Originally Posted by Patrick0525
Applies to all manufactures that market artificially low maintenance costs. I lost count number of times work colleagues who refused a fluid replacement based on their manufacturers' maintenance schedule timeline. ie Toyota doesn't have it as scheduled item.
To my work colleagues: "Get Real!"
40-50K mi is the recommended ATF OCI for non-towing applications.
BMW ATF
That's inaccurate information. See below.
https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedia/lol-lubricants/lol-en/lol-te-ml-11-en.pdf
5. Maintenance recommendations ZF automatic transmissions
3/4-speed automatic transmissions:
ZF 3 and 4-speed automatic transmissions must be filled with approved ATF oils according to ZF list of lubricants TE-ML 11,
lubricant class 11A / 11B or with mineral ATF oils according to the former Specification Dexron II / Dexron III by General Motors.
For oil-change intervals consult the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:
ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed
partially synthetic ATF oils. Maintenance-free fills are intended for normal operating conditions. Especially driving at very high
operating temperatures can result in accelerated aging or increased wear of ATF oils. In case of above-average operating
conditions, such as:
- frequent freeway driving in the upper speed range
- offensive, sporty driving style
- frequent trailer operation
it is recommended to refresh (change) the oil of the automatic transmission every 100,000 km or no later than after 8 years.
In each case, only released ATF oil may be used for oil changes. And oil changes must be performed in accordance with the
relevant specifications.
The exception is the ZF 5HP18 automatic transmission which must be filled differently depending on the version.
The released ATF oils in each case are specified in the ZF Lubricants List TE-ML 11.