BMW approved transmission fluids

[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).