BMW approved transmission fluids

Operating Fluids March 2008
Group 24 Automatic Transmission Technical Service

1.0 General Information On Automatic Transmission Fluids
2.0 Oil Additives
3.0 Approved Automatic Transmission Fluids For Initial Fillings
And Correcting Fluid Levels
4.0 Checking Transmission Fluid Level
5.0 Transmission Fluid Change Intervals (If Applicable)
1.0 General Information On Automatic Transmission Fluids
Automatic Transmission Fluid was developed especially for automatic transmissions. It requires additives which arecarefully matched with each other, a high viscosity index and a solidification point below -40°F/-40°C.
Friction behavior of Automatic Transmission Fluid in plate-type clutches under very different operating conditions is extremely important. Other important factors are:
— Wear protection
— Oil film shear resistance
— Adhesive property
— Oxidation resistance
— Corrosion inhibition
— Sludge prevention
— Temperature-dependent viscosity changes
— Compatibility with sealing materials.
2.0 Oil Additives
Automatic transmissions are designed so that oil additives are not necessary. BMW disapproves the use of any oiladditives and cannot accept the liability for any consequential damage which results from using oil additives.
3.0 Approved Automatic Transmission Fluids For Initial Fillings
and Correcting Fluid Levels
3.1 GM Transmissions
USE OF ANY OTHER OIL WILL CAUSE A NON WARRANTABLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE
*Transmission identification plate can be utilized to determine proper transmission fitted in vehicle
A4S 270R (THM-R1W)
E36
318i/is/iC/ti from 1996 to 1999 production
323i/is/iC from 1998 to 1999 production

328i/is/iC from 1996 to 1998 production
Z3 1.9 from 1996 to 1999 production
Z3 2.3/2.8 from 1997 to 2000 production
All reputable brand name Automatic Transmission Fluids of the Dexron® III formulation.
E39
528i/iT from1997-1999 production
All reputable brand name Automatic Transmission Fluids of the Dexron® III formulation.
A4S 310R (THM-R1)
E34
525i from 1990 to 1995 production
All reputable brand name Automatic Transmission Fluids of the Dexron® III formulation.
E36
318i/is/iC/ti from 1992 to 1995 production
325i/is/iC from 1992 to 1995 production
All reputable brand name Automatic Transmission Fluids of the Dexron® III formulation.
A5S 360R (GM5)
E46
323i/Ci/Cic from 6/98 to 3/00 production
323iT from 1//00 to 3/01 to production
328i/Ci/Cic from 6/98 to 3/01 production
The transmission oil pan will be labeled with either Texaco ETL – 7045 or Dexron® III, please fill or top off with the proper
fluid only. Do not mix Texaco ETL – 7045 and Dexron® III fluids.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
A5S 390R (GM 5)
E46
330xi from 6/00 production to present
325xiT from 9/00 production to present
E53
X5 3.0 from 8/03 production to present
E83
X3 2.5, 3.0 from 8/03 production to present
The transmission oil pan will be labeled with either Texaco ETL – 7045 or Dexron® III, please fill or top off with the proper
fluid only. Do not mix Texaco ETL – 7045 and Dexron® III fluids.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E85
Z4 3.0 from 9/02 production to present
Z4 2.5 from 9/02 production to present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.

GA6L45R (GM6)
DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
E82
128i from 12/07 production to present
E83
X3 LCI from 9/06 production to present
E88
128i from 12/07 production to present
E90
328Xi from 9/06 production to present
E91
328Xi from 9/06 production to present
The fluid can be sourced locally until a BMW PN is available. If the fluid cannot be sourced locally contact your Regional Technical Specialist via PuMA
3.2 ZF Transmissions
USE OF ANY OTHER OIL WILL CAUSE A NON WARRANTABLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE
*Transmission identification plate can be utilized to determine proper transmission fitted in vehicle
ZF 3HP22, 4HP22, 4HP24
Utilizes Castrol TQ or Texaco Havoline Automatic Transmission Fluids of the Dexron® III formulation. Never mix any other
oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
A5S 310Z (5HP18)
E36
M3 from 1995 to 1999 production
Utilizes a lifetime filling of synthetic transmission fluid, ESSO LT 71141, no subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E34
530i/iT from 1993 through 1995 production
Utilizes Castrol TQ or Texaco Havoline Automatic Transmission Fluids of the Dexron® III formulation. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
A5S325Z (5HP19)
E46
323i/Ci/Cic from 3/00 to 8/00 production
325iT from 4/01production to present
330i/Ci/Cic from 6/00 production to present
325i/Ci/Cic from 9/00 production to present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.

ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E39
525i/iT from 3/01 production to present
530i from 3/01 production to present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
A5S 440Z (5HP24)
E31
840Ci from 9/96 to the present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E38
740i/iL from 1/97 production to present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E39
540i/iT from 1/97 production to present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 711 41, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E53
X5 4.4i from 9/99 production to present
X5 4.6i from 9/01 production to present
No subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 711 41, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
A5S 560Z (5HP30)
E31
840Ci equipped with M60 engine
Utilizes a lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent oil changes are necessary on this transmission. If transmission
fluid is required for repair purposes, use only the oil approved for this transmission. It is not permitted to mix this oil with other grades of transmission fluid.
Shell LA 2634, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 765.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E31
840Ci equipped with M62 engine
850Ci equipped with M73 Engine
Utilizes lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary.

mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 711 41, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E32
740i/iL from 1993 through 1994 production
Utilizes a lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent oil changes are necessary on this transmission. If transmission fluid is required for repair purposes, use only the oil approved for this transmission. It is not permitted to mix this oil with other grades of transmission fluid.
Shell LA 2634, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 765.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E34
540i/iT from 1993 through 1995 production
Utilizes a lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent oil changes are necessary on this transmission. If transmission fluid is required for repair purposes, use only the oil approved for this transmission. It is not permitted to mix this oil with other grades of transmission fluid.
Shell LA 2634, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 765.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
Effective with model year 1995 and later:
E31
850Ci from 10/94 to 6/97 production
840Ci from 12/95 to 8/96 production
Utilizes lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary.
Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 711 41, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E38
750iL from 1/95 production to present
740i/iL from 7/94 to 12/96 production
Utilizes lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary.
Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 711 41, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
E39
540i/iT from 3/96 to 12/96 production
Utilizes lifetime fill of transmission fluid, no subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary.
Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 711 41, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
GA6HP19Z
E82/E88
135i All
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
E90/91/92
325i, 328i, 330i, 335i, All

The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
E60/61
525i, 530i from 8/03 production to present
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
GA6HP19ZTU
E70
3.0i from start production to present
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
E71
X6 xDrive35i
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
GA6HP26Z
E60
545i from 8/03 production to present
550i All
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
E63, E64
645Ci, 645CiC from start of production to present
650Ci, 650CiC All
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
E65
745i from 11/2001 production to present
750i All
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. B00 07
02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.
E66
745Li from 3/2002 production to present
750Li All
760Li from 9/2002 production to present
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. Bulletin
B 00 07 02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.

GA6HP26ZTU
E70
X5 4.8i from start production to present
The transmission fluid has a Condition Based Service interval of approximately 100,000 miles; please refer to S.I. Bulletin
B 00 07 02 for further information. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
Shell M-1375.4, BMW Part No. 83 22 0 142 516.

4.0 Checking Transmission Fluid Level
Due to the substantial expansion of transmission fluid when heated it is only possible to measure the oil level correctly at
specified oil temperatures (after driving a distance of about 12 mi./20 km). All transmissions should be checked between a
ZF 3HP and 4HP
Due to the substantial expansion of transmission fluid when heated it is only possible to measure the oil level correctly at
specified oil temperatures (after driving a distance of about 12 mi./20 km).
See S.I. Bulletins B 24 02 85 (1027) and B 24 01 98.
A5S 560Z, A5S440Z, GA6HP19Z, GA6HP26Z, GA6HP26Z, A5S325Z, A5S 310Z
All 5 and 6 speed transmissions require the fluid to be checked when fluid temperature is between 30-50° Celsius using
DIS Plus or GT1. Do not check fluid level after temperature has exceeded 50° Celsius.
See S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
A4S 270R, A4S 310R and A5S 360R
For vehicles with or without a dipstick see S.I. Bulletin B 24 01 98.
5.0 Transmission Fluid Change Intervals (If Applicable)
Please refer to applicable Service and Maintenance Checklist for each vehicle.
March 2008
Group 24 Automatic Transmission Technical Service
http://admin.webmakerx.net/images/Si.../autotrans.pdf

BMW's position is obvious as is their motivation.
With the wide availability of synthetic oils now what do the experts say about substitution? Precious few of us here are concerned with warranty issues.

Ain't it the truth, Ross. I'm certainly no expert, but I'm always happy to spout off with a hint of encouragement.

With regard to the elephant in the room, the 5hp30 transmission, ZF has some fluid specification lists designated TE-ML. The Shell LA2634 fluid is on ZF's TE-ML 11 list, while the Esso 71141 fluid is on ZF's TE-ML 14B list.

Again, I'm no expert by any means, but I'd feel comfortable with any premium synthetic ATF that either specifies in print that it's a suitable replacement for LA2634/71141, such as Amsoil Multivehicle, or Redline D4. I've been running a Japanese fluid, Eneos synthetic, and have been impressed. The spec sheet states that it meets ZF TE-ML 11A and 14B specs.

I had used Pennzoil MVATF for about 70,000 miles without a problem, but I have to say the fully synthetic fluids shift a little more smoothly, particularly with the lockout clutch in the torque converter. I used to feel a little bump when the converter unlocked before the Eneos fluid went in. No longer.

so what substitute can I use for my 1998 E36 M3? BMW says:

A5S 310Z (5HP18)
E36 M3 from 1995 to 1999 production
Utilizes a lifetime filling of synthetic transmission fluid, ESSO LT 71141, no subsequent transmission fluid changes are necessary. Never mix any other oil with this transmission fluid when doing repairs or topping up.
ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.

Car has now only 38.000 miles, still some time to go till I will make the first change.

You have alot of choices these days. Amsoil Multi Vehicle ATF is one of them. Alot of the universal synthetic ATF will say that it can be used in place of LT71141. Just look at your local sources to see what is available.

I like Amsoil product alot. They do increase fuel mileage when you change almost all fluids to their products... motor oil, ATF, differential fluid, and the coolant booster (not the antifreeze... that's too much money).

David Cecil made a nice list, and to my surprise he mentions
"VW/Audi transmission fluid with the part number G-052-162-A2. This is the same stuff as the Esso oil, just repackaged under the VW/Audi label, but it's quite a bit less expensive than buying it from a BMW dealer. The last two digits indicate the bottle size (A1 = 1/2 liter, A2 = 1 liter, A6 = 20 liters)."

At blauparts.com they advertise it at the moment at discounted price, about $2 cheaper than normal:

Vw Audi Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - 1995-06 - Vehicles Requiring OE Part Number G 052 162 A2 1L

Product Part Number: J1D2100
Product Information:
Quantities are limited, subject to availability. We reserve the right to cancel the order if we run out of stock. 1 Liter Bottle (1.06 Quart). Mfg By Pentosin of Germany (OEM). This fully synthetic German ATF fluid delivers ultimate performance.

German Fully-Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid Meets / Exceeds: •INLINE mounted 5 speed TIPTRONIC trans requiring Audi Vw automatic transmission TL52162 OE part number G 052 162 A2 specifications.
•INLINE mounted 4 speed trans Audi automatic transmission TL52162 OE part number G 052 162 A2 specifications.
•TRANSVERSE mounted 4 speed trans requiring Vw automatic transmission TL52162 OE part number G 052 162 A2 specifications.
•BMW - 83229407807
•Citroen - Z 000 169756
•Jaguar - JLM 20238
•Mercedes Benz - A 0019892203
•Peugeot - Z 000169756
•Porsche - 999.917.547.00
Pentosin Fully-Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid Features:
•High performance fluid with excellent anti-wear, corrosion resistance, oxidation and thermal stability.
•High viscosity index assures proper lubrication in severe hot and protection in cold weather.
•Controlled friction properties equals smooth and efficient shifting over the fluids life.

Special Offer! The best price on the web guaranteed! Priced at $12.95 per bottle.


The list of alternative trans fluids for ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807
Alternatives to the expensive Esso LT71141 automatic transmission oil

There are much more than that... it really depends on what is available to your area.

In USA, Amsoil with membership is like $9 a quart... full synthetic. Most synthetic tranny fluid are around $9 range... some more... some slightly less.

Heck, our regular dextron ATF are $5 a quart! Insanity.

I thought i would mention that the Mobil multi vehicle atf that i have mentioned on here before as covering most bmw,toyota, hyundai,kia, mercedes etc now only specifies gm and ford and volvo on the label.... I ordered a case yesterday from a local supplier and glanced at the label , realized that they had changed the label, went to the website and saw that the specs had changed on the material data sheet as well.... I hunted up the technical support phone number and called them.

When i asked about the label differences they stated since they don't have official certification from the various manufacturers and test of the atf by them. They removed the other listings on the label. I asked if the formulation had changed and they said no. I then asked if it was ok to use in bmw etc and they said they can't answer that since its only approved for the companies listed on the label. So i looked at an old bottle from a couple of months ago and the new bottle labels and then sent the case back since i can't take the chance of using the fluid on a customers car and having problems later even though it is the same fluid as before..... So now Valvoline max life is the only easily available multi fluid that i can stock.... too bad since its nowhere near the 3.99 i was paying for the mobil

Thanks for the info, Bill.

I wanted to try Castrol Multi Vehicle ATF, but that is apparently not available outside the U.S. Quote

CASTROL TRANSMAX IMPORT MULTIVEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FOR USE IN MOST HONDA, TOYOTA, NISSAN AND OTHER IMPORTED VEHICLES.

■Recommended for use in vehicles that require:

■Honda, Acura — ATF–Z1 (except in CVTs)
■Toyota, Lexus — Type T, T–III, T–IV
■Nissan, Infiniti — Matic–D, Matic–J
■BMW — LA2634, LT71141
■Mitsubishi — Diamond SP–II, SP–III
■Hyundai — SP–II, SP–III
■Volvo
■Also meets requirements of

■ATF+3®, ATF+2®, ATF+®
■Ford MERCON®, MERCON® V (Not for use where MERCON® SP is required).
■General Motors DEXRON®–III H and prior (Not for use where DEXRON®–VI is required).
■Allison C–4

unquote
Have to check if there is any Japanese oil company which produces such multi vehicle ATF fluid.

If you own have a 5HP30 with the black label you will find it isnt supported any more as ZF have removed LA2634 from the 2013 approved list. A year ago they said you cant use their Lifeguard5 instead. Now they are saying it is 'best available'. This is subject of a discussion on a UK site. Anyone have better information?

My one is green label 5HP18, parts number ZF 1056-000-104 , BMW 24002228631, serial number C538578 from ZF/Getrag, as far as I could see today from the pit, as I repaired the hydraulic hoses for power steering, was leaking, now I replaced the crimped return line with hydraulic hose and clamp, also the flow restrictor I found.
Apparently that is a bigger issue, BMWCCA even made an annoucement that they check the race cars for this self made mod
E36 power steering hose leak repair
E36 power steering hose failures

Over the past couple driving seasons we have seen a number of on-track failures of the power-steering-return hose on E36 '92-99 series, including M3. The failures we have seen were all the same; the return hose pulled off of the power steering cooler, right at the factory-crimped connection. This failure results in the fluid content of the power-steering system being disgorged in a few seconds, creating quite a hazard on the track surface for the afflicted car and following vehicles. Of course, power steering assist is also lost as well. Why these failures did not commence earlier in the E36 life cycle remains somewhat a mystery. Please note, that we have seen a new, OE hose assemblies fail on their first track session, so replacing the power-steering cooler/return hose assy with stock parts has been shown to be ineffective in addressing the problem.
Although there is not a complete consensus within the BMW repair community as to the cause of these failures, many feel that the primary problem is that the return hose should be longer, and that engine movement (probably more severe in the on-track environment) exaberates the problem. Deteriorated engine and / or transmission mounts can allow increased engine movement, and some feel that high temperatures may be an extenuating factor.
In preparing your E36 for a track event, it is imperative that you carefully check your engine and transmission mounts for deterioration, separation and for excessive motion of the engine and / or the transmission. This inspection is facilitated by the use of a long pry bar.

You should also seriously consider replacing the power steering return hose with a suitable piece of hose a few centimeters longer. BMW hose # 32411131524 (12 mm ID (inside diameter), cut to length) is known to work in this application. You will also need two hose clamps # 11151727509 (15-18mm). Some claim success with aftermarket high-temperature hose of 1/2 inch ID, but be advised that the BMW hose fits the nipple on the steering cooler more tightly than do some nominal 1/2 inch ID hoses. The ferrule is where the failure occurs.

Replacing the return hose is a straightforward operation. After the car has been secured on jack stands or a lift and allowed to cool, begin by cutting the return hose and allowing the contents of the system to drain into a pan.
Note that the return hose is the SMALLER of the 2 hoses attached to the power steering fluid reservoir. Then, CAREFULLY slit and remove the ferrule/hose from the power steering cooler outlet. An abrasive wheel can be used, but a cutting pliers will suffice. Ensure that the hose nipple under the ferrule is not damaged by slitting operation. If it is damaged, you will need to procure a new cooler return hose assy.
When the ferrule and hose have been removed from the cooler outlet, you should see the hose nipple.
Continue by removing the other end of the return hose from the power steering fluid reservoir, then cut the new hose to the appropriate length and install to the cooler and reservoir with two hose clamps. You may find that your removed hose contains a restriction orifice located about 10 cm from the reservoir. You can remove this orifice and push it into your new hose, securing the orifice with a third hose clamp. Refill the system with Dexron ATF or other suitable fluid and bleed the system. Check for leaks and you should be done. Copyright 2011-New Yersey Chapter, BMWCCA,Inc.
-----------------------------------
Power Steering Hose 12 X 18 mm (Per Meter) 32411131524 list price $36.87
hose clamp (actually for cooling system # 11151727509 (15-18mm) $1.30/piece

The best informaion I can offer is this... if your tranny didn't fail after it switched to aftermarket fluid and that fluid is still available, then don't worry.

Amsoil still approve their synthetic Multi ATF fluid for our 5HP30.

My tranny still has the Pennzoil Multi-ATF in the 5HP30 for over 30,000 miles and 10 years now... zero problem. Heck, if you put wrong fluid in that is not compatible, it probably will self destruct within a month. If it didn't, the fluid is compatible.

after discussing with other BMW drivers with the 5HP18 with green label here in Japan, they recommend to use local brand SUMICO ATF-α WIDE 3-D, that is available here for around $100/20 liters drum.
�Car Maintenance Products】ATF｜SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD.

My one is green label 5HP18, parts number ZF 1056-000-104 , BMW 24002228631, serial number C538578 from ZF/Getrag

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by whiskychaser

If you own have a 5HP30 with the black label you will find it isnt supported any more as ZF have removed LA2634 from the 2013 approved list. A year ago they said you cant use their Lifeguard5 instead. Now they are saying it is 'best available'. This is subject of a discussion on a UK site. Anyone have better information?

---

Interesting. I don't think the oil companies can list applications reliably, but ZF does. Do you have any link/s?

Looking at ZF's latest approved fluids (PDF), we can see this does not affect other 5HPxx, 3HPxx and 4HPxx transmissions*, which should all use:

For Lubricant class 11B
ZF Friedrichshafen AG: List of lubricants TE-ML 11, edition 08.07.2013

Manufacturer, Trade name
AMALIE PETROQUIMICA, MADRID/ES, ATF DEXRON III
ARAL AG, BOCHUM/DE, ARAL GETRIEBEÖL ATF LD
BP PLC., LONDON/GB, BP AUTRAN LTF
CASTROL LTD, LONDON/GB, CASTROL TRANSMAX Z
DEUTSCHE PENTOSIN WERKE GMBH, WEDEL/DE, PENTOSIN ATF 1
ENI S.P.A., ROME/IT, AGIP DEXRON III
EXXONMOBIL CORPORATION, FAIRFAX, VA/US, MOBIL ATF D 21065
EXXONMOBIL CORPORATION, FAIRFAX, VA/US, MOBIL ATF LT 71141
KUWAIT PETROLEUM INTERNATIONAL LUBRICANT, ANTWERP/NL, Q8 AUTO 15
ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN/DE, ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID 5


* Except these:
4HP20, must use class 11A fluids
5HP18 with the green plate which must use ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID 5 or PENTOSIN ATF or the BMW fluid ESSO LT 71141, BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 807.

Strange. 5HP18 with the black place can use class 11B but not the green plate version? I guess they found some seals used in the green-plate trannies failing! (?)

Castrol's sites just quote:
"Check transmission colour coded label for specific transmission lubricant recommendation. THMR1 transmission with Black or green sticker, use CASTROL TQ DEXRON III; 5HP-18 transmission with Black sticker, use CASTROL TQ DEXRON III; 5HP-18/24/30 with Green sticker, use CASTROL TRANSMAX Z; 5HP-30 with Black sticker, use Shell LA2634; GM4/5 transmissions with Green sticker, use ETL7045

BTW, I read somewhere that Pentosin, and Castrol Transmax Z were tested and approved by ZF to be extended drain fluids. They are also approved by Voith, and are standard issue on buses and trucks that generate tons of torque. Here in Oz I have always used this green fluid in 4HP22s and my Black labelled ZF 5HP18 as ZF had recommended it for them. It gives great results and is only about 30% more than dino fluids.

Castrol Transmax Z
Full synthetic Dexron® III type automatic transmission fluid with proven outstanding performance in high temperature and severe duty applications. Particularly suitable for competition use, towing or arduous use where high II or Dexron® III are recommended. (TDS 1) (TDS 2)

ATF-α WIDE 3-D from Sumico is working since about 2 months without any problem, smooth shifting.
It looks to me the older lists of approved ATF are no longer valid, since more and more ATF makers produce wider range ATF fluid instead of all that specialized fluids like in former days. "Multi vehicle" or "import car ATF" is apparently the magic word these days.
ATF-α WIDE 3-D can be used for various cars, so they are suitable as a unifying fluid or reserve fluid for regular maintenance, the Sumico website says.

Interesting info I found on their website with regards to Fluid deterioration
Glossary】About ATF・CVTF｜SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD.


And talking about socalled lifetime filling once announced by car makers (not by the trans makers), Sumico states:

Quote:

---

It is recommended that fluid be changed before the symptoms below appear (every two years/within 20,000 km).

---

As we yesterday overhauled an ZF4HP24 valve body on a E34 550 = E34 equipped with the V12 M70 engine and found a lot of dirt in the valve body and the trans fluid looked like the color which Sumico calls

Quote:

---

Used in tough condition for a long time, or used for a long time without fluid being replaced

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we flushed the old fluid out of the system incl. TC and ATF cooler till new ATF came out from our self made flushing system, cleaned up the valve body, replaced the balls in the valve body, cleaned and tested the solenoids, and the owner of the car is very happy again, because before he claimed about hard shifting etc.

It is a good thing you are learning that aftermarket ATF equivalents are as good or better than original fluids. Look at me... already switched 12 years ago... my transmission is still alive! Pennzoil Multi Vehicle ATF... I don't think they sell this anymore. Very low mileage but I did put in at least 30,000 miles on it.

I have done it on Mercedes too and same thing... no problem for over 50,000 miles. Amsoil Signature Multi Vehicle ATF.

Now I use Amsoil Signature Multi Vehicle Synthetic ATF. That was the only thing available from Amsoil... and now they have OE version (cheaper) and Fuel Efficiency version.

Just an interim report: Now using the Sumico ATF fluid from a Japanese maker, ATF CVTF-α WIDE 3-D, works well for more than 6 months now.

update 2018/2019: the Japanese ATF works well, will make a regular ATF change in spring with same fluid. Drove less than 15k miles since 2014.
In general now all the multi purpose (multi vehicle) aftermarket ATF available worldwide has also reduced the regular prices for ATF drastically, there is no longer a monopoly.
For example on a German forum I read they use a lot Ravenol https://www.ravenol.de/en/products/u...-hp-fluid.html
RAVENOL ATF 5/4 HP Fluid is ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for all 4- and 5 stroke automatic transmissions of ZF. It guarantees in any mode for maximum wear protection. RAVENOL ATF 5/4 HP Fluid is neutral brown colored. Application Notes: RAVENOL ATF 5/4 HP Fluid is suitable for use in automatic transmission of ZF Serie 4 HP (4HP20, 4HP22, 4HP24) und 5HP (5HP18, 5HP19, 5HP24, 5HP30). Maintenance-filling under normal operating conditions. Practice and tested in aggregates
Alfa Romeo 20HP 14891900, ATF LT 71141, ATF LA 2634, BMW 8322 9407765, BMW 8322 9407807, Citroën/Peugeot AL4 PR 9736.22, Jaguar JLM 20237, Land Rover STC4863, Mercedes A 0019892203, Porsche 999.917.547.00, Renault DP0, VW/Audi G052162 A1/ A2/ A6, VW TL 52 162, ZF S671 090 170

I've been using the Japanese MV ATF too, >5 years in 5HP30 and 5HP24. No troubles, and always smoother to shift than the older fluid.

It is worth noting that ZF re-branded their ATFs in 2013

Lifeguard 5 (all 4 and 5 speeds ok for synthetic), meets LT71141, 7045E and 8072B specifications.
Lifeguard 6 (all 6 speeds) meets Shell M-1375.4
Lifeguard 8 (all 8 speeds)
Not sure about 10 speeders...

Here is the latest ZF advice:
https://www.zf.com/global/media/en_zf/lubricantslists/TE-ML_11.pdf

Notice that for a long time now LT71141 is a referred to as a replacement for LA2634 (often referred to as #8322 9407807), so if using third party fluids you can use one that mentions conformity with either specification. However ZF goes to great pains to stress that different fluids should not be mixed, so given that a full-pan fluid change only replaces around 1/3 of the fluid in the trans, is it best to source LA2634 if you have a trans that contains it? I have been doing just this, and have had no ill-effects.