Originally Posted by cos
Jeep says it's a "lifetime" fluid as well. I don't know what the rebuild cost is for a ZF 8 speed but would guess it's big bucks. I'm a big fan of changing ATF early and often!
Well, per ZF, if you do a lot of towing then an D&F every 62k miles or 8yrs is recommended.
Originally Posted by nascarnation
Interesting to me that BMW says it's good to go forever....and ZF says not so much.
I wonder who pays the repair costs for those vehicles that have long term warranty plans?
Sometimes the warranty is baked into the cost of the component, and other cases it is back charged after the fact.
I can't speak for other automakers but BMW has been known to provide "goodwill replacement" of these transmissions which fail outside warranty but prior to 100k miles. I don't know their methodology but I would think a vehicle would be eligible if in general it didn't show signs of abuse and the transmission has not been opened. BMW doesn't repair but replaces with a re-manufactured unit (new internals but the housing is not new).
Originally Posted by demarpaint
What amazes me is there are people who think the fluid is good for life, because the OM says so. LOL
To be fair this presentation is from their Aftermarket group which by definition has an incentive to push for maintenance and ZFs own literature states the following:
"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."
From a cost basis perspective I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to perform a D&F at 62k miles regardless.