didn't really need to do mobile anymore.
That might have changed with Covid of course.
ninepoint2 said:
Better to find a ZF agent than use a marque specific garage, as most of them will have been told it's sealed for life and therefore have no idea of how to do it properly.
I think most BMW specialists know about the alleged 'sealed for life' chat. Certainly the BMW Specialist I used was aware re the servicing.Cheburator mk2 said:
Sounds like you need to change the transfer box oil too. Lifespan of about 50k miles. It will be butter smooth under acceleration. Only buy the fluid from BMW - think I paid about £25 for a litre bottle from Lloys Colne on eBay. Change the fluid and re-adapt the box. Worked wonders on my 65k 4.8iS in the past and my current F15 50i on 47k miles...
Thanks for that, I didn't even think about the transfer box oil. Will look into that. 
Am planning on being very frequent with the engine oil changes as I understand that helps prolong the life of the valve stem seals on the N62 so will see about getting the transfer box done at the same time.
It seems with most of the boxes it's difficult to get much more than half the fluid out. Mines the 8sp Aisin unit but can't be too dissimilar to the ZF equivalent.
Might do a full service and then follow it up a year later with just a fluid flush.
Mines 9 years old and 117k and I don't think it's been done so well overdue.
Might do a full service and then follow it up a year later with just a fluid flush.
Mines 9 years old and 117k and I don't think it's been done so well overdue.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thanks for the reply, very helpful.I must admit, I don't know whether the specialist put the uprated sump when doing the change. Something definitely worth considering next time.
Agree re valve stem seals, seems like a <£1000 job and if the labour can incorporate those other weak points, it's actually not that bad at all all things considered.
Definitely familiar with Tim's YouTube channel since I bought my E63 630 and of course now with the N62 engined X5. His website has a lot of good BMW TIS info/bulletins that are worth a look too. Will check about the Wynn's Plasticiser.
Ali Tait said:
Has anybody had their F10 boxes done? Have a 535d, but have read in the past that it isn't a good idea to have these 8 speed boxes done as there is a chance of it causing problems. Anyone have any views on this?
I’ve had my 535d done at a local garage at 68k miles and it’s sweet as a nut still. They used ZF life fluid and charged me under £400, IMHO its well worth it. Ali Tait said:
read in the past that it isn't a good idea to have these 8 speed boxes done as there is a chance of it causing problems. Anyone have any views on this?
Which is part of the reason the manufacturers don't have it in the service schedule. One of the best ways to keep a car reliable is to keep blokes with spanners away from the delicate bits. Especially with the "Swiss watch" internals of a modern, multi-gear transmission.People who compare transmission fluid with engine oil are talking nonsense. There are no combustion products leaking past piston rings or up valve stems and the temperature range of operation is much less extreme. There's a good chance that if the fluid's knackered, the transmission's knackered.
Having said all that, a preventive fluid/screen change around 10 years/100,000 miles shouldn't do any harm and might work out a lot cheaper than a transmission rebuild. If nothing else, the condition of the old fluid/screen can tell you quite a lot about the condition of your transmission.
davettf2 said:
Do it,
I had the full flush and service on my 17 year old E46, and although only 51,000 miles old, it made a world of difference. I believe that ZF say 100,000, km for a service. If it's a keeper then it's a no brainer.
Cheers
Dave
I've got a 17 year old E46 too (325i) - and it's only done 12,000 miles from new. One previous owner, full BMW service history but previously mostly used in central London.I had the full flush and service on my 17 year old E46, and although only 51,000 miles old, it made a world of difference. I believe that ZF say 100,000, km for a service. If it's a keeper then it's a no brainer.
Cheers
Dave
Not sure how long I will keep it so I'm genuinely in two minds about spending £ on flushing/servicing the auto but can see that it may well be worth it from a preventative maintenance point of view.
But - wearing my "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" hat, are there any potential downsides (even if the job's done by a reputable indy) ? Triggers some some mechanical or electronic failure for example.
Gavarnie said:
I've got a 17 year old E46 too (325i) - and it's only done 12,000 miles from new. One previous owner, full BMW service history but previously mostly used in central London.
Not sure how long I will keep it so I'm genuinely in two minds about spending £ on flushing/servicing the auto but can see that it may well be worth it from a preventative maintenance point of view.
But - wearing my "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" hat, are there any potential downsides (even if the job's done by a reputable indy) ? Triggers some some mechanical or electronic failure for example.
In a lot of respects a fair point, it is a personal choice weighing up the risk / reward of getting it done. One thing I would say is that there is a risk as there are a lot of small galleries in the valve mechanism. Against this is the fact that the oil in the box ies 15 years + old with the issues of not only age but also possible condensation contamination etc. In addition there are two options - option one involves draining the box, replacing the filter and topping-up, but this will only replace about 65% of the oil as the TC holds the rest. Better than nothing and normally resolves most "sticky" boxes. You could, of course, run the box for a few miles to get the oil mixed up and drain/refill again, which would get you up to about 85% changed, but keep that one as a secondary option. Not sure how long I will keep it so I'm genuinely in two minds about spending £ on flushing/servicing the auto but can see that it may well be worth it from a preventative maintenance point of view.
But - wearing my "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" hat, are there any potential downsides (even if the job's done by a reputable indy) ? Triggers some some mechanical or electronic failure for example.
The alternative is to go down a full flush service but this uses two different oils (flushing and box), lots of it and someone who has the right kit. It is also much more expensive. Probably only need if you have an issue. I did in that the box occasionally would show a transmission fault when first starting off unless warmed up for a couple of minutes.
Finally, if you do go down the route of getting it done, use someone with a sound reputation that knows what they are doing.
In addition to replacing the fluid, you can also replace the bridge & tube (I'm not sure these are the proper names!) seals as well as these wear (at least on the ZF 6HP unit)
I DIY'ed mine - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I DIY'ed mine - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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