Transmission Fluid

rgfinn76 · 02-25-2019, 09:17 AM

I just replaced the solenoids and all the seals this weekend. I had 7 liters of ZF 6 and found it it needs more then 7 when dropping the valve body.

Instead of waiting a week to get more ZF fluid online, is it safe to top it off with Mercon SP which is readily available in all the auto stores and a lot cheaper.?

Everywhere I read is it’s the same stuff, however it does smell different and different color. Opinions appreciated please.

Needbmwpartzz · 02-25-2019, 12:07 PM

some purists may object but I have mixed brands with no ill effects..ymmv

N54Society · 02-25-2019, 03:44 PM

I didn't top off but I did replace with Mercon SP without any issues. Not exactly what you're asking but you gotta figure there is some ZF fluid in the lines which the Mercon SP is mixing with. Shifts are quick and crisp.

rgfinn76 · 02-25-2019, 04:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys... Im super paranoid so I ended up ordering a couple more liters online.

Didn't want to take any chances on a 140k mile tranny. Have to wait a couple days though to get the fluid. Sucks that this stuff is not sold locally.

Boland01 · 02-25-2019, 04:54 PM

Both meet the Shell spec.

mweisdorfer · 02-25-2019, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgfinn76

I just replaced the solenoids and all the seals this weekend. I had 7 liters of ZF 6 and found it it needs more then 7 when dropping the valve body.

Instead of waiting a week to get more ZF fluid online, is it safe to top it off with Mercon SP which is readily available in all the auto stores and a lot cheaper.?

Everywhere I read is it's the same stuff, however it does smell different and different color. Opinions appreciated please.

Why not get the trans oil out of the torque converter. Just detach the incoming line from the transmission that connects to the trans cooler. It will be the line that's warm. Turn on the motor and let it drain 3qts. Stop the motor. Fill the pan 3 quarts. Repeat the process 3-4x, until the oil is bright red coming out of the detached line. You will need a special transmission line key; you can get it on Amazon for about $13.00 or so. CTA makes it. Assenmacher makes one too.

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-346.../dp/B009VI9P62

02-25-2019, 09:17 AM	#1
rgfinn76 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sport Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Transmission Fluid I just replaced the solenoids and all the seals this weekend. I had 7 liters of ZF 6 and found it it needs more then 7 when dropping the valve body. Instead of waiting a week to get more ZF fluid online, is it safe to top it off with Mercon SP which is readily available in all the auto stores and a lot cheaper.? Everywhere I read is it’s the same stuff, however it does smell different and different color. Opinions appreciated please.
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02-25-2019, 12:07 PM	#2
Needbmwpartzz Colonel 851 Rep 2,793 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw 328i x-drive Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Kitchener/Waterloo iTrader: (0)	some purists may object but I have mixed brands with no ill effects..ymmv
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02-25-2019, 03:44 PM	#3
N54Society Major Private First Class 449 Rep 1,327 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 335i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: US, NA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy iTrader: (2)	I didn't top off but I did replace with Mercon SP without any issues. Not exactly what you're asking but you gotta figure there is some ZF fluid in the lines which the Mercon SP is mixing with. Shifts are quick and crisp. __________________ 2008 E92 335i 6MT: FBO + MMP Silicone Inlets \| Stage 1 LPFP \| 335is clutch + MFactory SMFW \| Custom BuraQ + MHD tune \| 3.5Bar N20 sensor [SOLD] 2010 E90 335i M-Sport AT: 5" Stepped FMIC, Stage 2 LPFP - MHD V7 E60 Tune running 100% E85 - VRSF DPs
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02-25-2019, 04:42 PM	#4
rgfinn76 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sport Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback guys... Im super paranoid so I ended up ordering a couple more liters online. Didn't want to take any chances on a 140k mile tranny. Have to wait a couple days though to get the fluid. Sucks that this stuff is not sold locally.
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02-25-2019, 04:54 PM	#5
Boland01 Lieutenant 149 Rep 460 Posts Drives: 2010 535ix, 2008, 2007 335i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Magnolia, TX iTrader: (0)	Both meet the Shell spec.
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