BMW ATF for an '04 530i

[Vaca]

It has the ZF 6 speed automatic (called steptronic) transmission. The correct fluid for it is Shell M-1375.4.

It's virtually impossible to find this stuff here in the US. The BMW dealer charges $16 per half liter, but won't just sell the fluid, it'll only use that fluid if they do the fluid exchange service.

This is the same ZF 6 speed that is used on several other late model autos such as Jaguar, Hyundai Genesis, and a few others I can't recall right now.

I've read and researched all over the web including BITOG, of course, to no avail.

Might there be a good alternative? One of the BMW specific parts places sells a Pentosin ATF, I've read somewhere that Mercon SP may be pretty close to the original ZF fluid that is made by Shell.

Anyone have any ideas? I cannot believe that there isn't a suitable fluid out there somewhere in the US that I can use to drain and fill on the tranny.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[David in Sugar Land]

Vaca,

I have an '05 530i with Steptronic. The ZF we have on the e60 is proving to be more reliable than the GM tranny on the earlier e39 5 Series. So that is a plus.

Why do you want to get the Shell M-1375.4? Just to change out or is there a leak? Yes, the dealer doesn't want to usually sell since they have no container like coolant or 5W-30 oil. But there is a provision to sell it if you bring your own container. I can get the details for you if you want.

BUT, the advice I have gotten numerous times is on the non-manual transmission, don't do a fluid change. If I wanted to anyway, I would choose the best indy shop only services BMW and get the most experienced guy on it. Would not do it myself. Maybe call these guys...? http://www.bavarianspecialties.com/services.shtml

Here is a thread you may be interested in:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224513

Bavauto.com sells some Redline... http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=5180 to Redline ATF.

Best of luck. -David

 

[Vaca]

David,

Thanks for your suggestions. I just wanted to do a drain and fill. The car runs and shifts perfectly, no leaks or anything. The car has 100,000 miles and I want to keep it for many, many more miles sa it's still like brand new feeling.

I figured a drain and fill every 30,000 miles or so would be good preventative maintenance. It certainly can't hurt.

 

[unDummy]

Most of the universal multi-vehicle ATF's can be used.

 

[Vaca]

Originally Posted By: unDummy
Most of the universal multi-vehicle ATF's can be used.


I think you might be right, and certainly hope you are, but I'm still a bit leery to take the plunge with this transmission. I just wish I knew of someone who's actually used a different fluid with success.

 

[Blue T]

unDummy is probably right. Many different fluids have been used successfully in ZF 5 speed Steptronics. However that is a very expensive transmission you have. If you want to be the guinea pig, I would only use a premium quality, full synthetic fluid such as Redline or Amsoil. Here is a suggestion: buy a half litre of the OEM fluid and have a VOA done on it, then choose the flavor of Amsoil (ATF or ATL) or Redline (D4 or D6) that most closely matches your viscosity. The price ahould be less than $10 per qt. FWIW, there is an unscientific survey on Bimmerforums with over 950 responses that says that BMW transmissions changed over to non-OEM fluids have less than half the failure rate of those with no fluid change or those changed with OEM fluid.

 

[Craig in Canada]

For what its worth, Amsoil Universal ATF carries a lot more special applications on the back of the bottle than Redline, which has very few.

So far I'm successfully using Amsoil in a 2002 E39 540 calling for LT71141.

 

[GhostFlame]

I have the steptronic 5 speed in my "02 (95,000) X5 e53, M45 engine. I have one of the GM Trannys. I did a pan drop, filter change and fill replace and drive repeat 2 more times back in August. I used Mobil1 ATF. everyone told me not to do it but, the only reason they could site is seal failure. I'm watching real close for leaks I have about 3,000 mile on the change. In the X5Outpost board the opinions are split.

But M1 or Amsoil is the cat's meow with 30,000 or less change int. Listen to your heart grasshopper...

the change at 95K was the first change because I am the second owner.

 

[330indy]

e39 530i 2001 and later steptronic is a ZF tranny, FWIW

 

[gtx510]

ZF 6HP26
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_6HP26_transmission

Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF
http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int...ds_ImportMV.pdf

ZF Lifeguard 6 Fluid
http://www.peterschmid.com/bmw_files/bmw_oil_guide.asp


M1 ATF will work in older ZF trannies
http://bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Tranny/chart.htm
https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx

 

[330indy]

Originally Posted By: 330indy
e39 530i 2001 and later steptronic is a ZF tranny, FWIW


I stand corrected... the VIN will tell you, but you may have to contact the dealer...