Here is the "official ATF list", which shows that fluid as for the zf transmission not gm. Not sure if that really is an issue or not. Have you driven it?

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1125083

Fwiw, I run Valvoline Max Life Multi Vehicle in my gm transmission. It does well and its inexpensive at walmart.

 

Redline D4 is dexron 3 and D6 is dexron 6. Both are used in the GM transmission. I have had success with both products. When filling make sure the correct level is achieved.

 

As LeverThis linked, Dexron VI is the right ATF for the GM. It is what GM themselves recommend. That said, like any good oil thread/topic/argument, different people put in different fluids.

 

The GM 5L40E is a mid 1990's design that specified the GM fluid of that era - Dexron III. When GM stopped licensing that designation/specification they replaced it with Dexron VI. The Castrol fluid you used is specified by Castrol for Japanese imports. Castrol has a 'Dex/Merc' synthetic ATF that they specify for 'older Dexron III' applications. You don't say why you chose to use the Lucas additive. Is there a problem? A popular 'high mileage' fluid is Valvoline's 'High mileage' synthetic ATF. It has been used by many members of this forum.

A word of caution. The transmission was originally filled by BMW with a Texaco fluid that was discontinued long ago. No one knows what that fluid was - you can't find the specs on it anywhere - or a factory supplied compatibility list for it. Some different types of trans fluids do not mix well - some combinations can produce a caustic fluid. For that reason some people recommend a '3 times drain and fill' the first time you change the fluid. For subsequent changes stick with the same fluid. This should clear most of the old fluid out.

 

The GM 5L40E is a mid 1990's design that specified the GM fluid of that era - Dexron III. When GM stopped licensing that designation/specification they replaced it with Dexron VI. The Castrol fluid you used is specified by Castrol for Japanese imports. Castrol has a 'Dex/Merc' synthetic ATF that they specify for 'older Dexron III' applications. You don't say why you chose to use the Lucas additive. Is there a problem? A popular 'high mileage' fluid is Valvoline's 'High mileage' synthetic ATF. It has been used by many members of this forum.

A word of caution. The transmission was originally filled by BMW with a Texaco fluid that was discontinued long ago. No one knows what that fluid was - you can't find the specs on it anywhere - or a factory-supplied compatibility list for it. Some different types of trans fluids do not mix well - some combinations can produce a caustic fluid. For that reason, some people recommend a '3 times drain and fill' the first time you change the fluid. For subsequent changes stick with the same fluid. This should clear most of the old fluid out.

The pan was leaking and the downshifting from 3 to 2 is shifting harder than normal. I see there is a flashing update to fix the problem. I use LUCAS
when cars are older. I think it helps. some think this is a waste of time. In my spare time, I buy sell cars.

 

I just serviced the trans on our xi, which has a GM unit. Bought a BMW trans service kit which comes with everything except fluid. They even have new bolts and magnets in the kit. Used the factory Dex IV Fluid, pr#83-22-2-163-514. The difference it made afterwards, was just stunning. Much smoother, shifted better, got rid of vibrations when the car is stopped at a light.
regards

 

Regarding changing the ATF, I like to do a full fluid exchange using the ATF cooler lines. Been doing this on AT cars for quite a while now. See the process in this thread.
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1240813

 

Mike, You are fine. I have a 2005 325i with 114k and the GM transmission when I changed the fluid 18 months ago. I used the same Castrol Fluid you did. No problems, hiccups whatsoever. Old fluid was just a bit darker when drained. But nothing crazy troubling after 14 years. Don***8217;t overthink it. Like anything here, wait on this thread long enough and someone will convince you that you***8217;ve poisoned your child.

 

Thanks, you are spot on. I did change to Dextron Vi Valvoline Maxlife. I wanted to drain to see if this Castrol Transmax was bad for this GM transmission. My analysis is there was discolor of fluid with red fluid. I think the discolor was what was in the torque converter. There was a red fluid in the mix. I ran this CASTROL max life for 6 days before draining .

 

do not feed castrol transmax to your children or you will poison them. yes i would leave it in your transmission. it's debateable whether dexron 6 is required.

i used liqui moly top tec 1200. that's listed as ZF compatible but i heard from several sources that it's similar to the original ETL-8072 for the GM.

 

While you didn't use the latest & greatest in terms of GM-spec, you should still be fine.

Castrol® Transmax™ Import Multi-Vehicle is designed for use in most Honda, Toyota and Nissan vehicles as well as many other imported brands. It exceeds the requirements of the JASO-1A performance standard created by Japanese auto manufacturers.

It also exceeds DEXRON®-IIIH, MERCON®V and MERCON® requirements.

https://www.castrol.com/en_cr/ccsa/...-oil-and-fluids/auto-transmission-fluids.html#tab_transmax-import-multi-vehicle

A fluid that meets Dexron IIIH (GM revision released in '03) spec is likely what your transmission was filled with from the factory.

I'm more curious about the Lucas additive...why did you use that? If to treat a symptom, did you notice any improvement?

 

I have seen every BMW automatic transmission fluid, the factory fill, the subsequent BMW ONLY fluid and the updates to recommendations from the factory and have watched them closely. I need to, it's part of how we take care of my customers.

The GM transmissions were filled with Texaco ETL 8072B. This was a hybrid Dex. 3 fluid.
Some years ago BMW issued a Parts Bulletin advising the dealers to use a locally sought Dexron VI for any repairs and/or top off's needed during the course of repairs.

Since that time (Over a decade ago) we've been servicing/filling any A5S390R or A5S360R with a high quality Dexron VI (Dex 6) w/o any issues.

You should be fine. I'm merely sharing the factory recommendations and what we use.

 

Don, What do you conciser to be "high quality" Dexron VI? Any suggestions?

 

Update last night I did change to DEXRON VI. I did some research and I have a thread for the group. I got this from an Engineer friend that works at the Spartanburg Plant that Manufactures BMW.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

I wanted to drain to see is this Castrol Transmax Multi-Vehicle fluid was bad. My analysis is I seen a discolor and red fluid when I drained. I had this Castrol fluid in for 6 days. This Castrol didn't fix downshifting issues. When I changed to Valvoline max life Dextron Vi this didn't change the hard downshifting.

My Engineering friend said you can put Dextron Vi in this GM transmission if you want to the get long life he recommended to use D2 transmission fluid
In this thread, I found BMW approved manufactures if you can't find email and I will send HTTP.


I also recommend buying a Bondhus 08-0421 00015 HEX-PRO Pivot Head Torx Wrench Set, Includes Sizes: T25, T27, T30, T40, T45 & T50 (6 Piece), Chrome. What a pain in the ass to get that T-45 Torx off without.
Hope this help those that a new to the BMW family.

 

... from an Engineer friend that works at the Spartanburg Plant that Manufactures BMW. ... said you can put Dextron Vi in this GM transmission if you want to the get long life he recommended to use D2 transmission fluid

interesting, i wonder what the downside of D2 would be in our cars. i was going with D3 (liquimoly toptec 1200) based on the BMW *8072 rating and advice that it is closest to the original factory Texaco fill. most people use D6 based on recommendations from both BMW and GM.

 

Mike, regarding the hard down-shifting:

-Did you verify your vehicle was level?
-Did you follow the fill procedure correctly (two-stages, at different temps)?
-When you dropped the pan, anything metallic (beyond the fine material on the magnet)?

These GM transmissions, when not abused, are pretty durable so hopefully this isn't a sign it's starting to fail.

If all of the above checks out, then a software update might be in order. Recently had this done (courtesy of BaliDawg) and the transmission has never felt smoother.

 

Yes, fluid is good, I ran until hot. I put 3.75 quarts in this time with no LUCAS. I'm going to drain one more time and add some D2 this time next weekend like my engineering buddy said. My opinion is a software update is in order. funny it only does sometimes. When you put in manual mode and let the trans downshift by itself in manual mode it works well. when you leave in regual mode it does every time.

 

I used Valvoline Max Life Multi Vehicle its the most economical that also meets all BMW specs.

 

At home now w/o specs on front of me.
One does NOT fill the trans hot.

Rather fill till dripping, start in park and fill the rest of the way between 30-50 degrees Celsius.

Any fill when "hot" will be under filled. Yet another misconception that continues to perputatue itself....

 

If you are referring to my topping off, the trans was not hot, that's why I said "warmed up".

 

The diy is asking for 100F when doing the P-D-N-R dribble check.

 

update week 3

This week we drained and filled with Valvoline Max life Dextron VI. This was just for my knowledge of breakdown info. no foaming issues with Castrol Transmax import multi-car fluid. I hookup with BaliDawg this week to see if I needed to update the software. This guy was great. he helped download software INPA. Scott worked with me for 1.5 hours to see if I need engine and transmission updates. I didn't need an ECU motor update. I did need a transmission update. After the update, Scott walked me through how to use the software. Cleared all engine and transmission codes. Took for a drive. This " FIXED DOWNSHIFTING ISSUES FROM 2ND TO FRIST. The final task is to hook up INPA software run BMW until transmission temp reaches 90 to 125 F, take the plug to fill out ( the manual says fluid should trickle out the fill plug) NOTE make sure car is running and the car is level.
Recommend using. two thumbs up to Scott (BaliDawg).

 

I have put in 6.5 quarts of ATF in the transmissions when I change the fluid and filter.

 

Sorry to nitpick but I wanted to clear something up. Valvoline MaxLife (red bottle) is not Dexron VI. Valvoline says it’s compatible but if you require Dex 6 then you should use their specific Dex 6 fluid (blue bottle). Or maybe I’m the only one confused. Here’s the PI sheet where I got it from on their website.
US_Val_MLMultiVehicle_ATF_EN.pdf - DocuSign CLM
I would use the Dexron VI fluid.

 

Sorry to nitpick but I wanted to clear something up. Valvoline MaxLife (red bottle) is not Dexron VI.

Actually it says "If an OEM licensed product is proffered, then they recommend the Valvoline Dexron VI".
If you want an OEM, then get OEM, otherwise, use the Valvoline. As long as it meets/exceeds BMW specs, there is no issue.

 

For a transmission of this era it doesn't matter.

One of BMW's goals was to stock as few fluids as possible.

There were many studies of transmission failures. The number one cause of in-warranty transmission failure was putting in the wrong fluid. Not neglecting to change it or putting the wrong viscosity or the wrong additive package, but putting in motor oil or differential fluid or even antifreeze.

It's better for reliability and the bottom line to describe the transmission and differential fluids as "lifetime" to minimize screw-ups. To further reduce problems BMW uses a single compromise fluid wherever possible. Old engines didn't suddenly require synthetic oil, and they didn't suddenly require a lower viscosity. BMW just switched the bulk motor oil that the dealers had available and changed the recommendations to match. Similarly the same GM transmission internals that use "Dexron III" in other applications don't actually require a different fluid because they were shipped to BMW factory. BMW picked a compromise fluid that works with most of what their dealers will encounter.

You should follow a similar guideline, but modify it a bit. For you, "lifetime" should read as "life of the warranty". That means something like 100K miles of typical use or 60K of hard service. It shouldn't mean 30K miles, because you are increasing the risk of a screw-up without significantly improving longevity. It shouldn't mean 500K miles because additive packages degrade and unexpected aging can happen. It shouldn't mean unquestioning adherence to the BMW branded works-with-everything fluids, because you have the advantage of knowing in advance the specific GM or ZF transmission that you will be servicing.

 

I found this thread after searching for ATF for the 325xi 5L40-E. The parts catalogue lists both ATF 2 (ZF Lifeguard 6) 83222305396 (or 83220142516) and Dexron VI 83222163514 or 83222167718. I put Pentosin ATF 1 in it before. I'm replacing the transmission now (it was already bad and 2 drain and fills didn't help it) and I chose Liqui Moly TOP TEC 1800 because it costs less and has both approvals. Pentosin ATF1, ATF6, or any Dexron VI fluid should be fine. An Allison TES-295 ATF such as Mobil Delvac 1 may be fine too.

 

This is interesting. The transmission was made for and originally filled with a Dexron III approved fluid. According to this retired Allison engineer and GM ATF Committee member Dexron VI may not be good for it if it has viton seals. He says the TES-295 ATFs would be a better choice for older Dexron III transmissions.

Forum Update – Family RV Association

 

The transmission was made for and originally filled with a Dexron III approved fluid.

The original ATF was NOT Dexron III, but rather a hybrid fluid forumulated for long life that is similar to Dexron III.
You can put in any fluid you like, but GM recommends Dexron VI for their GM auto trans in E46.

 

I still haven't found any official document from BMW or GM that specifies Dexron VI for this transmission. BMW's approved fluids list does not list this transmission under Dexron VI. It says to put the correct fluid in based on the label attached to the transmission. In the 2006 Cadillac STS owner's manual it specifies Dexron VI for the 6-speed auto trans, but it still specifies Dexron III for this 5-speed auto trans. So I'm going to continue using a Dexron III type ATF to be on the safe side. Pentosin ATF1, Liqui Moly Top Tec 1200, and Castrol Autran Syn / Transynd are Dexron III type ATFs. The newest Dexron III type spec is TES-668. It's backwards compatible with TES-295 and other Dexron III ATFs.

2006 Cadillac STS Owner's Manual

 

I thought GM recommends Dexron VI in place of Dexron III in all applications. I will search for that.
I would never put Dexron III in any AT these days as Dexron VI is so much better.

 

Here's a GM document about the 5L40 from 2009 and they state it is filled with Dexron III from the factory. That's well after Dexron VI became available.

Wayback Machine

I decided to go with BP Autran Syn 295. It's a Dexron III fluid and fully synthetic. It should exceed the specs of the original dino oil Dexron III, ETL-8072B, or ETL-7045. Napa has 1 gallon containers for $43.99.

Here's a spec sheet: https://shop.sclubricants.com/pub/media/pds/misc/BP-Autran-Syn-295.pdf

It doesn't matter if Dexron VI is better than Dexron III because if the 5L40 has Viton seals a Dexron VI fluid may harden them and make it leak. The Allison TES-296 and TES-668 fluids are tested with Viton seals according to the Allison engineer. The Allison specs are also much newer than Dexron III and made from "high VI synthetic base fluids."

 

How'd it hold up? I'm looking to change my transmission pan gasket (might as well change the filter as well) as it's leaking and have not been sure which fluid to get. I have an 04 325i auto with the GM tranny. I have 238k miles yikes and ever since getting the car in 2019 I have not serviced the transmission. I don't know the last time the fluid had been replaced.

If there is metal shavings I may reuse the fluid after replacing the gasket. But in order to top it off if the fluid is low... I want to know which fluid I can mix in with the older fluid. Can I even do that? I need to replace the gasket and filter and top the fluid off either way.

I'm getting jumpy acceleration and some slippage and I heard it could be the thermostat on the expansion tank, the thermostat gets clogged or whatever and doesn't properly cool the fluid which causes the fluid in the transmission to run really hot and basically thin out to the viscosity of water causing the transmission to slip. But my tranny pan is wet and definitely leaking so I want to get that addressed.

 

Check out the link below. Last 2 paragraphs of the Derxon VI talks about compatibility.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEXRON#2005_%E2%80%93_DEXRON-VI(J)

 

This part seems to support GM recommending Dexron VI.
“GM now supports only Dexron-VI fluids for use in their older automatic transmissions.”