Please help identify transmission 07 Z4 3.0si (with pics)

santov · 01-02-2011, 02:01 PM

There was a DIY for transmission fluid change but I think it was a 5speed auto from the early Z4 since the pan was metal with sealant.

I *think* my transmission pan and filter in one... like this one: javascript:AddToCartClick('24 11 7 536 387','181','product.asp','search.asp','','1')

Looking at the drain plug and fill plug (see picture with colored circle) can there possible be 9quarts? I'm guessing more like 3 quarts. So drain and refill three times (an old Honda trick in lieu of paying a dealer labor for a "flush).

santov · 01-04-2011, 01:29 AM

Well I got it figured out. Since I only have 24k miles I decided to only drain and refill the fluid, instead of messing with the filter also. I also don't want to leave any evidence of being there since I'm still in warranty/maintenance from BMW.

I opened the fill plug first and fluid came gushing out. That was a nasty surprise. I'm assuming it was because it was cold with engine off. I took at the drain plug and got about 4.5 quarts out. After I cleaned up I got about 2.5 quarts back in, then had to start the car and with the engine running add another 2 quarts. It was pretty scary being under a running car trying to fuss with hoses, plugs and wrenches. My wife was nice enough to work the pump while I was under the car cursing.

The difference is AMAZING. On moderate throttle you can only notice the shifts by the tach/engine note. Under hard acceleration the shifts are faster. I've gone to being annoyed with the transmission to enjoying it.

Even though the Valvolene MaxLife Dex/Merc meets BMW & ZF specs it poured alot thinner. I wonder if the OEM fluid is thick because it's supposed to last 100k miles. I am going to change the fluid again in maybe 10k miles to see what comes out.

mvious · 02-28-2011, 12:07 PM

I've got the same 2007 3.0si same trans, it's developed a leak and ran across your post. How is the trans working with the aftermarket fluid no that you've got some miles on it? I'm under warranty so I suppose I'll take it in, but it's interesting that you notice the improvement.

santov · 02-28-2011, 12:33 PM

The fluid is running great. Shifts are still better than stock. I haven't touched or drained the fluid since I've only put about 2k miles on it. I am eager to get in there and change the filter, but it's pretty expensive.

Where is your leak from? I did notice the fill plug is completely plastic with a small oring. Could your leak be coming from that?

I'm curious with how things go.

3002 tii · 02-28-2011, 12:42 PM

Curious, which label was on your trans? I know I've seen the bulletin in regards to N52 equipped cars using MTF LT3 but I was hoping you could confirm (as opposed to LT2).

santov · 02-28-2011, 12:57 PM

Not sure which label I have, I'll look later tonight. But isn't MTF LT3 the manual transmission gear fluid? We were talking about the ZF automatic 6 speeds. The fluid I used is meets ZF [auto] specs.

3002 tii · 02-28-2011, 01:22 PM

ahh, gotcha... thought u had a manual

01-02-2011, 02:01 PM	#1
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	Please help identify transmission 07 Z4 3.0si (with pics) There was a DIY for transmission fluid change but I think it was a 5speed auto from the early Z4 since the pan was metal with sealant. I *think* my transmission pan and filter in one... like this one: javascript:AddToCartClick('24 11 7 536 387','181','product.asp','search.asp','','1') Looking at the drain plug and fill plug (see picture with colored circle) can there possible be 9quarts? I'm guessing more like 3 quarts. So drain and refill three times (an old Honda trick in lieu of paying a dealer labor for a "flush). Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-04-2011, 01:29 AM	#2
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	Well I got it figured out. Since I only have 24k miles I decided to only drain and refill the fluid, instead of messing with the filter also. I also don't want to leave any evidence of being there since I'm still in warranty/maintenance from BMW. I opened the fill plug first and fluid came gushing out. That was a nasty surprise. I'm assuming it was because it was cold with engine off. I took at the drain plug and got about 4.5 quarts out. After I cleaned up I got about 2.5 quarts back in, then had to start the car and with the engine running add another 2 quarts. It was pretty scary being under a running car trying to fuss with hoses, plugs and wrenches. My wife was nice enough to work the pump while I was under the car cursing. The difference is AMAZING. On moderate throttle you can only notice the shifts by the tach/engine note. Under hard acceleration the shifts are faster. I've gone to being annoyed with the transmission to enjoying it. Even though the Valvolene MaxLife Dex/Merc meets BMW & ZF specs it poured alot thinner. I wonder if the OEM fluid is thick because it's supposed to last 100k miles. I am going to change the fluid again in maybe 10k miles to see what comes out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2011, 12:07 PM	#3
mvious New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	How is your trans oil change working? I've got the same 2007 3.0si same trans, it's developed a leak and ran across your post. How is the trans working with the aftermarket fluid no that you've got some miles on it? I'm under warranty so I suppose I'll take it in, but it's interesting that you notice the improvement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2011, 12:33 PM	#4
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	The fluid is running great. Shifts are still better than stock. I haven't touched or drained the fluid since I've only put about 2k miles on it. I am eager to get in there and change the filter, but it's pretty expensive. Where is your leak from? I did notice the fill plug is completely plastic with a small oring. Could your leak be coming from that? I'm curious with how things go.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2011, 12:42 PM	#5
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2286 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	Curious, which label was on your trans? I know I've seen the bulletin in regards to N52 equipped cars using MTF LT3 but I was hoping you could confirm (as opposed to LT2). __________________ Follow for latest mods
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2011, 12:57 PM	#6
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	Not sure which label I have, I'll look later tonight. But isn't MTF LT3 the manual transmission gear fluid? We were talking about the ZF automatic 6 speeds. The fluid I used is meets ZF [auto] specs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2011, 01:22 PM	#7
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2286 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	ahh, gotcha... thought u had a manual __________________ Follow for latest mods
	Appreciate 0 Quote