DIY ZF 6HP19Z Transmission Drain & Refill
10-30-2014, 12:52 AM
#332
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My Ride: 2006 530i, Jet Black, Tan, Premium, Steptronic
So today I drained and refilled the tranny again with Motorcraft Mercon SP.
To my surprise, only 4 - 4.2 pints actually came out! Four (4) pints went in. The pan holds about a pint to pint and 1/2. So you'll never see 5 1/2 going in unless you get all the pan residual out.
Next drain I'll either lower the front to allow more to drain, or I will use a suction pump to pull it out.
Also of surprise was that the fluid was dark after 169 miles since 1st flush.
It was not stinky as was that which came out on the 1st drain nor was it as dirty as the original. However, it was dark.
So I do not think that the statement of 90% replacement with a second flush is completely accurate!
The torque converter holds at least 3 pints, and it takes a while to flush that out apparently.
To my surprise, only 4 - 4.2 pints actually came out! Four (4) pints went in. The pan holds about a pint to pint and 1/2. So you'll never see 5 1/2 going in unless you get all the pan residual out.
Next drain I'll either lower the front to allow more to drain, or I will use a suction pump to pull it out.
Also of surprise was that the fluid was dark after 169 miles since 1st flush.
It was not stinky as was that which came out on the 1st drain nor was it as dirty as the original. However, it was dark.
So I do not think that the statement of 90% replacement with a second flush is completely accurate!
The torque converter holds at least 3 pints, and it takes a while to flush that out apparently.
What are you doing with the drain plug?
Last edited by txag_530i; 10-30-2014 at 01:13 AM.
10-30-2014, 06:34 AM
#333
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My Ride: 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
Yes that is quarts and not pints.
Not paying attention lately.
Appreciate the notice
The rear end drain plug needs a few minor changes but have so much product in development I am a bit behind.
It is 97% done though.
Not paying attention lately.
Appreciate the notice
The rear end drain plug needs a few minor changes but have so much product in development I am a bit behind.
It is 97% done though.
10-30-2014, 12:33 PM
#334
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My Ride: 2006 530i, Jet Black, Tan, Premium, Steptronic
Kudos again to the OP for this DIY.
I've decided to use Mercon SP. The thread linked below shows a report done by Blackstone Labs that confirms that Mercon SP is the same fluid as Lifeguard 6. That's the kind of scientific evidence for which I've been looking.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZFLifegaurd6=Ford Mercon SP) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums
I've decided to use Mercon SP. The thread linked below shows a report done by Blackstone Labs that confirms that Mercon SP is the same fluid as Lifeguard 6. That's the kind of scientific evidence for which I've been looking.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZFLifegaurd6=Ford Mercon SP) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums
10-30-2014, 12:40 PM
#335
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My Ride: 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
I have about 1,000 miles on 2nd drain of Mercon SP and about to drain for a 3rd and final time this W/E.
The Mercon works great, and the tranny has been shifting beautifully.
Way to go. Do it with Mercon SP.
The Mercon works great, and the tranny has been shifting beautifully.
Way to go. Do it with Mercon SP.
07-24-2015, 06:04 PM
#336
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I did my 2010 528Xi today at 69 200 miles. Drained 4 qt and added 4 qt, at 38 Celsius using a infrared hand gun from Amazon$14.00. I spend a total of 3 hours because had a hard time removing the front shaft connection to the transfer case in order to access the fill hole. Next time should be much quicker. Total cost of ATF was $28.00, 4 qt of Mercon Sp at local Ford dealer. Will repeat again every 20 to 30 K miles from now on. Old fluid was actually not to bad, not too dark and good order, shifting is the same as before.
FYI
If you are not using Mercon SP you are wasting your money..
FYI
If you are not using Mercon SP you are wasting your money..
08-29-2015, 12:36 PM
#337
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My Ride: 525i sport
Fluid capacity
I have been reading the fluid capacity should be in the region of 6 liters but when I replaced the pan on my car only 3 liters came out and there was no leakage. I put the 3 liters back in but now am very curious why I got such less out compared to others. BAVauto also sold me 6 liters for the car. Would appreciate your insights.
08-29-2015, 02:22 PM
#338
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I have been reading the fluid capacity should be in the region of 6 liters but when I replaced the pan on my car only 3 liters came out and there was no leakage. I put the 3 liters back in but now am very curious why I got such less out compared to others. BAVauto also sold me 6 liters for the car. Would appreciate your insights.
08-29-2015, 02:32 PM
#339
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I have to say the refill procedure is one pain in the ass. The key is that if you have to stop the fill procedure for any reason (like temperature too high) and turn off the engine, you must put the fill plug back on or all the oil that is tied up in the transmission while the car is running will pour out the fill plug.
08-31-2015, 07:49 PM
#340
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My Ride: 2004 525i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: M54
Torque converter
I have been reading the fluid capacity should be in the region of 6 liters but when I replaced the pan on my car only 3 liters came out and there was no leakage. I put the 3 liters back in but now am very curious why I got such less out compared to others. BAVauto also sold me 6 liters for the car. Would appreciate your insights.
