Dubshu

I have found a local parts store that has the Pentosin ATF1, that's the only other tranny fluid besides the ZF Lifeguard 6 that everyone seems to agree is ok to run. It even looks like it's OEM fluid according to FCP Euro and Bimmerworld. Do you think that is my problem? At $80 a jug (4 quart) I don't wanna do it if it's not necessary, but that's way cheaper than the tranny shop. I used the Valvoline because alot of guys on these forums had switched to it, and been reporting back as they put on miles, some up to 30k and still no troubles. My car has 244,000 miles on it, it's actually my daughter's first car, she doesn't drive it hard or even fast for that matter, I just want it to work safe so I don't have to worry about her in it.

seanjordan20

ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid is the only fluid you should be using. There is the penstin fluid (I spelled it wrong) you can buy also. It's in the first post of this thread. Also, your wheels should only be barely turning when in the air. The gas pedal should not be pressed. You are going to have to get all that fluid out. If I was you I would take it to a professional. The fluid is expensive and you are going to need at least 12 liters to fix putting the wrong fluid in the trans. You are trying to bring your car from having low fluid for too long. Only use the fluid that's is suppose to go in it.

Dubshu

I have the Pentosin fluid coming in today, I'm going to try and drain the Valvoline out, I'll drop the pan again and get every bit out I possibly can. I'm not 100% sure the tranny won't need to go to the shop anyway, I have to rule out the fluid first. I haven't been using the gas with it in the air, but still no movement out of the tires, I even tried to roll them by hand to jump start the process, still nothing. I'm not a BMW tranny pro, but I understand how the wrong fluid could make the tranny act up. I'm hoping the Pentosin will do the trick. How in the world can everyone get away with all these different fluids in their cars? Seen the maxlife, amazoil,amale, mercron sp, redline and several others being used with good success, just don't understand how....

seanjordan20

I'm just stating you have a different issue. The car was being driven with low fluid. 5 liters too low. That in itself has damaged the trans. Being that you don't know what the codes were we really can't help you only speculate.

Dubshu

I understand, I do appreciate your help, I was hoping someone had been thru something similar and could point me in a direction. Guess BMW crystal balls would be really expensive! I'll update after this fluid swap.

Dubshu

Seanjordan20 you were correct again. Drained the tranny, dropped the pan, cleaned and wiped as much as possible. Drained the pan filter for 30-45 minutes. Reinstalled the pan and followed the fill procedure while monitoring temp with my scanner. Still nothing. I did double check the shift arm while we had the pan off, it was all correct. Tranny still doesn't do anything. I did put it on the ground and try the gears again, still nothing. So, the dreaded call to the tranny shop in the morning. I will add a side note, the Pentosin fluid is a beautiful Amber color, with none of the stench of the Valvoline fluid. I don't know if it would have been good enough to save me the first fluid change, but I know for sure now that it doesn't solve my problem. I will update when I find out something from the tranny shop, thanks for your help!

seanjordan20

Depending on what you are trying to spend your cheapest bet would probably be to get a used one online for around $850 with about 150k on it and swap the VB over. Shops charge a lot to troubleshoot and fix these transmissions. A swap is more economical.

Dubshu

I've actually been looking at remans and rebuilts online. Our tranny guy is honest, been doing it for years, if he doesn't know about this tranny he won't throw parts at it to try and figure it out. Hopefully he is familiar with it, and can do what you mentioned at a reasonable price. I don't know that I have the ability, or a two man lift to swap the tranny myself.

seanjordan20

Good that you have someone you can trust. Let us know what happens

Dubshu

Well, after talking to my normal tranny shop, and a few others, they seem to be under the impression the pump more than likely went out. None were interested in working on it unfortunately. I'm going to go check some things on my scanner tonight to see if I can confirm pump pressures but it sounds like our poor BMW has bit the dust. And after some discussion I don't believe we will try and revive her, just too much money for a car with that many miles....I will update if I find anything out with the scanner...