Currently availible Dex II or Dex III

[Vaca]

I have a 1988 BMW 325i with a 4-sp ZF automatic that calls for Dexron II ATF.

I know that GM dropped the DII a long time ago, and more recently dropped DIII.

What brands still sell a decent Dexron III fluid? I see Castrol sells a domestic multi-vehicle fluid, Pennzoils sell a similar ATF. Also Walmart sells gallons of ATF that says it's suitable for DIII applications.

Any suggestions?

 

[SuperDave456]

If you can find a Wally World that sells Valvoline Dex/Merc or High Mileage Dex/Merc I would use that.
Also Shop around for Mobil 1 Multi-vehicle.

I have used them in cars requiring Mercon V stuff, and plan on using them in my '04 Xterra that requires Dex III.

 

[ericgl]

Lots of manufacturers still make fluids that meet the old Dexron III spec, but cannot call it that due to GM's restrictions. Chevron has ATF MD-3 for example.

 

[exranger06]

Valvoline Maxlife

 

[Hermann]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
Valvoline Maxlife


+1 Have had excellent results using Maxlife Dexron/Mercon. Actually improved the shifting. I started doing 15K drain and fills at 30K. Will be doing it again soon at 60K.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: Vaca
I have a 1988 BMW 325i with a 4-sp ZF automatic that calls for Dexron II ATF.

I know that GM dropped the DII a long time ago, and more recently dropped DIII.

What brands still sell a decent Dexron III fluid? I see Castrol sells a domestic multi-vehicle fluid, Pennzoils sell a similar ATF. Also Walmart sells gallons of ATF that says it's suitable for DIII applications.

Any suggestions?


I use Mercon V in my BMW and it works fantastic

 

[Vaca]

Blue, does your 735 have the same ZF 4HP 22 transmission?



Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: Vaca
I have a 1988 BMW 325i with a 4-sp ZF automatic that calls for Dexron II ATF.

I know that GM dropped the DII a long time ago, and more recently dropped DIII.

What brands still sell a decent Dexron III fluid? I see Castrol sells a domestic multi-vehicle fluid, Pennzoils sell a similar ATF. Also Walmart sells gallons of ATF that says it's suitable for DIII applications.

Any suggestions?


I use Mercon V in my BMW and it works fantastic

 

[SLCraig]

Maxlife is good fluid, but with it being DexVI approved, its actually thinner than any older DexII/III fluids...

 

[Vaca]

Thanks for that info, that Maxlife is DVI approved.

I'd really like to stick with a basic (probably GI or GII) DIII fluid and change often. It's simple to change the ATF in this car...like 5 or 10 minutes...just drain and refill.

Also the car has well over 250,000 miles (Odo is broken)and the tranny was rebuilt about 8 or 10 years ago, and is working great.

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Maxlife is good fluid, but with it being DexVI approved, its actually thinner than any older DexII/III fluids...

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: Vaca
Blue, does your 735 have the same ZF 4HP 22 transmission?


yes it does

 

[NightRiderQ45]

Originally Posted By: ericgl
Lots of manufacturers still make fluids that meet the old Dexron III spec, but cannot call it that due to GM's restrictions. Chevron has ATF MD-3 for example.


How do you know that it's really in specs. I highly doubt it since they can use cheaper stuff/cut corners and won't have anyone to bring the hammer down on them. I would only use something that is licensed.

 

[unDummy]

TES389 is the Allison spec for Dex/Merc when Gm/Ford abandoned it.

http://www.havoline.com/products/na/trans_md3_tech.html

And remember, just because a license doesn't exist doesn't mean they forgot how to make the Dex/Merc ATF. The reputation of the company is good for some. This is why if you want to use a generic Dex/Merc ATF, stick with a name brand product.

 

[SLCraig]

It sucks you aren't in Canada. I just recently myself picked up some of Petro Canada's DuraDrive MV fluid. DexII/III rated. Would work awesome in your Q.

It may be available in the U.S. though, they do have an American contact #. Try it!

 

[Vaca]

Originally Posted By: unDummy


http://www.havoline.com/products/na/trans_md3_tech.html



Thanks unD, this looks like it's worth seeking out and finding it. I think it would be great for an older DII-speced transmission like the one in my "new" car.

 

[MonumentOiler]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Maxlife is good fluid, but with it being DexVI approved, its actually thinner than any older DexII/III fluids...


Maxlife is "recommended for DexVI" not licensed and if you read the data sheets you will find that it's viscosity is higher than allowed by the DexVI specifications.