Esso LT 71141 Roulette

[Egg_Head]

I'm the original owner of a 2002 BMW 540 w/170k mi. and a ZF 5HP-24 automatic transmission. This vehicle has a Dinan ECU and transmission software tune, additionally the transmission has been serviced 3 times by a local independent shop using LT 71141 approved fluid each time (either Esso branded or Pentosin ATF1). Currently I am experiencing a harder than normal initial upshift from 1st to 2nd when cold and am considering another filter/fluid service which I will perform myself to hopefully improve shift feeling and as it has been about +30k mi. since last service. Typical service takes about 6 qt. of ATF fluid. My current ATF stash includes 1 lt. of Esso LT 71141, 6 qt. of Mag1 Multi-Vehicle Low-Vis ATF and gallons of Maxlife Dex/Merc. The Mag1 and Maxlife are labeled "suitable for use" in this tranny. The Scotch-Irish in me says use what you have in a combo of the Esso and supplement with either the Mag1 or Maxlife. My questions to this group are 1) Is this a sound strategy 2) Has anyone here used the Mag1 in this transmission and what has been your experience?

 

[RF Overlord]

I have no experience with that transmission or fluid, but I am not a fan of using fluid that is called "suitable for", unless it's the car's manufacturer calling it that. I prefer to use an approved (or licensed) fluid, especially in a high-mileage unit.

My ex has gotten 190,000 miles out of her 2003 Mercury Marauder by using various brands of fluid, but they were all licensed Mercon V products. SuperTech, Motorcraft, Castrol, and Valvoline (back when Valvoline made a licensed product, which their current offering is not).

 

[Win]

I would only use the LT71141 fluid in that ZF.

Sounds like you may have something else going on. I've had four speed ZF's and have a 6 speed presently, and I've never had one hard shift, unless it was called for.

Maybe you should put the stock transmission tune back in.

 

[threeputtpar]

The delayed and firmer upshift when cold is actually normal - the same thing happens in my A6 with the 5HP19FLA.

I've used ATF1 in the past, and it was average at best. I've tried a couple of multi-vehicle ATFs and the best one was MaxLife by far. I'd also recommend adding in Lubegard Red, as that helped with my slight shudder on the 2-3 upshift as the torque converter is able to lock in gears 3-5. The locking at the same time as shifting gave the shudder, but the LG Red fixed it.

Maxlife is now a low viscosity ATF, so I'd say any low vis you have would be good. My last D&F was with a normal 7.5cP ATF and I did notice that it's a bit more sluggish when warming up versus the Maxlife.