Transmission Fluid Install question

Greetings from Richmond, Virginia!!

I just had the front seal of my automatic transmission replaced and when the job was done, I was informed that I had minimal metal shavings in transmission pan but fluid was black and nasty. New filter installed and input shaft bearings were re did, lol. So hopefully my transmission is ready for fluids. He could not put fluid in because he did not have tool needed?? I will get to that.

So I can get car towed to a shop or I can attempt this myself. My issue is all write-ups are for a flush, change fluid where torque converter has not been drained. My converter was drained for the maintenance. Can I follow this thread even though converter was drained: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=260725

I also went to the Stealership to get ATF fluid - they said any dexron V! will due so I picked up some from Advanced but all they had was store brand. I am thinking about taking it back for name brand? suggestions appreciated.

I'd like to do this myself if it is not that hard to do. I do not have a transmission pump but if they are not expensive I could pick one up.

Thanks for your help.

riro424, you out there?

Here is my car btw, hope the attachments work

you will be fine w/ store brand....it's not like Advance is the maker of the ATF. They buy ATF from a major brand maker, and it's just re-labeled. It's far more important to have clean ATF than to have ATF from a reputable brand. And 2nd, it's more important to adhere to the ATF type than to have a reputable ATF brand.

There is an old school method i use to do a complete flush w/out any tools. basically, i take out the hose that is connected to your ATF cooling radiator, then have someone in the car start the car to pump out the fluid until the fluid runs out. at that time, stop the motor, and refill the transmission back up again w/ new ATF in the same amount of fluid that had just been pumped out. i will do this for about 6 - 8 times and it will probably go through 10-14 qts or until i see the nasty stuff no longer coming out of the hose and only see fresh red ATF exiting the hose.

edit: i've never done this to my bmw b/c it's a manual trans. but i do this to all my toyotas and honda daily drivers.

What tranny do you have? I too have an 01 525i, and the tranny is ZF, not GM. Dexron VI is compartible for GM. I used Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF for my ZF tranny.
Fluid transfer pump is about $10-$20.

Originally Posted by tmvE39/E53/Z32

What tranny do you have? I too have an 01 525i, and the tranny is ZF, not GM. Dexron VI is compartible for GM. I used Castrol Multi-Import Vehicle ATF for my ZF tranny.
Fluid transfer pump is about $10-$20.

I have the ZF - I am not too concerned about the fluid type. I do need to know if there are refill implications with the torque converter being drained. Does the refill process change in that scenario?

take to dealer, shop, or buy a pump and do it myself? I like option 3 but again not sure if there are any implications being this is a torque converter/tranny reinstall - very little fluid in car if any at moment

Originally Posted by VA525FREAK

I have the ZF - I am not too concerned about the fluid type. I do need to know if there are refill implications with the torque converter being drained. Does the refill process change in that scenario?

You better be concerned about your type of ATF. The ZF requires the ESSO LT 71141 compatble ATF. Using a different ATF may change the tranny shifting pattern and worse case, cause damage. Contact ZF regarding the refill procedure. You should be able to do this yourself.

Originally Posted by Fudman

You better be concerned about your type of ATF. The ZF requires the ESSO LT 71141 compatble ATF. Using a different ATF may change the tranny shifting pattern and worse case, cause damage. Contact ZF regarding the refill procedure. You should be able to do this yourself.

I went to the dealer to purchase transmission fluid. I provided them with my VIN and their response was you can use any Dexron VI ATF. I am just going to take it to a transmission shop.

The changeover from the GM 5L40-E tranny (which uses Dexron) to the ZF 5HP19 tranny occurred in JAN/FEB 2001. I would highly recommend you check the ZF website before you change the ATF. Dexron is NOT compatible with the ZF 5HP19 tranny. Put your VIN into RealOEM to confirm which tranny you have. If you have the ZF tranny:

1. Stop going to this dealerership. They either made a mistake or clearly know nothing.

2. Exchange the Dexron at Advance for Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF. It's only $6/qt.

Here's the DIY for your car: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edoc/...disclaimer.pdf

Originally Posted by Fudman

The changeover from the GM 5L40-E tranny (which uses Dexron) to the ZF 5HP19 tranny occurred in JAN/FEB 2001. I would highly recommend you check the ZF website before you change the ATF. Dexron is NOT compatible with the ZF 5HP19 tranny. Put your VIN into RealOEM to confirm which tranny you have. If you have the ZF tranny:

1. Stop going to this dealerership. They either made a mistake or clearly know nothing.

2. Exchange the Dexron at Advance for Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF. It's only $6/qt.

Here's the DIY for your car: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edoc/...disclaimer.pdf

Check this out the shop I am almost taking it too - said yea this requires some special fluids. I am going to order them for you and they will probably come directly from dealer. My car is a 4/2001 manufacturer and I am 100% sure I have a ZF. I will check out the site and plug my VIN in but I am thinking that it may be safer for me to just do this myself because i feel like now I cannot rely on dealer.

Print this and put it in your glovebox.
- A glovebox printout for the most often recommended BMW E39 fluids (1).

How about this one?
I have ZF (2002 525i) trans and since ZF trans, if I use ZF fluid, isn't it better than others?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...31%2F%39%35%29

At $18+/qt ESSO LT71141 (ZF ATF) is a bit pricey. There are several less expensive LT71141 compatible ATFs (Castrol Import MultiVehicle @ $6/qt and Valvoline)

Originally Posted by Fudman

The changeover from the GM 5L40-E tranny (which uses Dexron) to the ZF 5HP19 tranny occurred in JAN/FEB 2001. I would highly recommend you check the ZF website before you change the ATF. Dexron is NOT compatible with the ZF 5HP19 tranny. Put your VIN into RealOEM to confirm which tranny you have. If you have the ZF tranny:

1. Stop going to this dealerership. They either made a mistake or clearly know nothing.

2. Exchange the Dexron at Advance for Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF. It's only $6/qt.

Here's the DIY for your car: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edoc/...disclaimer.pdf

Per Real OEM, I have AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION A5S325Z which does not match either of the above

The A5S325Z is the ZF 5HP19.

See this: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...65&postcount=3

Our cars have the same birth month, OP. Part Counter guy is too lazy to look up the tranny fluid for you. Do NOT use Dexron in your ZF tranny.

Look here: http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u..._11_en0700.pdf
zf has lots of info on their site, though it's not easy to find what you need there.

Also see this: http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=c...parent=56&pg=1
If you have a 6 speed: http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u...21_Catalog.pdf
I'm sure there's one for 5 speeds too, but the drain/fill process should be the same

Originally Posted by occhis

Look here: http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u..._11_en0700.pdf
zf has lots of info on their site, though it's not easy to find what you need there.

Also see this: http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=c...parent=56&pg=1
If you have a 6 speed: http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u...21_Catalog.pdf
I'm sure there's one for 5 speeds too, but the drain/fill process should be the same

According to the information provided I need to use the "ZF Lifeguard5 Fluid" which is extremly expensive. I am being told by members on here there are substitutes, is that correct/recommended? I am buying fluid tomorrow, just want to be 100% confident

Many used Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF in their ZF tranny without any problem, including me. It's about $6 a quart. Replace the filter too while you're at it.
I did a drain and refill with an aftermarket filter changed. Then I did that again with OEM filter, after 1000 mi.

Originally Posted by tmvE39/E53/Z32

Many used Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF in their ZF tranny without any problem, including me. It's about $6 a quart. Replace the filter too while you're at it.

Ok sounds good - I have several recommendations for that particular brand. Filter is already replaced. I had the front seal replaced as well as this was the main problem. Guy that did job for me told me that there were minimal metal shavings in pan and that he thought my tranny would be good to go. He refused to put in the Dexron VI I purchased because he had a feeling it was not the right stuff. I trusted the dealer on this one but luckily that fluid never touched my car. I was going to sell car based on my lack of confidence in tranny but if this works I am gonna keep her. She is sitting pretty at 209,000 miles.

But something that strikes me as odd is that he did not use pan gasket I bought - he claimed there was no need, thoughts on that? Should i open back up and use the new gasket?

TC was drained as well to facilitaqte maintenance. I plan on filling tranny to it drips, start car for about 20 seconds, shut down, then start procedure to refill

I cannot imagine the pan holding ATF if no gasket were used. And it would probably leak if the old gasket were reused. I would install the gasket if the pan is currently empty. You'll be able to see what exactly he did when reinstalling the pan. He scores points for hesitating on the Dexron but loses points for not using or reusing a gasket.

Originally Posted by Fudman

I cannot imagine the pan holding ATF if no gasket were used. And it would probably leak if the old gasket were reused. I would install the gasket if the pan is currently empty. You'll be able to see what exactly he did when reinstalling the pan. He scores points for hesitating on the Dexron but loses points for not using or reusing a gasket.

He reused old gasket claiming that it is much better than replacement I paid him $300 for the whole job, where a local shop wanted $1200 for complete job. Only wish I had the time to help him out so that I could learn how to R&R transmission myself

I JUST did a trans fluid change on my 2002 540 IA. I have done 2-540's. I did not follow my own knowledge this last time and got very disappointing results at first, but I believe since we have same tranny, you can count on this info. Use the Castrol- I used Mobil1 full synthetic ATF which does claim compatibility with LT17411, but is like $10.95 a qt. and no better than Castrol. I used my mighty mite brake bleeder as it holds about 3 1/3 qts. and once you pump it up between 10-15# you can sit back for awhile as it takes fluid slow. If you dropped pan and changed filter, your tranny will take about 6 qts. at first. So raise car high and level and safe! Pump in trans fluid until it starts coming back out at you. Re-install plug to stop trans from continuing to drain and start car. Warm-up in park to about 100-120 degrees F. At this point, the fluid has filled all the passages and expanded. Your tranny, now pretty warm, should take between about 1 1/4 qts-1 3/4 qts. more. Insert plug back in (without burning yourself) as quickly as possible, clean-up the mess you WILL have, and take here for a spin. If you have any soft upshifts of odd hard downshifts, you likely are still low on fluid. Back up high and level on jack stands and see if the tranny is still maybe a qt. or more low now that car is hot.

In theory, if you get trans up to full operating temp and try to add fluid, you will possibly under-fill as fluid is expanded, but if you can get more fluid in, then you added too soon before. You will have no real problems. My old gasket after 130,000 miles was pristine and I could probably have re-used it, but it comes in the kit with filter and I would just not chance having to undue what....24 bolts or so?? I doubt he left none in there. I would have done everything this guy did myself as he does not seem to have much of an investment in tools. More and more cars now a days have no dip stick to add fluid or check levels.

Originally Posted by VA525FREAK

I went to the dealer to purchase transmission fluid. I provided them with my VIN and their response was you can use any Dexron VI ATF. I am just going to take it to a transmission shop.

I don't think that is true.


There is A LOT of debate on which ATF fluid to use. I think IF you can get your hands on the ZF Life Guard fluid - that is what I would use. My second choice would be to use RedLine ATF-D4 or any ATF that meets: Esso_LT_71141

I live in Germany and the price was ridiculous! (for the ZF ATF oil ~300 euros for 10L) I ended up using: Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1200 Automatik since it met the Esso_LT standard. I bought it from Amazon.de


http://www.amazon.de/Liqui-Moly-Auto...425102&sr=8-22


Check out CTSC they have some nice package deals on ATF pan gasket, filter and fluids. You just need to know your transmission code, they you can see which fluid you need!


The California Transmission Supply Company - ZF fluids...
http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=c...parent=56&pg=1



Here are some PDF's that will help you decide which fluid you need to use...
ATFCapacity.pdf

BMW_ATF_ZF_Transmission_charts.pdf

Attachment 353104



Changing the ATF is really SUPER EASY. You will only need to get the car up on four jack stands and LEVEL it out. Then you will need a 8mm allen or hex to open the drain plug on the ATF pan. (You say yours is empty... but I would still open it and make sure. I am sure some old fluid must have settled in the pan. THEN you open the "FILL HOLE" on the side of the trans. Its on the right rear, just above the ATF pan by an inch or two. Remove that 8mm hex and this is where you will PUMP the new fresh ATF into. The pan holds about 4.5L when the fluid spills out, put the plug in and start the engine. Run the trans slowly thru the gears, Each one by itself. Including reverse. MAKE SURE to put your foot on tbe brake pedal WHEN you change from forward to reverse. Then with the engine idling WITH the trans in DRIVE... go under the car, remove the fill plug and and keep adding fluid until it spills out again. You will probably be able to add another 1.5L. Let the engine warm up and recheck. What ever you do... DO NOT turn off the engine with the fill plug OUT! All the fluid will pill out of it!!

The torque converter holds another 3L or 4L's of fluid.

I ended up changing my fluid like four times over two week period. Each time the fluid got cleaner and cleaner. Since my trans held 9L but only ~5L came out at each change... I felt I needed to do some over kill by changing it four times. Since I changed it... my trans shifts like a new car! Its so nice. AND this whole service is so damm easy to do! I would encourage you to do it yourself.

IF you can change your own engine oil... you can do this job!

By far the hardest part of this job was finding out WHICH ATF my trans needed and WHERE the fill and drain plugs were located. After that its all a cake walk!


Good Luck,
Dackel


PS: No special tools were needed! Only a 8mm hex/allen L wrech or socket and you will need a Torx T-25 bit for the AT pan bolts. I would also say have a T27 handy incase you strip out any of the T25 bolts. Also I would buy all new torx bolts for the pan and a pan gasket and AT filter.

Originally Posted by Dackelone

PS: No special tools were needed! Only a 8mm hex/allen L wrech or socket and you will need a Torx T-25 bit for the AT pan bolts. I would also say have a T27 handy incase you strip out any of the T25 bolts. Also I would buy all new torx bolts for the pan and a pan gasket and AT filter.

You DEFINITELY need a pump to get the ATF into the fill hole. Harbor Freight sells one for about $8,