E39 ATF change experience

[viewfinder]

It's a friend's experience which I find the outcome quite worthy of sharing in BMWCM. Draw your own conclusions.The car is a 520 E39 2003 which uses ZF 5HP19 A/T.1st ATF oil change at a local specialist shop with Esso lifetime fluid (ATF) and ATF filter+gasket purchased from spare part shop in KL. The magnet on the ATF pan showed no visible debris by the way. But soon after noise started. Read below."Unfortunately, the non-original filter caused problem to the A/T – loud whining (high-pitch) noise when cold and when flooring the accelerator. From BMW forums, this seems to be a well known problem due to collapse of the non-original filter elements during high pressure."Interestingly, the local specialist shop said that nobody who has done the same ATF change has ever come back with similar issue.
A 2nd ATF change was done soon after the 1st change. This time with original ATF filter (made by Filtran) + gasket purchased from Auto Bavaria. Pictures of the ATF fiter are attached. The noise was gone.Another 2 interesting findings related to the ATF change.

• I need to read up on the Bentley manual also to see if it's applicable on my E34 or not. "... workers don’t follow BMW procedures. For example, putting glue between gasket and oil pan, then during the next oil change need to grind the pan edges to remove the glue. That’s not the right procedure. Actually there’s no need to use the glue at all so that gasket can come out freely after the pan is dropped."
• Local ZF recommendation via an email is that the ZF ATF (Lifeguard Fluid 5) be changed every 90,000 km from a technical stand point in order to keep the transmission running optimumly.

 

[chongkt]

ATF Fluid Change

Just collected my e39. I changed the ATF with ZF 5HP19 at 65000km reading. Changed the gear box gasket and filter as well. Feels better with lower noise and gear shifts are much faster. Also changed the engine oil as well with Chemlube. Overall feels very much lighter. My mechanic says that changing ATF for the E39 is not an issue PROVIDED the correct ATF is used. He says that recommended mileage is about 50k to 60k per change. However, he says changing ATF for the E60 is a different kettle of fish altogether ...........

 

[azan23uk]

yep, very true. i changed my 528i yr 2000 ATF at 40k interval. All in with gasket and filter cost about RM500. my bro's ATF change cost him close to RM2 k cos changing the ATF involves changing the oil pan to as the filter etc all come together. 6 speed ZF maa..his an e60 525i

 

[Egon-E39]

yep...change the ATF at correct intervals....
The feeling is different. No regrets. changed the pan with filter attached to it. used 6 litres of ATf oil. E39 has its own special oil (just like E46). Cannot use any other oil otherwise it will go kaput. No shortcut. Use back original bavaria ATF oil.

My ATf oil was black. It was yellow gold when new. Rear axle oil is bright red.

 

[eyethree]

Will do mine next week. The previous owner used BMW ZF. Thinking of draining the entire ATF & replaced with either BMW ZF or ESSO LT 71141 plus the original ATF filter. What think you guys?

 

[wc9922]

Will do mine next week. The previous owner used BMW ZF. Thinking of draining the entire ATF & replaced with either BMW ZF or ESSO LT 71141 plus the original ATF filter. What think you guys?

Do it. Esso LT or ZF Lifeguard or BMW ZF is the same thing.

 

[eyethree]

Thanks bro. Any bros here can let me know the Inner Power location?

 

[Jerman]

Thanks bro. Any bros here can let me know the Inner Power location?

bro,
Are you familiar with Jalan Ipoh areas? If you are coming from Segambut, turn left at the t-junction and drive 3 km. Actually, it's located along the main road. Easy to find. Opposite the row of bridal shops. Still unsure? I suggest you give a call

•Inner Power, No.706, 4th mile Jalan Ipoh. 03-62517677 (Mr Tang)

 

[eyethree]

bro,
Are you familiar with Jalan Ipoh areas? If you are coming from Segambut, turn left at the t-junction and drive 3 km. Actually, it's located along the main road. Easy to find. Opposite the row of bridal shops. Still unsure? I suggest you give a call

•Inner Power, No.706, 4th mile Jalan Ipoh. 03-62517677 (Mr Tang)

Got it, thanks.

 

[eyethree]

To all Bros,

Today I bought ATF ZF Lifeguard & ATF filter from sparepart shop I normally go in PJ. The ATF ZF cost me RM45/l & ATF filter with rubber gasket cost me RM80. Not that happy with the filter since it carries no brand & only has sticker says "Diimport & diedarkan oleh Bavarian Auto".

Anyway, viewfinder, where can I get the ATF filter just like the one you posted earlier? :top:

 

[wc9922]

To all Bros,

Today I bought ATF ZF Lifeguard & ATF filter from sparepart shop I normally go in PJ. The ATF ZF cost me RM45/l & ATF filter with rubber gasket cost me RM80. Not that happy with the filter since it carries no brand & only has sticker says "Diimport & diedarkan oleh Bavarian Auto".

Anyway, viewfinder, where can I get the ATF filter just like the one you posted earlier? :top:

Look at the picture carefully. See that orange slip. That means it's a part order from the authorized bmw center. In this case Auto Bavaria.

 

[eyethree]

Oh... thanks, will check with auto bavaria for the item..

 

[transporter]

hi to all the bros,

i have read up some pretty informative post by u guys and can i conclude that Esso LT or ZF Lifeguard or BMW ZF is suitable for my car? the other item i need to service my transmission would be the ATF filter with rubber gasket? may i know what is a reasonable price to pay for these item?
sorry i am new to ATF oil changing..

btw i am driving a yr 2000 e39 525i

thank you

 

[bimmer73]

Do it. Esso LT or ZF Lifeguard or BMW ZF is the same thing.

Can Also use TOTAL - Long Life ATF very smooth for the Car

 

[bimmer73]

hi to all the bros,

i have read up some pretty informative post by u guys and can i conclude that Esso LT or ZF Lifeguard or BMW ZF is suitable for my car? the other item i need to service my transmission would be the ATF filter with rubber gasket? may i know what is a reasonable price to pay for these item?
sorry i am new to ATF oil changing..

btw i am driving a yr 2000 e39 525i

thank you

ATF - RM80 per liter (6 liter to change only / 12 liters maybe more to flush and change)

Gaskets, There 2 types

- Green RM85 - does not leak
- Black RM35 - leaks and wet with ATF oil

Filter - RM248 I think

Labour RM150 - RM250.....