I've decided I want to change my atf in my '06 550 since it has 70k miles. I emailed Ken at Bavauto, and he is telling me only Shell M1375.4 will work in my transmission and it is only avail at the dealer and costs $570. Granted the size the container is good for several changes, I don't need/ want to store extra ATF for an unlimited period of time.

Is there not a comparable ATF on the market? For the people that keep their cars long term, what are you using?

 

Pentosin ATF1. There's a few DIY's on automatic trans fluid changes around here some place...
Do the differential while your'e at it.

 

Appreciate it. Where is the best place to purchase the Pentosin ATF1?

Planning to do the diff as well

 

looking to do mine soon...'06 550 at 62K right now. If you do encounter any problem or discover any new techniques for other DIY forum members, please post it.

Good luck...

BTW, I called 2 local reputable shops in my area to get a price quote and both told me that tranny fluid does not need to be changed until at least 100K. Was very surprise at that answer.

 

I bought the fluid and the filter kit from rmeuropean.com a few months ago. They had the best prices I could find.

 

The only approved transmission fluid for ZF transmissions, is the ZF LifeGuardFluid6,which is exactly the shell 1375.4 under another name.
Below find a list with oil part numbers from various OEM's.ZF Lifeguardfluid6 (ZF No. S671 090 255)=>
1-AML Oil No. 4G4319A509/AA/S
2-Audi /VW Oil No. G 055005 A1 / A2 / A6
3-Bentley Oil No. PY112995PA
4-BMW Oil No. 8322 0142516
5-Hyundai Oil No. 040000C90SG
6-Jaguar Oil No. Jaguar Fluid 8432
7-Land Rover Oil No. TYK500050
8-Maserati Oil No. 231603

Try to buy the shell 1375.4 from land rover( TYK500050) since it is the cheapest original oil.don't use any other alternative fluid than the ZF lifeguard because you can easily damage your transmission.

Hope that this help.

 

Why not just switch to Royal Purple fluids? I am sure that there is an ATF that meets and maybe even exceeds OEM specs.

 

lol

 

I seem to buy a lot of my supplies from http://www.autohausaz.com/

 

I also just bought 8 liters of Pentosin ATF1 from autohausaz.com. Shipping was quick and free after $50. The filter is integrated into the pan and you have to replace the whole unit when you do a change. Shop around; I bought an OEM filter/pan on ebay for $140 shipped.

Keep in mind too that you will need a fluid transfer pump to fill the transmission after you have installed the new pan. No dipstick means it has to be filled from the bottom. Kind of a pain!