BMW approved transmission fluids

[shogun]

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

[Ross]

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.

[Mr._Graybeard]

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.

[shogun]

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.

[Tiger]

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).

[shogun]

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

[Tiger]

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.

[Bill R.]

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

[shogun]

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.

[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?