BLACK_PRINCE54915

Hi guys I have a 2008 BMW 535i E60 model. I am getting ready to replace my Transmission Seal adapter grommet for my mechatronic valve body.I will be doing a clean transmission fluid refill. Do anyone know what is the best form or transmission fluid on the market I can use instead of the ZF LIFEGUARD FLUID?. Can I use full synthetic transmission fluid for my BMW model ?. I am in the USA which auto parts store should I buy from? If you have the same BMW model as I do, and replace the transmission fluid by yourself, which replacement did you used. Thanks

seanjordan20

PENTOSIN ESSO LT
Pentosin (ATF1-5L) SAE 75W

I went the safe way and put in ZF Lifeguard. There is also Ford Motorcraft Mercon V you can put in.

KyleB

I've always used ZF Lifeguard6. For me, it's not worth the risk. If my transmission fails, I know it's not from incompatible fluid.

seanjordan20

Same as KyleB. Be safe and put in what you now works for the trans

Boland01

I believe someone else stated Mercon SP was compatible but I would verify that first.

txag_530i

Mercon SP works just fine and is chemically identical to ZF Lifegaurd 6 at less than 1/2 the price.

ZF Lifeguard 6 = Mercon SP

seanjordan20

Alot of people have there own opinions on what fluid works. i doubted the Mercon SP at first but After doing the research it has the same viscosity as ZF and its only died for leakage purposes. i have a friend that has ran it in his BMWs for years with no issue. One of them knocking at 200k. But as I said previously I would stick with ZF. I only suggest it if someone is trying to save money or troubleshoot issues

KyleB

The Mercon fluid has been noted by many as being compatible. I use the ZF strictly for peace of mind and for no other reason. I pay extra for it, and do not mind doing so. Those are my $.02, educate yourself with all of the information that's out there and decide what's best for you and your car

cheers!

akaveli3

Hey black prince I'am interested in knowing as to why in particular are you changing your fluid? Anything noticeable in the transmission or just for piece of mind? And also what is your mileage also? I have a 2009 535 and would like to know around when I should start to gauge changing mines as well.

seanjordan20

you should change your fluid as you would on any other car. How many miles do you have on your car akaveli3. Some of us waited too late to change it but if I had it to do all over again I would have done it around 50k to 60k