I'm sorry if this has been discussed before but I just got a 08 530d LCI with the ZF gearbox.

Initially I wanted to go to some guys who specialize in transmission maintenance/repair and do a full flush and then replace all the oil (11 liters?). But some people told me (and allegedly this is what ZF recommends as well), to just do the "gravitational" method and not a complete flush (as in changing ~6-7 liters only)
What are your thoughts? Has anyone changed the gearbox oil with either of those methods?
Do I need to reset gearbox adaptations afterwards? (Do I need to do that via coding or doing that little trick with the accelerator with the ignition on will do?)

Thank you

 

Do not flush the transmission. Do a drain and fill. It's up to you if you want to do a transmission relearn. I've only done a relearn when I had my valve body reman. If you do the relearn use INPA.

 

How many miles are on your ZF box?

Has the Lifeguard 6 ever been changed?

 

I would check the adaption values first to see if there is a problem at all (pressure and times). You will see a before/after change then. Your ATF will be "younger" and cheaper on average if you do a normal ATF change every 40.000mls instead of a more expensive flush every 60.000mls.

 

Just bought the car at 150k miles, the previous owner swears he changed the fluid 5k miles ago but the screws from the oil pan were rusty and the fluid oil black, so there's that.

 

I see your point, this is what I will do.

Your replies were really helpful guys, appreciate it.