ZF 5HP24 Fluid Change

[Spetz]

Hi everyone,

I am changing the fluid in my 2001 BMW 540i with a ZF 5HP24 at 110K miles, original fluid and filter.
It calls for ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid.

This fluid to my knowledge is semi-synthetic, formulated decades ago.

I am looking at using Castrol Transmax Z:
https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/...4751D3E8025849C0040D7EA/$File/BPXE-BHBVJT.pdf

It states it has a ZF Approval number (though no other details) and the specifications met outline the ZF 11B spec I need.


My questions:
1. Given the LG5 fluid is semi synthetic, and there have been advances in fluid over the years, is it better to use the Castrol Transmax Z?
2. The old fluid came out fairly dark, is this an indicator of anything?
3. LG5 here (in Australia) is very expensive, at about $45 AUD per quart. If I need about 12-14 quarts to do a drain and fill twice, it really adds up. I have access to the Esso/Mobil LT 71141 oil (which ZF I believe approved) for a reasonable price. This is an old formulation, likely new old stock, semi-synthetic fluid. Would this be a better option over the Castrol?


On another note, Castrol would not disclose whether the Transmax Z is a PAO ester oil or not. A local oil company (Penrite), produces their own oil they recommend for the ZF called ATF FS which is a PAO ester oil:
https://penriteoil.com.au/assets/pis_pdfs/ATF FS (Full Syn.).pdf

Would this be worth considering over the Castrol or Esso/Mobil? It is the most affordable one, though I should note I am not trying to save a buck, just wanting the best option. However spending $600 on LG5 ATF is ideally avoided.

 

[Egg_Head]

My 2002 540 with the same transmission loved this product. Don't know if you can get it in Australia:

https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd3/56a3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/import-multi-vehicle-automatic-transmission-fluid/

I'd go with the Esso over the Penrite. I used the Esso when it was available here.

EDIT: Just checked the Valvoline AU website, they offer only 4 transmission fluids and not the one above, US has like 11. Esso is the spec for that transmission. Mine was very particular about getting the level correct, i.e. shifted poorly if it was not exact. You will have some burned arms from hot fluid running down them but a happy transmission, good luck.

 

[RBT]

Hi everyone,

I am changing the fluid in my 2001 BMW 540i with a ZF 5HP24 at 110K miles, original fluid and filter.
It calls for ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid.

This fluid to my knowledge is semi-synthetic, formulated decades ago.

I am looking at using Castrol Transmax Z:
https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/...4751D3E8025849C0040D7EA/$File/BPXE-BHBVJT.pdf

It states it has a ZF Approval number (though no other details) and the specifications met outline the ZF 11B spec I need.


My questions:
1. Given the LG5 fluid is semi synthetic, and there have been advances in fluid over the years, is it better to use the Castrol Transmax Z?
2. The old fluid came out fairly dark, is this an indicator of anything?
3. LG5 here (in Australia) is very expensive, at about $45 AUD per quart. If I need about 12-14 quarts to do a drain and fill twice, it really adds up. I have access to the Esso/Mobil LT 71141 oil (which ZF I believe approved) for a reasonable price. This is an old formulation, likely new old stock, semi-synthetic fluid. Would this be a better option over the Castrol?


On another note, Castrol would not disclose whether the Transmax Z is a PAO ester oil or not. A local oil company (Penrite), produces their own oil they recommend for the ZF called ATF FS which is a PAO ester oil:
https://penriteoil.com.au/assets/pis_pdfs/ATF FS (Full Syn.).pdf

Would this be worth considering over the Castrol or Esso/Mobil? It is the most affordable one, though I should note I am not trying to save a buck, just wanting the best option. However spending $600 on LG5 ATF is ideally avoided.

ZF transmissions of this generation (5hp24, 5hp30) are finicky. IF you are going to change the fluid, I would use the Lifeguard. Screwups will be expensive, so make sure you know what you are doing. These transmissions are very sensitive to correct level.

 

[Spetz]

My 2002 540 with the same transmission loved this product. Don't know if you can get it in Australia:

https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd3/56a3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/import-multi-vehicle-automatic-transmission-fluid/

I'd go with the Esso over the Penrite. I used the Esso when it was available here.

EDIT: Just checked the Valvoline AU website, they offer only 4 transmission fluids and not the one above, US has like 11. Esso is the spec for that transmission. Mine was very particular about getting the level correct, i.e. shifted poorly if it was not exact. You will have some burned arms from hot fluid running down them but a happy transmission, good luck.

That's right, here in Australia the choice is a bit more limited.
There are still a few options that the local E39 groups recommend, including Motul, LiquiMoly etc.

Also, though I can get the Esso LT 71141, I believe it is new old stock, so likely 20 years old. I am not sure if these oils have a shelf life or not?

 

[Spetz]

ZF transmissions of this generation (5hp24, 5hp30) are finicky. IF you are going to change the fluid, I would use the Lifeguard. Screwups will be expensive, so make sure you know what you are doing. These transmissions are very sensitive to correct level.

Thanks, I am doing a fair bit of research on how to do it correctly.
I have already drained the ATF and removed the valve body. It has been draining for over a week now and I have measured about 7.5L (same as 7.5 quarts more or less, maybe a bit closer to 8) has come out.
My intention is to buy a 20L container, which will yield 3 drain and fills, leaving less than 10% original fluid in there.

Though Lifeguard is over $40 AUD a quart here, so I do want to avoid $800+ in ATF to be honest.

 

[Egg_Head]

You could use Valvoline Maxlife, which is available in AU, with no issues. I used that during one of my fluid/filter changes. ZF 5 speeds are realatively robust. When you get into the 6,7,8 speed slush boxes, they are more picky about their fluid.

 

[threeputtpar]

I used Pentosin ATF1 in a 5HP19 in a 2003 Audi A6 for multiple drain and fills. BMW might be different, but the OE fluid in the A6 was not red dyed but clear/amber colored.

 

[RBT]

Thanks, I am doing a fair bit of research on how to do it correctly.
I have already drained the ATF and removed the valve body. It has been draining for over a week now and I have measured about 7.5L (same as 7.5 quarts more or less, maybe a bit closer to 8) has come out.
My intention is to buy a 20L container, which will yield 3 drain and fills, leaving less than 10% original fluid in there.

Though Lifeguard is over $40 AUD a quart here, so I do want to avoid $800+ in ATF to be honest.

The $800 in ATF will not look that bad if you see what these transmissions cost rebuilt (good rebuild, not a hack job).

 

[Egg_Head]

Of all my years on BMW forums, I have never heard of an issue or failure with someone using any of the aforementioned ATF fluids (including the ZF 5) The main issue with the E39 transmissions was BMW coming out with the "Lifetime fluid" bs and therefore the fluid was never changed. The OP has 110K miles on fluid that has been in there for 24 years, at this point a stout cabernet would not be a bad choice.

 

[CleanSump]

Our two BMWs have the French GM tans so I l got lucky with DEX VI there. But the Mercedes is a money eater to do several spill and fills to get most of the old stuff out. I found Fuchs on sale Autohaus AZ and it was still expensive. It's not so bad if you just do one spill and fill every 40k or 60k after the initial two. I only do the filter the first time and every other after. At least you don't have to buy new pan bolts since you don't have a Magnesium alloy trans.