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      12-06-2019, 04:15 PM   #1
t4ure4n
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Oil change for transmission

I have a 2010 model 520d with automatic transmission. My car has done around 77k miles.
What is the recommended mileage at which point the transmission/gearbox oil should be changed?

My mechanic has been suggesting that I should get it changed
If anyone has had it done which oil did you use and how many litres are needed.
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      12-07-2019, 12:57 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by t4ure4n View Post
I have a 2010 model 520d with automatic transmission. My car has done around 77k miles.
What is the recommended mileage at which point the transmission/gearbox oil should be changed?

My mechanic has been suggesting that I should get it changed
If anyone has had it done which oil did you use and how many litres are needed.
ZF recommendation is 80,000 km / 50,000 miles. So get it changed now (don't worry, it's not that overdue). Filling quantity is 8.8l (9.3 quarts), but unless you remove the torque converter you'll probably only get about 4-5l out (that's fine). If you opt for a (low pressure!) flush, you'd normally need about 10-11l. The filter also needs to be changed (OEM P/N 24117624192), and I also recommend you replace the Mechatronic Sealing Sleeve (ZF P/N 24147588896). ZF stuff is expensive, but for this kind of thing I wouldn't f around and personally would always go with ZF.

If it's a RWD, and you haven't already, you should also change the rear diff oil - that's easy and cheap at least - Castrol 21687 Syntrax Longlife Oil 75W-90, 1 Liter and screw cap (OEM P/N 33117525064).

Last edited by Breach; 12-07-2019 at 01:04 PM..
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      01-19-2020, 04:06 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Breach View Post
ZF recommendation is 80,000 km / 50,000 miles. So get it changed now (don't worry, it's not that overdue). Filling quantity is 8.8l (9.3 quarts), but unless you remove the torque converter you'll probably only get about 4-5l out (that's fine). If you opt for a (low pressure!) flush, you'd normally need about 10-11l. The filter also needs to be changed (OEM P/N 24117624192), and I also recommend you replace the Mechatronic Sealing Sleeve (ZF P/N 24147588896). ZF stuff is expensive, but for this kind of thing I wouldn't f around and personally would always go with ZF.

If it's a RWD, and you haven't already, you should also change the rear diff oil - that's easy and cheap at least - Castrol 21687 Syntrax Longlife Oil 75W-90, 1 Liter and screw cap (OEM P/N 33117525064).
Hey Breach, thanks for posting this...as I've been having the same questions, but have not received accurate/easy to follow info on this topic. I would assume changing your tranny and/or diff oils on a 550i or a 520i (as above) does not matter; as these both have the same trannies and diffs. Correct?
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      01-25-2020, 12:31 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SSgtC View Post
Hey Breach, thanks for posting this...as I've been having the same questions, but have not received accurate/easy to follow info on this topic. I would assume changing your tranny and/or diff oils on a 550i or a 520i (as above) does not matter; as these both have the same trannies and diffs. Correct?
In term of procedure and schedule - yes, no difference.

Note, however, that:

- BMW use either a ZF 8HP 45 or 8HP 70 transmission in different models (the number stands for the supported torque rating, e.g. a 520d can't ever reach 700 Nm, hence they use the cheaper 45).
- AFAIR, the rear diffs are either AL205 or AL225 - with that you should be careful in using the correct oil as it varies a lot depending on the year of the vehicle - my reference above was for the OP's model. If in doubt post your model and manufacturing date and I'll confirm for you.
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      02-11-2020, 04:02 AM   #5
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I decided to have a 100,000 mile service on my F10 530d recently. This included auto transmission oil change, fuel filter change and rear diff oil change. I generally do all the other work myself.

I purchased the following:

Transmission sump (inc filter) and oil kit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302050740350 - £99

I was also strongly advised to change a "transmission sleeve" which I purchased from EUSpares.co.uk Autodoc. The item is called "Plug Housing, automatic transmission control unit". Cost £14.00 inc VAT and postage. https://www.euspares.co.uk/parts/tru...motive/8695823

Transmission sump screws (these could possibly be reused but I played safe). These cost £15.00 via eBay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-BMW-A...8AAOSwDuleIJNn

Rear diff oil: 1 litre of Castrol Syntrax 75/90 Synthetic GL5 Gear Oil. eBay - £15.95. I had some left over from a previous change on my e90. I would ensure you have over 1 litre for the change but not much more than 1 litre required. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161709682940

Genuine BMW Fuel filter - sourced from eBay - £7.99

Labour - about £160 plus VAT from my local indie: Bolton Motor Works.
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Last edited by tmarshall57; 02-11-2020 at 04:15 AM..
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      02-11-2020, 06:14 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmarshall57 View Post
I decided to have a 100,000 mile service on my F10 530d recently. This included auto transmission oil change, fuel filter change and rear diff oil change. I generally do all the other work myself.

I purchased the following:

Transmission sump (inc filter) and oil kit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302050740350 - £99

I was also strongly advised to change a "transmission sleeve" which I purchased from EUSpares.co.uk Autodoc. The item is called "Plug Housing, automatic transmission control unit". Cost £14.00 inc VAT and postage. https://www.euspares.co.uk/parts/tru...motive/8695823

Transmission sump screws (these could possibly be reused but I played safe). These cost £15.00 via eBay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-BMW-A...8AAOSwDuleIJNn

Rear diff oil: 1 litre of Castrol Syntrax 75/90 Synthetic GL5 Gear Oil. eBay - £15.95. I had some left over from a previous change on my e90. I would ensure you have over 1 litre for the change but not much more than 1 litre required. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161709682940

Genuine BMW Fuel filter - sourced from eBay - £7.99

Labour - about £160 plus VAT from my local indie: Bolton Motor Works.
Thanks for detailed info.
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      04-11-2022, 08:22 AM   #7
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ok so this is interesting i had my 520d auto in for a yearly service in December last year and as had passed the 100k mark i asked about servicing the auto box and they said its not required as its a life time unit ? what ever that means and yes i did ask and he just said you dont open them unless you are having issues...
is this right ?
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      04-11-2022, 09:28 AM   #8
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Don't listen to them. They are there to make more money when it breaks. It's not their responsibility when it breaks out of warranty. The manufacture that makes the transmission recommends replacing fluid at 50K miles. BMW claim it as a "lifetime" oil because the majority of them will still work with original fluid up to 100K miles.

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/bmw-lifetim...me?hs_amp=true

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-chan...on?hs_amp=true
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      04-12-2022, 09:31 AM   #9
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Lifetime fluids are really just a "life time of the warranty coverage" fluid. The second you're out of warranty BMW stops giving a fuck.

Change it at 60k miles
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      04-13-2022, 04:19 AM   #10
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ok thanks for this i did think it strange why they said no its fine leave it.
i better look at having this done soon as i am in 105k and its never been changed
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      04-17-2022, 06:15 AM   #11
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"Lifetime Fluid" is one of the most ridiculous terms I've seen used.
Over time, fluids degrade, plain and simple. How much? and How Bad? is subjective.

I recently had my transmission oil/filter serviced @ 60,245 miles (oil drain & fill, filter/pan replaced, and mechtronic seal replaced) for my 2015 535i.

The tricky part about this procedure for a DIY'er is the "secondary fill" portion of the process where you'll need to have the car lifted, level, and running so you can cycle thru the gears while topping off the oil (all the while w/ the tranny in the proper temperature range).

At the end of the day, you'll end up replacing about 63% of the fluid with the ZF recommended "dump & fill" method (assuming you get 5 liters out). Seems a bit crazy to me, but it is what it is. I'm going to have my mechanic dump & fill again in a couple thousand miles (no pan/filter replacement the second time). Others have used low pressure flush methods but you'll run a risk of dislodging particulates.

I've attached a pdf of the manufacturer's recommended service procedure for the ZF8HP Transmission as well as a pdf of the oil analysis results from when I had mine done - for those out there that are interested.

I stuck with ZF LifeGuard fluid and ensured an OEM Filtran Filter when I had mine serviced.
Attached Images
File Type: pdf si-zf-si-oelwechselkit-8hp-50130-en.pdf (568.4 KB, 367 views)
File Type: pdf Test_Oil_Transmission_2022-03-15_Anonymous.pdf (1.99 MB, 242 views)
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      05-14-2022, 06:36 PM   #12
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Anyone have a link to a video for this process on an f10?
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      05-14-2022, 07:30 PM   #13
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This guy with FCP Euro always does an excellent job with his videos.

Can't remember if this is an F10 or not, but definitely the ZF 8-Speed Transmission.

Consider replacing the mechtronic sleeve if this is the first time doing the service.

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