1998 BMW 540 ZF5HP24 5 speed auto trans fluid problems

[eriklane]

I have a 1998 BMW 540 with a 5speed auto transmission ZF5HP24. It has a green sticker with 83229407807 on it as the fluid part.

I purchased Pentosin ATF6 for it, after seeing this PN on many websites. But I am being told by a reputable mechanic that I should use ATF5. The ATF6 bottle doesn’t show this PN, but many sites say that ATF6 is Esso/LT71141 compatible.

Is Pentosin ATF6 is ok for this Part#?

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I have a 1998 BMW 540 with a 5speed auto transmission ZF5HP24. It has a green sticker with 83229407807 on it as the fluid part.

I purchased Pentosin ATF6 for it, after seeing this PN on many websites. But I am being told by a reputable mechanic that I should use ATF5. The ATF6 bottle doesn’t show this PN, but many sites say that ATF6 is Esso/LT71141 compatible.

Is Pentosin ATF6 is ok for this Part#?

https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedia/lol-lubricants/lol-en/lol-te-ml-11-en.pdf

Pg 4 ZF says LifeGuard 5 which I presume is ATF5 that your mechanic is talking about. I'm sure Liqui Moly and others sell a clone.

 

[eriklane]

Looks like I need to drain it all out. What a debacle as many websites show Pentosin 6 as being ok. Unreal mad rn.

 

[Invisible]

I have a 1998 BMW 540 with a 5speed auto transmission ZF5HP24. It has a green sticker with 83229407807 on it as the fluid part.

Given how old that transmission, any modern MV ATF will cover it. Depending how much you want to spend, AMSOIL ATF ATL would be a good choice. If you want something a hair more viscous, get Castrol TES 668 ATF from NAPA - it's got an Alison approval, but works in just about any step shift automatic, and you could even use it in some dual clutch transmissions like the one in the Nissan GTR. Mobil 1 Dexron HP (blue label) is also a good option. I have used it in ZF transmissions before, shifts are short and crisp, but smooth. Red Line D6 is also a very good option.

All of the above being said, I don't know anything about Pentosin ATF, where they source their additive packages, and what their compatibility range is.

If I owned a 90s BMW with an automatic transmission, I would just go with a modern Multi Vehicle ATF, probably a boutique brand, just to be safe, and covered. AMSOIL would most likely be my first choice, as they do extensive testing.

 

[eriklane]

Just to illustrate how stupid life gets: I filled it with Pentosin 6, and the $ isn't the issue, it's the hassle of draining, but more so the possible damage of not getting it all out as we know, it's not easy. My remaining question is-with the below, can I use P6 or not?

FCP Euro shows Fuchs ATF6 at 800362445 and doesn't specify 83229407807, BUT shows pentosin 6 as applicable at PN1058207 and PN83220142516, NOT showing my pn.

Autohausaz shows pentosin 6 with 83229407807 and lt71141 and says 'equiv to bmw/esso lt71141 in green tag only'.

ECSTuning says P6 meets esso lt71141 and says 83229407807 is a previous # but pic shows an atf1 bottle!

Bimmerworld shows P6 with 83229407807 but the chart below doesn't show my 540. Note says 'the label was recently revised to atf6 instead of atf1 but the formula was unchanged. Says Dex6 compatible. OE PN 83220142516, 83220144137, 83222220442, 83222220445, 83222305396, 83229407765, and 83222344206(this is the superceded #).

RMEuropean shows atf1

Sharp BMW says the green # is superseded by 83222344206 as that bmw fluid.

 

[Invisible]

My remaining question is-with the below, can I use P6 or not?

This is what Pentosin themselves say:

Given that P/N 83229407807 is a Dexron III class/era fluid, I would run out to NAPA and get some Castrol TranSynd 668 ATF, and make sure you get all the old ATF out, don't mix it. TES 668 ATF is backwards compatible with Dexron III fluids, and then some. You'll be more than happy with it, just give it a try. Bonus points, it will outlast most consumer grade ATFs.

Alternatively, you could try the Pentosin ATF 6, just make sure you replace all the old fluid. If it shifts fine, without any slippage, shudder, or sudden shifts, then you're golden.

But, Penstosin does not say it's okay to use ATF 6 instead of ATF 5.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Just to illustrate how stupid life gets: I filled it with Pentosin 6, and the $ isn't the issue, it's the hassle of draining, but more so the possible damage of not getting it all out as we know, it's not easy. My remaining question is-with the below, can I use P6 or not?

FCP Euro shows Fuchs ATF6 at 800362445 and doesn't specify 83229407807, BUT shows pentosin 6 as applicable at PN1058207 and PN83220142516, NOT showing my pn.

Autohausaz shows pentosin 6 with 83229407807 and lt71141 and says 'equiv to bmw/esso lt71141 in green tag only'.

ECSTuning says P6 meets esso lt71141 and says 83229407807 is a previous # but pic shows an atf1 bottle!

Bimmerworld shows P6 with 83229407807 but the chart below doesn't show my 540. Note says 'the label was recently revised to atf6 instead of atf1 but the formula was unchanged. Says Dex6 compatible. OE PN 83220142516, 83220144137, 83222220442, 83222220445, 83222305396, 83229407765, and 83222344206(this is the superceded #).

RMEuropean shows atf1

Sharp BMW says the green # is superseded by 83222344206 as that bmw fluid.

Perhaps the ATF6 is backward compatible? ZF doesn't license their fluid nor do they indicate acceptable substitutes. That's just the way they are. If Pentosin and Fuchs say ATF6 works for your transmission then I would roll with it. I would also notify FCP of the error.

 

[kschachn]

Just to illustrate how stupid life gets: I filled it with Pentosin 6, and the $ isn't the issue, it's the hassle of draining, but more so the possible damage of not getting it all out as we know, it's not easy. My remaining question is-with the below, can I use P6 or not?

FCP Euro shows Fuchs ATF6 at 800362445 and doesn't specify 83229407807, BUT shows pentosin 6 as applicable at PN1058207 and PN83220142516, NOT showing my pn.

Autohausaz shows pentosin 6 with 83229407807 and lt71141 and says 'equiv to bmw/esso lt71141 in green tag only'.

ECSTuning says P6 meets esso lt71141 and says 83229407807 is a previous # but pic shows an atf1 bottle!

Bimmerworld shows P6 with 83229407807 but the chart below doesn't show my 540. Note says 'the label was recently revised to atf6 instead of atf1 but the formula was unchanged. Says Dex6 compatible. OE PN 83220142516, 83220144137, 83222220442, 83222220445, 83222305396, 83229407765, and 83222344206(this is the superceded #).

RMEuropean shows atf1

Sharp BMW says the green # is superseded by 83222344206 as that bmw fluid.

It's not going to damage it. You can use DEXRON-VI in that transmission, it's what I did in my old E34. And ATF 6 is like DEXRON-VI.

The only "big thing" with the 540i compared to the 530i was to use a synthetic fluid which you have. Any DEXRON license or compatibility is fine.

 

[eriklane]

This is what Pentosin themselves say:

View attachment 209226

Given that P/N 83229407807 is a Dexron III class/era fluid, I would run out to NAPA and get some Castrol TranSynd 668 ATF, and make sure you get all the old ATF out, don't mix it. TES 668 ATF is backwards compatible with Dexron III fluids, and then some. You'll be more than happy with it, just give it a try. Bonus points, it will outlast most consumer grade ATFs.

View attachment 209227

Alternatively, you could try the Pentosin ATF 6, just make sure you replace all the old fluid. If it shifts fine, without any slippage, shudder, or sudden shifts, then you're golden.

But, Penstosin does not say it's okay to use ATF 6 instead of ATF 5.

"Make sure you get all the old ATF out". Harder said than done. I can do a drain,fill, drive it some, then repeat, but we all know that'll just dilute the Pentosin 6 left in there. Sucks. Still holding out that P6 is ok, calling them at lunch.

 

[Invisible]

"Make sure you get all the old ATF out". Harder said than done. I can do a drain,fill, drive it some, then repeat, but we all know that'll just dilute the Pentosin 6 left in there. Sucks. Still holding out that P6 is ok, calling them at lunch.

The Pentosin ATF 6 is basically Dexron VI, which is backwards compatible with Dexron III. GM stopped issuing Dexron III licenses a long time ago. Pentosin might tell you to use ATF 5, which is Dexron III. But in all actuality, the only difference between Pentosin ATF 5 and ATF 6 is the viscosity. Both like to consolidate, blenders, and DI manufacturers, with the end result being that a blender will use the same DI package, which also contains the friction modifiers, for all ATF blends they sell. The only exception is Ford Type F ATF, which doesn't have friction modifiers. With a few minor exceptions, no one uses Type F fluid today.

 

[eriklane]

I called CRP Auto(Pentosin) and a super man Tony told me that ATF1 was likely the fluid it came with, and ATF6 is the same. He said 6 supersedes 5 and likely 5 is going away. He assured me 6 is fine. SO I AM GOOD. THANK GOD.
Lesson? DIG HARD AND DEEP UNTIL YOU FIND TRUTH.

 

[kschachn]

I called CRP Auto(Pentosin) and a super man Tony told me that ATF1 was likely the fluid it came with, and ATF6 is the same. He said 6 supersedes 5 and likely 5 is going away. He assured me 6 is fine. SO I AM GOOD. THANK GOD.
Lesson? DIG HARD AND DEEP UNTIL YOU FIND TRUTH.

Thank goodness.

 

[BMW Dom]

Thank goodness.

I was shaking in fear throughout this thread, but now I can relax

 

[Invisible]

Oh boy, I was on the edge of my seat this entire time.

 

[Egg_Head]

I used this in my E39 w/ZF5HP24. It was very sensitive to fluid level, shifted like pooh when cold if fluid level was not perfect.:

US_Val_ImportMulti_ATF_EN.pdf - DocuSign CLM

sharena21.springcm.com

 

[Invisible]

I used this in my E39 w/ZF5HP24. It was very sensitive to fluid level, shifted like pooh when cold if fluid level was not perfect.:

US_Val_ImportMulti_ATF_EN.pdf - DocuSign CLM

sharena21.springcm.com

I think it was sensitive to fluid foaming.

 

[kschachn]

I used this in my E39 w/ZF5HP24. It was very sensitive to fluid level, shifted like pooh when cold if fluid level was not perfect.:

US_Val_ImportMulti_ATF_EN.pdf - DocuSign CLM

sharena21.springcm.com

And MaxLife as well. That's what I ended up using for a very long time in my BMW after DEXRON-VI became a little too expensive.