Okay, so there may be some flaming going on, and opinions that surely differ, but after reading Bill R.'s excellent write up and research on alternate fluids for the 5HP30 transimission, I am going to bite the bullet with Amsoil Universal Synthetic ATF when I do my long overdue filter change tomorrow.

My Amsoil dealer, who fortunately lives just down the street, verified on his dealer section of their web site that this fluid is the compatible fluid for the 5HP30. I have seven litres of fluid, a new FILTRAN filter, O-ring and pan gasket from the dealer and a long weekend ahead to do this job. This stuff is more expensive than the Valvoline or other compatible products, but still probably 1/3 the cost of LA2634 from Crown BMW. I am more comfortable with a niche fluid than a mass market one.

After finishing and test driving, I will do a full write-up.

Thanks to all for their contributions & research on alternate trans fluids!

John