E46 ZF Automatic Transmission ATF Fluid & Filter Change DIY

Hi all, My 99 323i is in trouble, EML light is on, Transmission light as well... could changing the ATF really solve the Transmission trouble? My car really has a hard time accelerating from a full stop. And if I change the ATF, would the light on the gauge automatically turn off or do I need to bring this to the dealership? Thanks in advance! hope someone could help.

Rather unlikely, unless your box has sprung a leak (have you looked?) & is running out of oil! Or maybe if you've done a huge mileage & the oil has started to breakdown.
How many miles has it done?

Re the EML, in the unlikely event that an oil, filter & gasket change fixes your problem the EML may then go out (I'm not sure TBH), but if it doesn't you don't need to go to a dealership. Any decent independant garage should have the diagnostics to interogate the AT as well as the engine.

Btw I wouldn't be driving it if there's a tranny problem like that.......... although are you sure it isn't just the engine lacking power due to a fault on it? You really need the memory read to find out what the fault is, it's pointless guessing.

Originally Posted by pohsib

Sorry. I meant LT 71141. I will check the local autoparts store and see if the certification is on the bottle because I cannot find it on the Valvoline product site for both Mercon V and MaxLife ATF

Valvoline MaxLife meets LT 71141 $4/qt at PepBoys locally... I emailed Valvoline to confirm and they said yes, only ATF with a legal liability clause too (per a ZF repair shop).

Originally Posted by Kris Corpus

Hi all, My 99 323i is in trouble, EML light is on, Transmission light as well... could changing the ATF really solve the Transmission trouble? My car really has a hard time accelerating from a full stop. And if I change the ATF, would the light on the gauge automatically turn off or do I need to bring this to the dealership? Thanks in advance! hope someone could help.

ATF change wont "fix" a broken tranny... if your SES light just went on, there is a chance an ATF change will stop it especially if you go with an ATF like MaxLife with friction additives... some ATFs are too slippery (RedLine, RP) for older transmissions hence why you hear the ATF destroyed my old tranny. The myth that BMW liftetime ATF "varnishes" is just that (per Steve Dose www.dosebmw.com). The second myth is that the old ATF is holding together the transmission... bunk. Having said that, if you have a mechanical failure (seal tear, gear wear, solenoid stuck), new ATF wont "fix" it unless better lubrication is all that is required... good luck.

Ps. I bought all new BMW pan torque screws, filler plugs, as well as a Filtran filter, new gasket, etc for my pan drop / change. The various parts are all cheap insurance that the next pan drop / filter will go easily.

Great write-up Torquewrench. My son and I are going to perform the ATF and filter change on his 2002 325CI next weekend. As a small-time DIY guy since ’71, who has always changed oil every 3-4k and gear oil every 30k on my Toyota trucks, I was skeptical of BMW’s ‘life time --- 100k’ ATF change interval. Certainly better fluids and filters extend intervals, but marketing appears to be the driver for a ‘lifetime; claim. I can’t find Mobil ATF anywhere but the dealer (at $30 per liter) so I’m paying it!

Great job Torquewrench!

If it helps, here's a writeup on transmission fluids we recommend for the E39.

Note a lot depends on what is already in there.

- Manual transmission (yellow sticker): BMW PN: 83.22.9.408.942 or MTF-LT-1 (manual transmission fluid, lifetime, I'm not sure what the "1" means) Bentley page 020-10 & 020-30. [Volume: See chart below.] Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 230-6). A user-recommended fluid is "Royal Purple Synchromax 1512 manual transmission fluid" & Redline MT-90; the user-recommended replacement interval is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles.
- Manual transmission (orange sticker): The Bentleys, on page 200-4, simply say "ATF" (aka ATF-Oil). Nothing more. Note: This orange sticker is not mentioned in the Bentleys page 020-10 & 020-30 but is noted on page 200-4. Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 230-6); but the user-recommended replacement interval is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles.
- Automatic transmission (green sticker): BMW PN: 83.22.0.024.359 or Texaco ETL 8072B or Shell LA2634 (this is extremely confusing, not only because these are cryptic "types" but also because the Bentleys list different fluids and volumes on page 020-10, 240-6, & 240-8). [Volume w/o torque converter/with torque converter, see chart below]. Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 240-6); but the user-recommended replacement interval for the fluid and filter is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles. Apparently Pentosin is the OEM oil but FEBI also works (ATF Auto Transmission Fluid equivalent to ESSO LT 71141). Note: Mixing ATF types will cause transmission failure (Bentley 240-6). My 2002 525i with the ZF 5HP19 (aka A5S 325Z) transmission (6.2 liters/8.9 liters or 6.6 quarts/9.4 quarts) has this green sticker.
- Automatic transmission (black sticker): Dexron III ATF (realistically Dexron VI ATF) BMW PN: 83.22.9.407.807 or Exxon LT-71141 which seems to also be called Esso LT-71141) (all this is extremely confusing, not only because these are cryptic "types", but also because the Bentleys list different fluids on page 020-10 than on page 240-6). [Volume w/o torque converter/with torque converter, see chart below]. Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 240-6); but the user-recommended replacement interval for the fluid and filter is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles. Note: Mixing ATF types will cause transmission failure (Bentley 240-6). Some users suggest Mobil1 Synthetic ATF.

See this thread for complete details on fluids, torques, volumes, locations, etc and to find which transmission is in your model E39:
Manual transmissions:
BMW 525i 2001-2002 M52TU, M54: Getrag S5D 250G, 1.2 quarts (1.1 liters)
BMW 540i 1997-2002 M62: ZF/Getrag S6S 420G, 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
BMW 528i 1997-2002 M52: ZF S5D 320Z, 1.4 quarts (1.3 liters)
BMW 530i 2001-2002 M54: ZF S5D 320Z, 1.4 quarts (1.3 liters)

Automatic transmissions:
GM THM-R1 (A4S 270R), 9.3 quarts/8.2 quarts (8.8 liters/7.8 liters)
BMW 528i to 9/1999 M52: GM THM-R1 (A4S 310R), 9.3 quarts/8.2 quarts (8.8 liters/7.8 liters)
BMW 528i from 9/1999: GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 360R), 9.5 quarts/8.5 quarts (9.0 liters/8.0 liters)
BMW 525i to 3/2001 M54: GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R), 9.5 quarts/8.5 quarts (9.0 liters/8.0 liters)
BMW X5 GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R), 10.1 quarts/9.1 quarts (9.6 liters/8.6 liters)
BMW 530i to 3/2001 M54: GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R), ? quarts/? quarts (? liters/?liters)
ZF 4HP22, 7.9 quarts/3.2 quarts (7.5 liters/3.0 liters)
ZF 4HP24, 8.6 quarts/3.3 quarts (8.1 liters/3.1 liters)
ZF 5HP18 (A5S 310Z), 8.2 quarts/3.4 quarts (7.8 liters/3.2 liters)
BMW 525i from 3/2001 (2.5L M54): ZF 5HP19 (A5S 325Z), 9.4 quarts/6.6 quarts (8.9 liters/6.2 liters)
BMW 530i from 3/2001 (3.0L M54): ZF 5HP19 (A5S 325Z), 9.2 quarts/6.5 quarts (8.7 liters/6.1 liters)
ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) for 4.4 L, 9.5 quarts/5.7 quarts (9.0 liters/5.35 liters)
BMW 540i from 1/1997 M62 TU: ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) for 4.6 L, 10.5 quarts/5.7 quarts (9.9 liters/5.35 liters)
BMW 540i to 1/1997 M62: ZF 5HP30 (A5S 560Z) 13.8 quarts/5.8 quarts (13.1 liters/5.5 liters)

Originally Posted by Yogisurf

Great write-up Torquewrench. My son and I are going to perform the ATF and filter change on his 2002 325CI next weekend. As a small-time DIY guy since ’71, who has always changed oil every 3-4k and gear oil every 30k on my Toyota trucks, I was skeptical of BMW’s ‘life time --- 100k’ ATF change interval. Certainly better fluids and filters extend intervals, but marketing appears to be the driver for a ‘lifetime; claim. I can’t find Mobil ATF anywhere but the dealer (at $30 per liter) so I’m paying it!

Modern engine oils & filters last much better than they did in days of old, changing oil every 3-4k is waste of money ...... unless you're only doing that mileage over 1-2yrs .

Originally Posted by bluebee

Great job Torquewrench!

If it helps, here's a writeup on transmission fluids we recommend for the E39.

Note a lot depends on what is already in there.

- Manual transmission (yellow sticker): BMW PN: 83.22.9.408.942 or MTF-LT-1 (manual transmission fluid, lifetime, I'm not sure what the "1" means) Bentley page 020-10 & 020-30. [Volume: See chart below.] Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 230-6). A user-recommended fluid is "Royal Purple Synchromax 1512 manual transmission fluid" & Redline MT-90; the user-recommended replacement interval is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles.
- Manual transmission (orange sticker): The Bentleys, on page 200-4, simply say "ATF" (aka ATF-Oil). Nothing more. Note: This orange sticker is not mentioned in the Bentleys page 020-10 & 020-30 but is noted on page 200-4. Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 230-6); but the user-recommended replacement interval is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles.
- Automatic transmission (green sticker): BMW PN: 83.22.0.024.359 or Texaco ETL 8072B or Shell LA2634 (this is extremely confusing, not only because these are cryptic "types" but also because the Bentleys list different fluids and volumes on page 020-10, 240-6, & 240-8). [Volume w/o torque converter/with torque converter, see chart below]. Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 240-6); but the user-recommended replacement interval for the fluid and filter is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles. Apparently Pentosin is the OEM oil but FEBI also works (ATF Auto Transmission Fluid equivalent to ESSO LT 71141). Note: Mixing ATF types will cause transmission failure (Bentley 240-6). My 2002 525i with the ZF 5HP19 (aka A5S 325Z) transmission (6.2 liters/8.9 liters or 6.6 quarts/9.4 quarts) has this green sticker.
- Automatic transmission (black sticker): Dexron III ATF (realistically Dexron VI ATF) BMW PN: 83.22.9.407.807 or Exxon LT-71141 which seems to also be called Esso LT-71141) (all this is extremely confusing, not only because these are cryptic "types", but also because the Bentleys list different fluids on page 020-10 than on page 240-6). [Volume w/o torque converter/with torque converter, see chart below]. Replacement Interval: Lifetime oil (Bentley 240-6); but the user-recommended replacement interval for the fluid and filter is roughly 5 years or about 60K miles. Note: Mixing ATF types will cause transmission failure (Bentley 240-6). Some users suggest Mobil1 Synthetic ATF.

See this thread for complete details on fluids, torques, volumes, locations, etc and to find which transmission is in your model E39:
Manual transmissions:
BMW 525i 2001-2002 M52TU, M54: Getrag S5D 250G, 1.2 quarts (1.1 liters)
BMW 540i 1997-2002 M62: ZF/Getrag S6S 420G, 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
BMW 528i 1997-2002 M52: ZF S5D 320Z, 1.4 quarts (1.3 liters)
BMW 530i 2001-2002 M54: ZF S5D 320Z, 1.4 quarts (1.3 liters)

Automatic transmissions:
GM THM-R1 (A4S 270R), 9.3 quarts/8.2 quarts (8.8 liters/7.8 liters)
BMW 528i to 9/1999 M52: GM THM-R1 (A4S 310R), 9.3 quarts/8.2 quarts (8.8 liters/7.8 liters)
BMW 528i from 9/1999: GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 360R), 9.5 quarts/8.5 quarts (9.0 liters/8.0 liters)
BMW 525i to 3/2001 M54: GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R), 9.5 quarts/8.5 quarts (9.0 liters/8.0 liters)
BMW X5 GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R), 10.1 quarts/9.1 quarts (9.6 liters/8.6 liters)
BMW 530i to 3/2001 M54: GM 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R), ? quarts/? quarts (? liters/?liters)
ZF 4HP22, 7.9 quarts/3.2 quarts (7.5 liters/3.0 liters)
ZF 4HP24, 8.6 quarts/3.3 quarts (8.1 liters/3.1 liters)
ZF 5HP18 (A5S 310Z), 8.2 quarts/3.4 quarts (7.8 liters/3.2 liters)
BMW 525i from 3/2001 (2.5L M54): ZF 5HP19 (A5S 325Z), 9.4 quarts/6.6 quarts (8.9 liters/6.2 liters)
BMW 530i from 3/2001 (3.0L M54): ZF 5HP19 (A5S 325Z), 9.2 quarts/6.5 quarts (8.7 liters/6.1 liters)
ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) for 4.4 L, 9.5 quarts/5.7 quarts (9.0 liters/5.35 liters)
BMW 540i from 1/1997 M62 TU: ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) for 4.6 L, 10.5 quarts/5.7 quarts (9.9 liters/5.35 liters)
BMW 540i to 1/1997 M62: ZF 5HP30 (A5S 560Z) 13.8 quarts/5.8 quarts (13.1 liters/5.5 liters)

Dumb question, but what goes into the autobox of an 01 330xi? The xi seems to be the odd man out and I've looked around for information, but haven't found anything concrete other than treating it like a 5HP24 using Valvoline MaxLife fluid since it's Esso LT71141 compatible.

Does anyone have suggestions about how to remove/scrape the old gasket? Portions of mine is really stuck in hard to get at places. I appreciate any tips.

Plastic scrapper, so it doesn't gouge or bent the metal.

Originally Posted by m5james

Plastic scrapper, so it doesn't gouge or bent the metal.

+1

Hard plastic is your only real choice. You don't want to scratch the machined, flat surface where the gasket makes contact.

Will

Yea that may well do it, but not always, sometimes old gaskets turn rock hard & you'd have to use a steel scraper.
Personally I use a slightly blunt steel scraper for aluminium, but being a mechanic for some years I'm quite practiced at it .

Thank you. I'll try the hard plastic first. I bought a metal gasket scrapper but will use it carefully only as a last resort.

I s the 530i and 330i transmission the same? I will check my bently but thought I'd use this write up if they are the same.

Hello everyone new in this forum or site, anyway having a problem with the bimmer about transmission> should i used a rp if my car has 180k miles on it or can i just go ahead used maxlife. Also should i keep used of the filtran brand or can i go to a different brand of transmission filter but made in germany still. Also i did drop my tranny oil pan and found some very small pieces of metal like rice crispies sizes like 4 of them, filter was really dark of oil or oil with grinded powdered metal. I drove it and drives ok then one day shifts to 2nd gear light on the dash turns on like a gear design light with a (!) signy. This is a great forum i readed it all day yesterday. Great job guys for posting this forum not gonna mention any name but you know who you are ( 2 thumbs up). Hope you can give me an advice...more power for all the bimmer people out on the road...

THIS DIY BUNK LOOK AT THIS AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK
http://bimmerinfo.com/e46trans.htm

Err not sure, don't recognise the photo properly, can you take a photo a little further out? (unless someone else can identify it).
Btw fill plug is on the left hand side of the box.

I read this thread, and i dont see mention of my tranny, I have an '01 325i, the tag on the tranny is green, but the fluid P/N is 8322907807, and the tranny P/N is ZF0384117.
I didnt see the fluid mentioned in this thread, is it the same as the LT71141?
I bought the royal purple tranny fluid and want to make sure i can use it without killing the tranny.
thanks

Have enjoyed this thread very much. My question is, if it was possible, wouldn't power flushing the trans and lines on the first change be better than several changes in order to get to as close to 100% new fluid in the transmission?

Originally Posted by Gigman

Have enjoyed this thread very much. My question is, if it was possible, wouldn't power flushing the trans and lines on the first change be better than several changes in order to get to as close to 100% new fluid in the transmission?

IMO yes, a power flush connected in-line between the trans cooler return and the transmission would allow you flush 100%. There is some myths out there about a power flush loosening debris in the transmission causing failure. This is incorrect as the pressure setting on the flush can be set low so your tranmission does not know that the return from the radiator is dumping into an old ATF tank and the intake to the transmission is nice fresh ATF... most of us dont have a power flush so we do the 3x drop/fill, drain/fill, drain,fill instead...

Thanks for that..and Happy New Year!
The suggestion came from a local trans shop (30 years in same location). Additionally (not to open another can of worms), he said that if the trans was a GM, he recommends using Dextron fluid. I plan on asking at least one other shop for their recommendations.

I have an ZF 5HP-19 green label, from all the threads and research I went with Valvoline Maxlife $4@qt, 2nd choice would be VWs version of ESSO / Lifetime, 3rd BMWs OE ATF. There is some theorists out there that suggest leaving some of the old ATF (ie not flushing even if you had the flusher) helps an older transmission but it appears hard to back that up with any mechanics facts. I based my decisions on Steve Dose's info (ZF pro in So CA www.dosebmw.com)... good luck.

Ok at 46K I did a filter/esso fill and everything is still running great now at 110k. Tired however of dropping the cash for the "magic" fluid, I've got a load of maxlife waiting in the garage. Thanks Will for a great analysis and procedure, I no longer have that "BMW induced" fear of using anything other than Esso! As you all know this is primarily all about mental confidence if you know what I mean, I've converted!

Is maxlife still good? i found older specs that mention the lt 71141 compatibility but not on the current labels..

Maxlife or Amsoil
mine is a 2005 325i,Haven't checked the label yet