Auto Transmission Fluid Change - what type to use in UK

[PKZ4]

Hi ya

I'm looking to change my transmission fluid on my Z4 2.2i E85, I've been searching which ATF to use but not sure which is the right one for me here in the UK.

BMW want to charge me £25 per litre and tell me I need 9 litres but from what I've read I'm thinking I'll only need 7 litres ?

Many Thxs

 

[GreyZed]

I thought BMW told us it was sealed for life.

Personally I would change at around 70k miles. I'm only at 50k now so a few years to go. I would use any fully synthetic branded ATF such as Mobil 1 etc. will be miles cheaper than getting from dealer.

Here is a guide...

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_139293111414010&key=93c6e3b14a4b9f192e7bb5b8eac084be&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bimmerfest.com%2Fforums%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D677311&v=1&libId=fb6b0ed0-a196-4e8c-971b-dfd6b88e65dd&out=https%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F8116845%2FBMW%2520ATF%2520Change%2520DIY.pdf&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.uk%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26frm%3D1%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D8%26ved%3D0CFsQrAIwBw%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bimmerfest.com%252Fforums%252Fshowthread.php%253Ft%253D677311%26ei%3DQXAGU7G3NKXB7AaS3YEQ%26usg%3DAFQjCNGfjcRHtYFJzgneAS-v4EJ9mXhHDQ%26bvm%3Dbv.61725948%2Cd.bGQ&title=US%20X3%20Automatic%20Transmission%20%2F%20Fluid%20Facts%20-%20Bimmerfest%20-%20BMW%20Forums&txt=PDF%20of%20Tutorial%20with%20Pics

 

[GreyZed]

Mobil...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1L-Mobil-ATF-SHC-GM-DEXRON-IIE-Fully-Synthetic-Automatic-Auto-Transmission-Fluid-/350922218672?pt=UK_Vehicle_Oils_Lubricants_Fluids&hash=item51b4981cb0

Carlube...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARLUBE-FULLY-SYNTHETIC-ATF-U-4-55L-for-BMW-3-Series-E46-1998-2008-/301094997962?pt=UK_Vehicle_Oils_Lubricants_Fluids&hash=item461aa90fca

 

[Gogo]

I am just about to get the ATF and filter changed on my 2004 3.0i E85. I understand that the recommended ATF specification is ESSO LT71141 and have found the following brands that comply with this (I am sure there are many more):

Febi
Mobil (Esso)
Meyle
Redline D4

My local independent BMW parts supplier has told me that BMW supply FEBI (No. 29934), so that's what I have ordered.

Apparently the box will only take 7 litres as some remains in the torque converter, thus accounting for the difference. I decided to hedge my bets and get 8 litres, with the 8th on a sale or return basis.

I have also been told that the process is more involved than just changing the oil/filter as it needs to be done at a specific temperature. My local independent Jaguar specialist is doing the job for me as they have done my Jaguar box twice now (also "sealed for life").

Good luck!

 

[2alpsade]

I am just about to get the ATF and filter changed on my 2004 3.0i E85. I understand that the recommended ATF specification is ESSO LT71141

This is the correct spec for BMW Longlife ATF (been looking into it for my ALPINA B3SBT which has recommended 4-yearly ATF changes :headbang Supposedly sealed for life...I'd normally dump it at 70-80k.

Give Opie Oils a call rather than taking any risks on equivalent specs: they know their oil specs inside out and supplied me the correct manual transmission and diff oils for my ALPINA Roadtser S when I decided to do those. Their prices are reasonable, too.

Googled it and went straight to this:-

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-69401-mobil-atf-lt-71141-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx

 

[PKZ4]

Hi ya

Many Thxs for your input guys that's really helped

This forum is magic

 

[GreyZed]

I understand that the recommended ATF specification is ESSO LT71141

I think this stuff is only semi synthetic so personally I wouldn't use it. As suggested contact Opie or similar and get a fully synthetic recommendation.

 

[PKZ4]

Hi GreyZed

Totally agree, I've had a look on Opie website and must say they look very well priced, will be able to do it for under £80 (fluid only). I'll be giving them a call as I think I'm going to do my Diff at the same time.

I got a handheld IR Thermometer on eBay for a couple of quid so just need to sort a fluid pump so I guess it's back to ebay :-D