[pw0n]

I have a F32 435i auto w/ the ZF8 transmission and was looking at getting a transmission fluid change at around 60-70k mi. However, my indy shop quoted me $900 for what seems like a simple process. Based off what I've read online, it seems like a fairly simple drain-and-fill procedure (and replacing the pan/filter).

Am I missing something here? I doubt an indy shop would be charging something outrageous for a simple task.

Also, if I were to DIY this, the only step I'd have to skip is checking the fluid temps. I've read people talking about a ISTA/D (not sure what this is) to gauge temps, but how important is this step?

[dat1guy]

Originally Posted by pw0n

I have a F32 435i auto w/ the ZF8 transmission and was looking at getting a transmission fluid change at around 60-70k mi. However, my indy shop quoted me $900 for what seems like a simple process. Based off what I've read online, it seems like a fairly simple drain-and-fill procedure (and replacing the pan/filter).

Am I missing something here? I doubt an indy shop would be charging something outrageous for a simple task.

Also, if I were to DIY this, the only step I'd have to skip is checking the fluid temps. I've read people talking about a ISTA/D (not sure what this is) to gauge temps, but how important is this step?

I just got this done by a ZF specialized indy shop in Montreal and it cost me 800$ CAD for both engine and transmission oil change so I agree that's expensive. Maybe get quotes from other indy shops? I'm sure you can get tha down to close to 500$ USD. Still no cheap though.

[BMWILUVU]

Its not as simple as an oil change and if the fluid levels are low, you may damage the ZF.

[VAF30]

Watch the FCP video on how to .. its pretty easy.. no way im paying 900 for this service.. did mine myself..

[pw0n]

Originally Posted by VAF30

Watch the FCP video on how to .. its pretty easy.. no way im paying 900 for this service.. did mine myself..

Did you gauge the temps? If so, how did you do it?

[muniz_ri]

Originally Posted by pw0n

I have a F32 435i auto w/ the ZF8 transmission and was looking at getting a transmission fluid change at around 60-70k mi. However, my indy shop quoted me $900 for what seems like a simple process. Based off what I've read online, it seems like a fairly simple drain-and-fill procedure (and replacing the pan/filter).

Am I missing something here? I doubt an indy shop would be charging something outrageous for a simple task.

Also, if I were to DIY this, the only step I'd have to skip is checking the fluid temps. I've read people talking about a ISTA/D (not sure what this is) to gauge temps, but how important is this step?

Many scan tools will read the transmission temp. I have an ICarsoft BMM v2.0 and it will read the temp.

[Marlinman]

I used the MHD app and connected to read the temps

[johnung]

Originally Posted by pw0n

I have a F32 435i auto w/ the ZF8 transmission and was looking at getting a transmission fluid change at around 60-70k mi. However, my indy shop quoted me $900 for what seems like a simple process. Based off what I've read online, it seems like a fairly simple drain-and-fill procedure (and replacing the pan/filter).

Am I missing something here? I doubt an indy shop would be charging something outrageous for a simple task.

Also, if I were to DIY this, the only step I'd have to skip is checking the fluid temps. I've read people talking about a ISTA/D (not sure what this is) to gauge temps, but how important is this step?

Often part of the high prices are these shops just using expensive BMW parts and even marking them up. For whatever reason the BMW prices for trans pan/filter and fluid are outrageous. I would use all ZF replacement parts/fluid. Can't get better than the transmission's manufacturer and they probably make the stuff for BMW. Best price I've seen right now for ZF trans Kit is $277 shipped from FCP Euro. They have a How-To video on their website too.

[F32Fleet]

That's the "we really don't want to do it price".

[ali820]

Has anyone DIY changed fluid on a ZF 6sp manual can comment on the procedure?

[Munchi435i]

Originally Posted by ali820

Has anyone DIY changed fluid on a ZF 6sp manual can comment on the procedure?

I'm not 100% but I think the ZF transmission is for auto transmission only and not the 6sp manual transmission.

[bobli]

What oil is best for 6MT? Can I use Royal Purple Synchromax for my F32 435xi?

[Charles B]

Just did this last weekend. Used ZF factory pan and fluid. It took 5.5 quarts, so I'll drive it for a month and dump and fill again. I'm at 116,000 miles.

[Skiddz]

Originally Posted by Charles B

Just did this last weekend. Used ZF factory pan and fluid. It took 5.5 quarts, so I'll drive it for a month and dump and fill again. I'm at 116,000 miles.

Did you follow one of the online DIY's here; if so...which one? Any key points you'd like to share? Thx

[Korvo]

Originally Posted by bobli

What oil is best for 6MT? Can I use Royal Purple Synchromax for my F32 435xi?

Also interested. I used redline MTL and it smoothed shifts, but once winter came, it was no good. Shifts were hard until the fluid warmed up. Went back to stock fluid.

[bobli]

Originally Posted by pdegene

Also interested. I used redline MTL and it smoothed shifts, but once winter came, it was no good. Shifts were hard until the fluid warmed up. Went back to stock fluid.

I put Synchromax in my 435xi last week. No issue so far.

[CntryClub007]

Originally Posted by Charles B

Just did this last weekend. Used ZF factory pan and fluid. It took 5.5 quarts, so I'll drive it for a month and dump and fill again. I'm at 116,000 miles.

How you like the QuickJack? Any tips / tricks or straight forward? Mine arrived next week for projects just like this one!

[Floriduh235]

Originally Posted by pdegene

Also interested. I used redline MTL and it smoothed shifts, but once winter came, it was no good. Shifts were hard until the fluid warmed up. Went back to stock fluid.

I changed mine out with OEM fluid a few thousand miles ago. Smooth as silk shifts once again.

I did go with Redline for the diff fluid which I changed at the same time.

For reference both processes couldn't be much simpler.

[evilchargerfan]

Hi guys, visitor from the x3 forums here. I recently wrote up a DIY, perhaps someone here could find some benefit from it:

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

The purpose of this post is to share my experience changing Transmission Fluid, and Pan. The usual disclaimers apply ... break your car, not my fault ... yada yada.

I'm not sure if this thread will be considered as a good or poorly written DIY, but here goes! (NOTE: I am open to suggestions, editing where necessary, and those with talent feel free to help me annotate photos)




Our patient is a 2012 BMW X3 35i with 119K miles. Original owner has little to no service records, so we can assume its all original fluid.



For convenience, I purchased a kit from FCP Euro:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt
-ZF Pan/Filter Kit (Kit = oil pan with filter, oil pan gasket, oil pan bolts, fill plug)
-Liqui Moly TOP TEC 1800 ATF (I chose Liqui Moly because it's cheaper than ZF fluids. Either or, works)



I printed out the following to assist me throughout the day:
"ZF fluid change instructions si-zf-si-oelwechselkit-8hp-50130-en.pdf"
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...8&d=1592506618


Parts list:

- 7 quart of trans fluid
- pan/filter and misc hardware (for those doing more than drain & fill)
- fluid transfer pump
- torque wrench
- ratchet
- 8mm hex socket
- 10mm hex socket
- T40 torx socket
- gloves
- shop towels
- an oil drain pan
- a means of keeping your floor clean (ie: tarp)

- optional: foxwell scan tool or ista+, to perform oil balancing at the end


Pre Requisites:
-jack up car by preferred method
-remove any under panels to access transmission pan
(I will not be covering the above 2 steps)








Credits to EndOfAnEra for creating such helpful threads that inspired this one

DIY: Let's change our front differential fluid
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1736940
DIY: Let's change our rear differential fluid
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1736681
DIY: Let's change our transfer case fluid
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1736224




* * * to be continued * * *

the rest can be found here:
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1770476