I'm @ 65K, no issues as of yet but I was just asking out of curiosity.

Hi akaveli3 I have 70k miles on my 2008. I am getting ready to replace my Transmission Seal adapter grommet for my mechatronic valve body. I was wondering if there was any transmission fluid that was compatible with the ZF LIFEGAURD at a cheaper cost.I was very curious to know if anyone tried a different product other than the LIFEGUARD included any synthetic form of transmission fluid... If you look inside the E60 DISCUSSION SECTION, I posted a topic called 2008 BMW 535i TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. there is a video with symptom of my transmission. thanks

Here's my 2 cents on any car you want to keep for a while...

Oil from the auto parts store - fine (as long as it is complaint).
Brake fluid - fine (although I get the ATE low viscosity stuff and you can't get that in the store).

Coolant from the auto store - not worth the cost savings.
Transmission fluid - not worth the cost savings. You want to get the ZF branded stuff, fine.
Differential and other fluids - not worth the cost savings.

yep, I agree. ATE is nice because you can alternate between blue and yellow.

Hi KyleB you seem to be an expert when it comes to BMW. Today I went looking for transmission fluid for my 2008 535i my first stop was at O'Reilly Auto Parts here in Wisconsin. Right away they recommended PENTOSIN ATF 1 as the first choice. However while surfing the internet I came across a guide by Valvoline showing a list of all their transmission products. this is what is listed for BMW see below.

Domestic & Import Multi-Vehicle:
Valvoline MaxLife ATF (Full Synthetic)
• Recommended for all vehicles manufactured by General
Motors & Ford (except those with CVTs, or those calling
for Type F ATF) including Mercon LV
• Recommended for many imports, including Toyota,
Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi,
Hyundai, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi
• Outperforms conventional transmission fluids

FOR BMW
2002-2011 1-series, 3-series, 5-series, X-5 series, 6-series and
7-series with 6speed GA6HP19Z, GA6HP19ZTU, GA6HP26Z, GA6H- P26ZTU, GA6HP32Z, or S6S53BZ Transmission

FLUID SPECIFICATION

BMW part number 83 22 0 142
516,shell M-1375.4

VALVOLINE BRAND

MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF

here is the link to this...
http://www.carquestprofessionals.com...%206.10.13.pdf


when I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts, this was the second choice, but they talk about color differences, this being red and Pentocost is blue.

My question is this, how reliable is Valvoline products when it come to BMW, does anyone actually use this maxlife in their BMW. the above fluid specification part numbers (BMW part number 83 22 0 142
516,Shell M-1375.4) matches my BMW, this is my transmission model # GA6HP19ZTU. if this is compatible then it is way cheaper than the pentosin, with the fact that I would be doing a clean refill within the next 30k or 50k miles. Any feed back would be so helpful. Thanks

I dont know if anything that cost $6 a quart would go in my transmission. I think everyone here has said ZF fluid is the best way to go and has stated what is close to it. KyleB will only tell you ZF as many would because no one wants to pay $8000 for trans fail due to incompatible oil. I understand trying to save money but isnt the point of DIY so you can ease the pain of the dealer price tag. Yes we all know ZF is more expensive than domestic oil but I would not put faith in something that is graded for domestic/imports. It is too risky.

No idea, I have never heard of anyone using this fluid.

Here is my last and final $.02, take it for what it's worth:


A new ZF 6HP19 transmission costs five thousand dollars.

That's five THOUSAND dollars.

$5000.00. Five grand. 5 G's.



I mail order the ZF fluid from thectsc because I know deep down that when I pump that ZF Lifeguard6 fluid into my five THOUSAND dollar transmission there is 0.0% chance that I am putting in a potentially incompatible fluid. It's worth the extra money for me.

What you put into your transmission is completely up to you. Others have had success with other fluids. I will always use ZF Lifeguard6 in my transmission for the above stated reason. YMMV. Good luck, cheers.