2002 E65 745i Transmission Fluid

[Hayne]

I have had a slight leak on my sump gasket since I've owned the car, which has never been a problem, I've just topped it up every few thousand miles with about half a litre of ATF.

My gearbox is the ZF 6HP26 6-speeder and I understand the fill procedure well and have the proper ZF fill instructions, so I understand the fill temperature issues too.

The issue I have is that I can't get hold of the ATF anymore. I used to go to the main stealers with an empty oil can and buy a couple of litres of ATF which they filled from their drum in the workshop. I spoke to them yesterday and they said they are out of stock and won't be buying anymore of my ATF as it is discontinued. They said there is a replacement ATF available by the litre, but they don't advise mixing it with the old ATF.

They suggested I have it drained and refilled with the new stuff. When I told him that half of the ATF is still in the Torque converter and can't be drained at the same time, he didn't understand what I was talking about. Without completely force flushing the 'box, that old ATF is always going to be mixing with the new stuff, no matter how many times I drain and fill it.

I then spoke to another dealer who said "due to health and safety issues, we can not sell you some oil from a barrel, so you'll have to pay £270 for a 20 litre barrel or bring the car in and we will top it up for you".

Does anyone know where I can easily get a litre or two of ATF for my car? or, can I mix the new stuff with the old?

The old stuff is the ZF S671 090 255 Oil LifeGuardFluid6, which I think is manufactured by Shell, having the part number Shell 1375.4 (need to conform this).

Sorry for the long conveluted story, but any advice is much appreciated.

Cheers

[NealP]

That would be Shell M-1375.4. BMW sell it under part no. 83220142516, but it only comes in 20 litre quantities . You may want to have a look on the Shell site for some contact details.

[Ronnie]

ZF S671 090 255 Oil LifeGuardFluid6 is a low viscosity ATF, similar to Audi oil no. G055 005 A2.

Says here not to mix the oils with any other oil, http://admin.webmakerx.net/images/Si.../autotrans.pdf

But this may be of some interest to you http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe..._9BA48850.aspx

[Hayne]

Thanks for your replies, NealP and Ronnie. That has confirmed the oil I need.

According to the BMW operating fluids document you linked, the ATF needs changing at about 100k anyway (mine has 120k on the clock), so I ought to to have it flushed and change the sump gasket at the same time. I expect it won't be cheap!

Do you recommend anyone in the Herefordshire/Worsectershire areas who can do this and WILL put the correct ATF in it afterwards?

An excellent supply of info guys. Thanks.

[NealP]

I know there is a auto gearbox specialist in Wembley that may be able to help you, but don't know any in Herts. The one in Wembley is called Auto Trans Middx.