So I backed up and saw a big puddle of tranny fluid. Before I found my current mechanic I was taking it to a dealership. They told me I had a small leak on the pan so this wasn't unexpected. They told me when I did fix it the whole pan needed to be replaced because you can't put a used one back on. Is this accurate or a dealership scam?

 

No scam. It’s a plastic of sorts. It may bend or be marred on removal. Besides, as the filter is incorporated into it, just change it and be happy you’ve finally completed some transmission service.

 

And the genuine OEM ZF kit is $71 from FCP Euro with a free lifetime warranty. Don't forget to replace the connector sleeve at the same time for less than $20.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...6z-24117571227

 

"Mechatronic Sleeve"

 

Said that way this will be a solid worth while service to do. I assumed the pan was metal when I heard the quote. This will end up being a fraction of the cost.

 

I´ve heard there exists a metal bottom pan, too, of course not original. But my mechanic said, he would prefer the original ZF ( the plastic one ).

What should I do?

They made a thorough oil flushing, as it´s not so easy to exchange the tranny oil completely.

Hermann

 

The metal pan is made by URO. They cost around the same as ZF ones, so you probably want to stick with what your mechanic recommended. I ordered Pan and Mechatronic Sleeve. Trying to get zf valve body seals and adapter seal block. I read the seal blocks go bad so im gonna get everything because it dosent cost that much more to have piece of mind. Hard to find zf for the last two so I might have to get off brand.

 

YES - it is true. The pan incorporates the filter. However, unless there has been impact damage, a leak from there is extremely unlikely.

Graham

 

The metal version was used by Land Rover.

 

AKA Sealing sleeve, connector sleeve and mechatronics sealing connector sleeve....depending on where you look. In the end it’s all the same part.

 

That´s why I wanted the metal one ...

 

THANKS!

Hermann

 

I read that ZF recommends not doing a flush, so I'm assuming this means only replace what's in the pan. Any specific tranny fluid you guys like to use and how many liters should I pick up?

 

Where did you read that? I’ve flushed mine as have others. It’s the only way you can replace all
of the fluid. A drain has no impact on the fluid in the TC.

 

my mistake, they were referring to mechanical flushing machines used at some shops. 8 quarts seems the amount people are buying for this job. Still trying to find the best alternative to the $20 bottle of ZF. Any suggestions?

 

I'd not power-flush any transmission. Just a drain and fill.
When I had my fluid changed it took just over 9 quarts. Good thing I bought a case of 12, I have 2-3/4 quarts left.
Check the Motorcraft fluid alternatives. They have some that meet Jag specs, and it's what I used. Mercon SP I think. $90 for a case of twelve.

 

The machine the main dealer used on mine doesn’t power flush, it connects to the cooler lines and exchanges ALL of the fluid in the entire system, including the torque converter and the transmission. It’s the only way to do a proper fluid replacement.

There’re likely as many ZF transmission threads here as oil threads so have a search and see.

 

Think im gonna try royal purple.

 

Do they have a fluid that meets the Lifeguard 6 specification? This is critical for proper function of the mechatronics and the like.

 

I've been trying to research as much as possible but solid info is harder to find I think because they say use only zf lifeguard 6 Shell M-1375.4. zf wont endorse any other fluid because its made for particular ford jag land rover trannys. There are some close to specs that also help lower temps according to posts outside of this forum. Armsoil, redline, royal purple are some im looking at. Im just being picky because its gonna be in the car at least 60,000 miles and until now I didnt know tranny fluid had so much effect on how tranny performs.