As there is not a big price difference, I would rather use the scan tool to run the transmission through the gears properly while filling. The price difference also includes lift rental, which makes dropping the pan much easier and quicker. Since ambient down here exceeds the minimum temperature for checking, that would be no issue. I would be more worried about exceeding the range and having to wait ages for it to cool.
I know that many people are good with close enough, but as a technical manager that has written many procedures the BMW phrasing is strong enough to know that many ruined transmissions are out there that didn't follow the protocol. I'd be willing to venture that under filling was likely if the temperature range was exceeded or all the gears weren't cycled right.
"To set the correct level, it is mandatory that the service function "Transmission control unit: oil adjustment" is performed using the diagnosis system.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the automatic transmission. "
If I were getting charged dealer rates or similar for labor and lift, I would order the jack stand inserts and get the car up on all four stands and have a go at it. Perhaps chilling the atf would keep the fluid from getting too warm, as I am a slow and cautious worker. Or perhaps doing it in the winter, as I still have some time until this really should be done(now at 45k, see rec. below). I am just going to budget in the $70 or so and be a mechanic's helper on this one. The parts far exceed the labor on this one.
How would you interpret this recommendation - Severe or Standard duty?
"Automatic ZF transmissions are filled with the specially developed ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID transmission oil. At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on the driving style (e.g. many drives at high speeds or sporty driving), ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 100,000 km or after 8 years at the latest."
For those that are adventurous, here is the ZF instruction page:
ZF 8HP fluid change instructions
I know that many people are good with close enough, but as a technical manager that has written many procedures the BMW phrasing is strong enough to know that many ruined transmissions are out there that didn't follow the protocol. I'd be willing to venture that under filling was likely if the temperature range was exceeded or all the gears weren't cycled right.
"To set the correct level, it is mandatory that the service function "Transmission control unit: oil adjustment" is performed using the diagnosis system.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the automatic transmission. "
If I were getting charged dealer rates or similar for labor and lift, I would order the jack stand inserts and get the car up on all four stands and have a go at it. Perhaps chilling the atf would keep the fluid from getting too warm, as I am a slow and cautious worker. Or perhaps doing it in the winter, as I still have some time until this really should be done(now at 45k, see rec. below). I am just going to budget in the $70 or so and be a mechanic's helper on this one. The parts far exceed the labor on this one.
How would you interpret this recommendation - Severe or Standard duty?
"Automatic ZF transmissions are filled with the specially developed ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID transmission oil. At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on the driving style (e.g. many drives at high speeds or sporty driving), ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 100,000 km or after 8 years at the latest."
For those that are adventurous, here is the ZF instruction page:
ZF 8HP fluid change instructions