BMW E60 ATF change...?

[christer]

My current car has done 57k miles now and I want to start looking at changing the auto transmission fluid. I may not get it done until I need new spark plugs in a few k miles but I just wanted to run by you an oil recommendation I have received from Opie:

Fuchs TITAN ATF 6000 SL Latest synthetic ATF

"Offers maximum performance in passenger car applications such as automatic transmissions with torque converters or wet clutches as well as power steering systems. Formulation is licensed according to DEXRON VI and downwards compatible to any former DEXRON-specification.


DEXRON VI"

I have also been told that I need approx. 9 litres and this oil costs around £13 per litre. Not a problem as such, its more checking for opinions for what others use (cheaper or dearer) and also the number of litres required when changing the fluid.

TIA

[phelix]

Which model gearbox is in the car?

[ipwn]

where are you located?

try going to a transmission specialist.

I had my done in Barnsley for 45 quid by a transmission specialist. Also cleared so crap out aswell and did a check over

He had barrels of the fluid.

[christer]

phelix said:

Which model gearbox is in the car?

Its the ZF 6 speed unit (Auto)

[christer]

ipwn said:

try going to a transmission specialist.

I had my done in Barnsley for 45 quid by a transmission specialist. Also cleared so crap out aswell and did a check over

He had barrels of the fluid.

Yes, I know one of those (and used them on my old 540) but want to make sure the fluid used is correct. In your case, does the price include fluid? If so, what fluid was used?

[phumy]

Im sure one of these could put you on the right track:

http://www.zf-group.co.uk/car_service.htm

[ipwn]

christer said:

ipwn said:

try going to a transmission specialist.

I had my done in Barnsley for 45 quid by a transmission specialist. Also cleared so crap out aswell and did a check over

He had barrels of the fluid.

Yes, I know one of those (and used them on my old 540) but want to make sure the fluid used is correct. In your case, does the price include fluid? If so, what fluid was used?

Yup, Drexel III

[christer]

I would think you should use Dexron IV fluid in yours - justlike mine - but I don't know for sure ofc. Even then, the fluid required would probably cost £45......

[ipwn]

christer said:

I would think you should use Dexron IV fluid in yours - justlike mine - but I don't know for sure ofc. Even then, the fluid required would probably cost £45......

It was filled with III when it was rebuilt by the specialist.

He also cleaerd alot of crap out.

[phelix]

christer said:

phelix said:

Which model gearbox is in the car?

Its the ZF 6 speed unit (Auto)

Yes, but which model number? Probably the 6HP26. Please send me your email address and I can send you some ZF documentation on the oil change procedure. Swapping the filter (integral to the sump) is probably a good idea as well. Here's a source for the oil: http://www.oilsandlubricants.co.uk/shop/show_produ...

[christer]

phelix said:

christer said:

phelix said:

Which model gearbox is in the car?

Its the ZF 6 speed unit (Auto)

Yes, but which model number? Probably the 6HP26. Please send me your email address and I can send you some ZF documentation on the oil change procedure. Swapping the filter (integral to the sump) is probably a good idea as well. Here's a source for the oil: http://www.oilsandlubricants.co.uk/shop/show_produ...

Hi Phelix

I am not sure of the specific model number yet - as th ecar has done 58k miles I am just having look at this. I had a word with Autrogearbox Specialists down in Hailsham (or something like that) and they told me that they would get the oil from the dealers and it would be around £60+VAT or so for the sump panel including seal/filter - so all in they would do the job for around £220 with their specialist flushing equipment etc which doesn't seem to bad to me....the Shell oil is around £100 or so.

I talked to a dealer in Sevenoaks who quoted £299 after he had argued with me about whether it was needed etc. but that did not include the sump panel with filter and seal etc. which he didn't have a clue about.

I think what I will do is to leave it until 75k miles, have it done by the specialist that did my old 540 and get the oil from BMW myself if necessary to ensure correct fill fluid. This will be a good 2 years away at my current mileage.

Thanks for all the replies!

[phelix]

I was quoted £437 inc VAT by a BMW main dealer.

1.8 hours of labour @ £88/hour, 10 litres of oil @ £9.20/litre and the sump/filter for £130, all plus VAT. The quote was provided under some duress as they initially insisted it couldn't and didn't need to be done. They said they needed the car overnight and needed to use the diagnostic computer to perform the change in order to monitor the box's temperature when the level is set.

[Victor101]

Six speed autos do indeed have a plastic all in one sump with filter. These can often be leaking anyway by 60k so it's a very good plan to change it along with the oil. Price up a new 6 speed autobox supplied and fitted and suddenly £400 doesn't sound so severe.

Even better, just buy a car with a manual box.