[Delighted_Jester]

today i changed the factory fill fluid in my ZF8 equipped 2020 RWD M340i. On the left is the old fluid vs new fluid on the right. Ill also include random pics of my setup, the job itself, and an allen key i modified to open/close the fill hole.

[dhock_holiday]

Fluid looks dirty, but not overly so. I bet shifts are buttery smooth now.

[Delighted_Jester]

Originally Posted by dhock_holiday

Fluid looks dirty, but not overly so. I bet shifts are buttery smooth now.

I was kinda thinking it was a waste based on how the fluid looked but now i know it was done 100% correct with new fluid. Every trans ive ever serviced ever has clutch material, its totally normal and really wasnt that much of it.

And honestly i havent driven enough low speed yet, as thats where i always noticed clunky shifting and gear hunting.

[totalone]

Originally Posted by Delighted_Jester

today i changed the factory fill fluid in my ZF8 equipped 2020 RWD M340i. On the left is the old fluid vs new fluid on the right. Ill also include random pics of my setup, the job itself, and an allen key i modified to open/close the fill hole.

would you mind sharing part numbers for this DIY, or at least where you bought things from?

Thanks man!

[Delighted_Jester]

Originally Posted by totalone

would you mind sharing part numbers for this DIY, or at least where you bought things from?

Thanks man!

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-24118612901kt

This is the kit i used.

[JacobM340i]

I just changed mine at 84k and the fluid honestly wasn’t that much dirtier, can’t really tell a difference in shift quality either.

[Delighted_Jester]

Originally Posted by JacobM340i

I just changed mine at 84k and the fluid honestly wasn’t that much dirtier, can’t really tell a difference in shift quality either.

I purchased this vehicle so i am interested in its longevity.

I also wouldnt trust my local BMW dealer techs to clean out my cats litter box, so i DIY.

[Existence711]

Thanks for the pictures! Always feels good to get fresh fluids in the car.

I was told by the dealer where I purchased my M340i that the ZF8 fluid is a lifetime fluid, which didn’t really make sense to me. Glad I came across this post.

[Delighted_Jester]

Originally Posted by Existence711

Thanks for the pictures! Always feels good to get fresh fluids in the car.

I was told by the dealer where I purchased my M340i that the ZF8 fluid is a lifetime fluid, which didn’t really make sense to me. Glad I came across this post.

Like yourself, i just do not believe fluids exist that do not break down. Especially when exposed to the temps that trans fluid is exposed to.

[Antares713]

I read somewhere the standard maintenance was to change it every 60k miles? Did you notice any real change in performance or feel?

[Antares713]

Originally Posted by JacobM340i

I just changed mine at 84k and the fluid honestly wasn’t that much dirtier, can’t really tell a difference in shift quality either.

Exactly. I was told its a closed system so for tranny fluid only swap it out if there are transmission issues.

[Delighted_Jester]

Originally Posted by Antares713

I read somewhere the standard maintenance was to change it every 60k miles? Did you notice any real change in performance or feel?

BMW says no change required, ZF whom manufactures and then sells the transmission for BMW to install recommends changing it every 50k or 60k miles.
I noticed no difference in shifting, however i want the car to last as long as possible with as few issues as possible. If that means a few hours and a couple hundred $ in perventtative maintenance well, so be it.