[pungo]

Agreed, this thread topic is just really BAD advice. Anyone with experience knows that changing the fluid at the trans manufacturer's recommended intervals will only prolong its life. Sure if the service is not properly performed, it could cause problems, so do it right and long live the trans

[383vett]

Originally Posted by pungo

Agreed, this thread topic is just really BAD advice. Anyone with experience knows that changing the fluid at the trans manufacturer's recommended intervals will only prolong its life. Sure if the service is not properly performed, it could cause problems, so do it right and long live the trans

[OIFDOC]

Just bought mine, and picking up Monday. Trying to get the dealer to do it for cost. Finger crossed. Didn’t do in my e85 and ended up having shifting problems before I sold it.

[Newsome15]

My X3 2.8 has sat off and on for a while now... If I drive it around the neighborhood I do not have any issue, but if I get out on the open road and drive for 20-30 minutes the transmission seems to make noise and it goes into limp mode. Indy can't find anything in the transmission.

Here is my list of possibles from Indy


1. Wrong fluid was used in transmission when serviced. Has to be BMW ATF Fluid. Red Mark and others will simply cause these types of issues.

2. Transmission fluid Not filled to correct level when serviced.

3. Input and output speed sensors are bad.

4. Low battery from sitting causes all the electric functions to go haywire until it is driven full schedule. Linking a New battery will stop the symptoms if that is the Issue.

5. Try a total reset first and see if that helps refresh the sensors.

Any direction from you X-Men would be appreciated. I have video of the noise.

[pungo]

Welcome to the forum..

1. BMW does not make the fluid, ZF does (ZF Lifeguard 8)
2. Simple enough to check the level following the procedure
3. Use ista to check sensors and read any bmw specific error codes
4. Easy enough to check battery health and or put it on a maintainer when not being driven for extended periods
5. Total reset what?

What are the stored error codes when it goes into limp mode?
Is your indy a BMW specialist? For how many years?

[FranzX3M]

Likely trans fluid is low. Had similar issue. Valvoline multi works fine and is much less expensive and it's synthetic.
It needs to be checked and filled at the correct temperature

[BMW 2019]

Originally Posted by e30lover318i

Perfect response!! Moral of this on going auto transmission “myth” is if you replace the fluid and filter and the trans takes a dump, it was most likely going to happen sooner or later.

My e83 I did once at 150k and again at 200k without any issues.
My f25 done at 120k

What kind of fluid did you use on F25? I know BMW recommends ZF lifeguard 6, but I want to see if anyone used any other types of ATF made by Castrol or Valvoline?

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by BMW 2019

What kind of fluid did you use on F25? I know BMW recommends ZF lifeguard 6, but I want to see if anyone used any other types of ATF made by Castrol or Valvoline?

Assuming you have an 8-speed tranny, where does BMW recommend ZF 6? Use ZF Lifeguard 8.

[BMW 2019]

yes you are right it's lifeguard 8.

Also I had some leftover Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal ATF that I used for my Tacoma (worked great on it), read the label and then looked on website link. Looks like it works as a replacement for all ZF lifeguards from 3 thru 9.

Castrol® Transmax® ATF/CVT Universal Product Application Document Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal is a technologically advanced full synthetic formulation designed to deliver excellent performance in most of the traditional stepped automatic transmissions and Continuously Variable Transmissions currently in use.
• BMW - All six-speed automatic transmissions
• ZF 3 through 9 speed automatic transmissions
• Various Domestic/European vehicles where DEXRON® IIIH or prior is required

[slowblackx3f25]

can someone PLEASE list what/which trans oil brand and spec I should buy for the following:

Front Differential:
Trans oil: ZF Lifeguard 8 (noted from the previous posts).
Transfer case oil:
Rear Differential:

This is for an F25 X3 2017 (N20).

THANK YOU!!!

[deyrag]

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...&highlight=diy

[JamesInSJ]

Originally Posted by slowblackx3f25

can someone PLEASE list what/which trans oil brand and spec I should buy for the following:

Front Differential:
Trans oil: ZF Lifeguard 8 (noted from the previous posts).
Transfer case oil:
Rear Differential:

This is for an F25 X3 2017 (N20).

THANK YOU!!!

Front Differential: Redline 75w85 (others will work, but this is rated for both front and rear diffs and the price is about the same as others with Redline quality).
Trans oil: ZF Lifeguard 8 (noted from the previous posts).
Transfer case oil: Shell S-Tec (identical to what's in BMW bottle)
Rear Differential: Redline 75w85

[nesterkyn]

I changed my 8hp fluid at 130k using the liquimoly fluid off FCP and replaced the pan/filter. It was a whole process where you need to heat up/circulate the trans fluid by idling the car in the air before getting the final fill right, but it shifts and drives great. I noticed some clunking/jolting go away after the fluid service. It’s been 30k miles and it’s still driving great. I think the trick is to get a proper fill of the exact right fluid.

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by JamesInSJ

Front Differential: Redline 75w85 (others will work, but this is rated for both front and rear diffs and the price is about the same as others with Redline quality).
Trans oil: ZF Lifeguard 8 (noted from the previous posts).
Transfer case oil: Shell S-Tec (identical to what's in BMW bottle)
Rear Differential: Redline 75w85

THANK YOU!!!