I always thought BMW dealers stated there is no need to change the oil in the auto box since it was sealed for life and they refused to do the job. I was surprised when BMW here in Malaga told me they would do it be it at over 500 GBP!
ZF 6HP Auto Gearbox Oil Change at BMW
- Thread starter Silverstar
- Start date
A
Anonymous
Guest
ZF recommend changing it at 50k miles..of course they know nothing as they only made it..
The OEM filter kit is around £200 so I'm sure BMW wil mark it up..
Can be done at home but its not a simple drain n fill..
The OEM filter kit is around £200 so I'm sure BMW wil mark it up..
Can be done at home but its not a simple drain n fill..
Exactly except BMW here in Malaga told me that yes they do change the oil and it needs doing at 10 years or 120,000Km (roughly 60k miles). I was fully expecting them to say it's sealed for life no need to touch it.
I have had a quote from a ZF appointed specialist at around 250 to 350 euros all in.
I have had a quote from a ZF appointed specialist at around 250 to 350 euros all in.
A
Anonymous
Guest
I took my guidance from the US god of unoffical BMW long haul maintenance..
From ZF web site
ZF Aftermarket recommends a transmission oil change for ZF transmissions as indicated on our list of lubricants.
Important! Service intervals can vary with other transmission manufacturers. In all these cases, please always refer to the specific car manufacturer's regulation.
At very high operating temperatures, oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on driving style and individual driving profiles (e.g., a lot of high-speed driving, trailer operation or sporty driving), shorter change intervals are advisable.
5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:
ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed
semi-synthetic ATF oils. However, due to the many factors influencing the service life of transmissions in individual operation, ZF
recommends an oil change after 150,000 km for its transmissions. In operating conditions with high temperatures and loads, or
with unknown vehicle use in the past, it can make sense to change the transmission oil at shorter intervals.
From ZF web site
ZF Aftermarket recommends a transmission oil change for ZF transmissions as indicated on our list of lubricants.
Important! Service intervals can vary with other transmission manufacturers. In all these cases, please always refer to the specific car manufacturer's regulation.
At very high operating temperatures, oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on driving style and individual driving profiles (e.g., a lot of high-speed driving, trailer operation or sporty driving), shorter change intervals are advisable.
5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:
ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed
semi-synthetic ATF oils. However, due to the many factors influencing the service life of transmissions in individual operation, ZF
recommends an oil change after 150,000 km for its transmissions. In operating conditions with high temperatures and loads, or
with unknown vehicle use in the past, it can make sense to change the transmission oil at shorter intervals.
Silverstar said:
The lower end of that range would be a very reasonable sum. I bought the genuine ZF kit (including fluid etc) a few weeks back for £160, and that was a relatively good price.
Timmyboybunter said:
160 is a good price, did you change the oil yourself or did you give it to your mechanic to do?
It's all sitting in my garage 
Going to get the MOT sorted first just in case it throws up anything nasty (not due for a while yet) then going to treat it to some preventative love - also diff fluid, spark plugs etc.
Nope not doing it myself - the instructions seem fairly straightforward but the risk of screwing it up and damaging the gearbox mean it will be done for me.
Going to get the MOT sorted first just in case it throws up anything nasty (not due for a while yet) then going to treat it to some preventative love - also diff fluid, spark plugs etc.
Nope not doing it myself - the instructions seem fairly straightforward but the risk of screwing it up and damaging the gearbox mean it will be done for me.
Scotland 🏴
had the gearbox fluid changed in my ZF 6 speed (admittedly from a 2006 330d) when the car reached 110k. think it needed a new gearbox sump/filter (one piece assembly) and then 8-9 litres of fluid. think it was about £400 for parts and labour.
i read some where that BMW consider 'a lifetime' to be 100,000 miles.
that car is currently on 158k... if it makes it to 200k i'll probably have it done again, though i think i'll have got rid of it by then.
i read some where that BMW consider 'a lifetime' to be 100,000 miles.
that car is currently on 158k... if it makes it to 200k i'll probably have it done again, though i think i'll have got rid of it by then.
Scottish Borders