BMW Lifetime Fluid

[HondaMan]

Hello Everyone,

Had really been on the board in a long time, had really seen/used the new format.

Search function I cannot make happy

In doing a radiator swap on my 96 318i, I had to pull the AT cooler. I did not lose a much AT fluid, but even the factory service guide warns to top off after this r/r.

The fluid has never been changed and looked very, very good for being 12 years old.

I phoned the person who originally maintained this vechicle before I did and asked him how much to top off the AT. For those not familiar, this process on a BMW is not trivial in any way.

He quoted a very fair price has I have confirmed by calling on others, but he threw out the Bob famous 'T Tec' suggestion.

I asked what fluid to replace the 'Lifetime' and he mentioned he has many older BMWs on straight DEXIII bulk Valvoline.

176k miles on the AT.

1. Should I go for the t tec at such an old age and mileage?

2. If yes to # 1, should I use the bulk fluid? He has no problems with me bringing my own, he also mentioned he doubted that the dealer even had what would have been the original 'lifetime' fluid.

3. Is lifetime truly not available as a refill? I have asked this question on the BMW type boards and frankly no one cares.

4. If yes to # 1 and no to # 2, which fluid?

BTW, he would just top off with the DEXIII.


Thanks in advance, Happy New Year to everyone!

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

The AMSOIL Product Selection Guide (on the AMSOIL website) recommends AMSOIL ATF for your car. Were it mine, that's what I'd use, either as a topoff or refill.

 

[Gary Allan]

I agree with **** ..not because I'm an Amsoil dealer, but that lifetime thing isn't for common bulk fluid. Use a quality synthetic and, preferably, Amsoil. If you go with common conventional, plan on biannual service intervals depending on how much you drive it.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
HondaMan - In answering your questions;

1 - You could use the "Euro" blend Castrol ATF called "Import Multi Vehicle"
2 - Take your own (keep some for top-up)
3 - You can install a "lifetime" fill again (Castrol do have an equivalent)but I would settle on a drain/filter change and refill every three years with the ATF mentioned in 1) above
4 - See 1) above

The suggestion by the person previously maintaining the vehicle also makes sense

Regards
Doug

 

[The Critic]

The transmission is a GM 4L30E, so Dexron-VI would be the best choice.

 

[HondaMan]

Thanks for the replys.

I will look into the Castrol ATF Multi Vehicle as well as the Dex VI as this was the fluid that at least in my mind would be better than a bulk DEX III but still in the same 'spirit'.

I will try to find/price the lifetime as well from another BMW dealer. The local dealer is a national chain (Penske) and they are frankly terrible.

I notice the board took away my n't. Weird

Had not = Hadn't (a test, perhaps I just didn't type correctly)

So from the replies, I assume no one feels there is issue with the notion of replacing the fluid?

I have a few of the standard issue worries when servicing something that has not been serviced in so long.

 

[Russell]

FYI, I used Castrol dexron VI in my GM transmission (95 BMW 525i)about 4,000 miles ago. No change in transmission performance, expcect possibly moother than the Mobil 1 synthetic Dexron III I had previously. Originally called for Dexron II. It was not a lifetime fill car.

I change every 30,000 miles. Its first change was around 80,000 miles. It now has 148,000 miles.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
I have a few of the standard issue worries when servicing something that has not been serviced in so long.


Those fears are spawned by those who wait until damage occurs to take action. The damage is already done to the mechanicals and they hope that fluid will fix the issue ..when the fluid isn't the cause at that point. It was, perhaps, the cause of the condition, but its replacement won't fix the resultant degradation.

If you don't have any issues, you won't with a fluid change.

 

[Barkleymut]

Agreed with Gary Allan, I had those fears but they have been dispelled. Heck, I even changed my own trans. filter. Would not recommend unless you have a lot of patience.

 

[HondaMan]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
The transmission is a GM 4L30E, so Dexron-VI would be the best choice.


Michael,

As I understand the 96 BMW 318i with M44 engine would have the A4S 270 R which is in fact a modified version of the 4L30E.

Tomorrow I will put the car up on ramps to at least verify if the lifetime fill was used or not, but I will change out regardless. (I am just curious)

Now the question for you and everyone else would be the use of the DEX VI as you mention or a fluid that falls just short of that spec. such as the Castrol Import Multi as was also suggested.

The Castrol Import formula would exceed all DEX up to but not including the VI spec.

The straight up DEX VI would of course exceed previous DEX specs. and meet the VI spec. which I do not require.

I noted today the cost is $2.00 difference per bottle, the DEX VI being the more expensive.

Then, to confuse things more, the Domestic Multi ATF labels also meet at least DEX III.

So...

1. Plain DEX III rated bulk seems to be the last in line.

2. A newer Domestic ATF formula that exceeds DEX III but not DEX VI?

3. Import Multi Vechicle ATF which in essence is the same as # 2?

4. DEX VI?

Cost is not an issue.

I have read enough on the BMW sites to feel that Amsoil is not a popular choice, nor is Mobil 1. RedLine seems very popular.
No basis for any of the above on those sites, however I have stated before I am not an Amsoil fan (no basis for this, just not a fan) so will not be going down that road.

 

[The Critic]

Dexron-III fluids are no longer licensed by GM, thus the contents and performance of any fluid that claims to meet Dexron III now is unknown.

Dexron-VI is the only approved service fill for GM automatics that previously required Dexron III. The quality of the fluid (Dexron-VI) has also improved significantly, so it's a no brainer IMO.

 

[cos]

HondaMan,

If the BMW forum guys like Redline then go with that.

 

[HondaMan]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Dexron-III fluids are no longer licensed by GM, thus the contents and performance of any fluid that claims to meet Dexron III now is unknown.

Dexron-VI is the only approved service fill for GM automatics that previously required Dexron III. The quality of the fluid (Dexron-VI) has also improved significantly, so it's a no brainer IMO.


This is a fact I did not know. It makes perfect sense for a dealer / mechanic to have a bulk labeled DEX III as it would be cheaper in that does not require a license.

The mechanic I mentioned uses Valvoline, I can see the drums myself. I have no doubt the bulk labeled Valvoline DEX III will perform, but the notion of VI being the only GM approved fluid for III applications rings loudly.

I was considering RedLine, but I am hoping to get this done in the next day or so and the only retail place that sells RedLine that I know of does not have enough stock. (they have three dusty bottles)

 

[HondaMan]

I put the car up on my ramps .... big green label on the pan.

For those who do not know: Green = Lifetime fill, Black = DEX III

The green label does note that if serviced to fully replace with DEX III.

Per BMW, Lifetime fluid = Texaco ETL 7045E or BMW part # 83 22 0 026 922

After reading other threads and posts here and elsewhere .... I see that DEX VI is not a popular choice as there is not enough data (usage) out there.
RedLine is popular because they have their syn. D4 which is again not VI.
i.e. Most are wanting the best fluid they can get that will most closely match III, and as I am understanding, while VI should be far superior, it is different.

This all leads to what Mr. Hilary first suggested in Castrol Import Multi which is a DEX III but not a VI and .....
..... Meets Texaco ETL 7045E

 

[Gary Allan]

You've gotta kinda look at ATF as packaged anxiety.

 

[shortyb]

If you can source the Texaco fluid at a DECENT price, well that would be my first choice. Otherwise with time was pressing, I'd use the Castrol.

Man, I wish Specialty Formulations were still around .

 

[hominid7]

If cost is not an issue, i would think going to the BMW dealer parts dept and picking up the required fluid and/or having the dealer top off the transmission would be ideal.

 

[HondaMan]

Originally Posted By: hominid7
If cost is not an issue, i would think going to the BMW dealer parts dept and picking up the required fluid and/or having the dealer top off the transmission would be ideal.


hominid7,

My dealer will do no better than the POs mechanic. They will use a bulk DEX III. I have visited their service department and confirmed as much. They charge $ 8.95 per qt when given the BMW part number for oil, yet will bring you out a bottle of Csstrol Syn. Blend. Another fluid I wish to replace is the final drive, which is Castrol SAF XO, and is not sold in the states. Some dealers do have this fluid in bulk, mine does not, they have bulk Castrol 75w-90.

I have found a source for the OE Texaco fluid and they want $ 14.95 per qt. Shipping via UPS standard ground will having me waiting 5 to 7 business days.

I am sold on the Castrol Import Multi... it is a syn. blend, meets DEX III, but not VI, and states to be recommended (Amsoil style ) where the Texaco spec. is called for.

 

[Craig in Canada]

HondaMan:

While I can understand the stress that some go through choosing ATF for BMW automatics, the final drives aren't nearly so picky. I've been using Redline 75W90 in my '98 for a very long time with excellent results. I'd also consider Amsoil SVG and may be trying it for this year's change. If it's using original fluid, consider one short change interval (1000mi?) to "rinse".

 

[gtx510]

I think Valvoline Mercon V might work? Castrol Import ATF, that's what we used in my bro-in-law's E38. But Amsoil ATF would have been my 1st choice. Texaco would be my last choice b/c of the price.