bronson75

All,
I performed a mechatronic seal and solenoid swap yesterday on my '07 525xi. .I bought the kits from FCP, including a new ZF pan/filter and 7 liters of ZF Lifeguard6.
All was going well until I did the fluid fill. I did the fill according to specs:
Fill cold until fluid runs out, installed fill plug (that took about 3.5 liters)
Run engine, run transmission through all the gears and back to park, stopping at each gear for approximately 5 seconds.
Monitor trans temp, when it reaches 30-40*C (engine running), remove fill plug and fill (if necessary) until fluid runs out as a small, steady stream.
Adaptations have been reset.

I pulled the plug, and no fluid came out. So I filled it with the remaining liters of fluid I had, so 7 total, and nothing came out. If I stick my finger in the fill hole, the fluid level is just below the fill hole. I did not drain or flush the torque converter.

The car is level on 4 jack stands, and I'm monitoring the trans temp with the Carly app and adapter.

I haven't measured the amount of fluid I drained yet, which I will, but does it seem feasible that I'll need more than 7 liters to be full to specs? For the life of me, I can't find a reliable fluid capacity spec anywhere, I've seen anywhere between 7 and 10 liters.

Any help would be appreciated!

seanjordan20

All you should of needed was 7 liters. Pour the old fluid into the empty bottles it should be a little less that 7 liters taken out. As long as you put back in what was taken out you're good. Reset adaptions with INPA or ISTA and you're good.

Also I'm not understanding when did you pull the plug and nothing came out? If you I followed the procedure, fill until you get a steady stream, then you are good. Any hotter than 45c you will not get any fluid to come out.

bronson75

After the trans was up to temp, between 30 and 40*C. I pulled the plug and no fluid came out. I put the remainder of the fluid in, for a total of 7, expecting fluid to stream out as indicated, but no fluid came out. I shut it down at 45*.

seanjordan20

Have you measured the fluid that came out yet?

bronson75

Not yet. Planning on it this afternoon.

cmyachtie

most likely you’ll find less than 7 litres.....

y0itzflip

hows it goin?

bronson75

Hopefully I'll find more than 7 liters, since I've already put 7 back in and it doesn't appear to be full yet.

bronson75

Life got in the way, I haven't been in the garage for a few days.
I'll find out tonight.

bronson75

So, in my 100% scientific methodology for determining volumes, I came up with a drained capacity of about 7.3 liters. The drain pan I used had a small bit of oil left over from a previous oil change, so let's call it an even 7 liters. My question is, should I get another quart or 2 and top it off, or be done, since I can feel the level just below the fill hole? There is evidence of a small leak, the bottom of the bellhousing had a few drips and the belly pan had a coating of oil on it, although that could be attributed to the fairly major oil filter housing leak I had, which got fixed earlier this summer)
And then, should I spend the money on Lifeguard6 (which would need to be ordered), or could I use a less expensive and readily available compatible substitute (Mercon SP or Valvoline Maxlife)? I know mixing fluids isn't recommended, but with what I'm assuming would be a small amount, will it be that big of a deal?
The drained fluid was dark but clear, with minimal sludge in the bottom of the pan and no evidence of metal flakes on the magnets.
The car has 158k on it, I bought it with 115,000 on it 3 years ago from the original owner. It was well maintained, but I don't know if the transmission fluid was ever serviced. I'm assuming not.
I've been over tons of forum threads regarding fluid requirements and procedures for the ZF 6 speeds, including zoppps great thread on his use of Maxlife.
Thoughts?