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How Often Should You Replace Your Transmission Fluid?

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Flushing the transmission fluid on a BMW is an essential part of maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle. Timely transmission fluid replacement can prevent all kinds of issues in the long term. In this guide, we’ll dive into the reasons why it’s important to flush your BMW’s transmission fluid, how often you should do it, and what BMW recommends for their ZF automatic transmissions.

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The Importance of Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid plays a vital role in the proper functioning of your BMW’s transmission system. Over time, however, the fluid can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal shavings, which can lead to a variety of issues, such as slipping gears, delayed shifting, and transmission failure.

Flushing the transmission fluid on your BMW involves removing the old fluid, cleaning the transmission system, and replacing the fluid with fresh, clean fluid. This process helps to remove the contaminants that have built up in the system and restores the fluid’s ability to lubricate, cool, and protect the transmission components.

Regularly flushing your BMW’s transmission fluid can help to prevent these issues from occurring, extend the life of your transmission, and potentially save you from costly repairs down the road.

How Often Should You Flush Your BMW’s Transmission Fluid?

The frequency with which you should flush your BMW’s transmission fluid will depend on a variety of factors, such as your driving habits, the conditions in which you typically drive, and the make and model of your vehicle.

While there is no hard and fast rule for how often you should flush your transmission fluid, most BMW experts recommend doing so every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, or drive in extreme temperatures, you may need to flush your transmission fluid more frequently to ensure that it remains clean and effective.

It’s important to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified BMW technician to determine the best maintenance schedule for your vehicle based on your specific driving habits and conditions.

What Does BMW Recommend for Their ZF Automatic Transmissions?

ZF automatic transmissions are known for their advanced engineering and high performance, but they require special care and attention to keep them running smoothly. Flushing the transmission fluid at the recommended intervals helps to ensure that the fluid remains clean and effective, which in turn helps to prevent transmission issues and extend the life of the transmission.

And even though you’ll read about 100,000 mile transmission flush intervals with ZF units, It’s important to note that this is only a guideline. 30,000 to 60,000 mile intervals can only be beneficial for the health of your ZF transmission. 

If you notice any signs of transmission trouble, such as slipping gears or delayed shifting, you should have your transmission fluid checked and flushed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

By following the recommended maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your BMW’s transmission remains in top condition for years to come.

Always Use the Right Type of ATF — ZF Lifeguard S671090255

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BMW, much like several other car manufacturers, uses ZF transmissions in its vehicles. Although robust and reliable, these transmissions are sensitive to aftermarket ATF. Because of that, it is imperative that you use either Genuine BMW ATF or something like ZF Lifeguard S671090255.

Get ZF Lifeguard S671090255 at our shop!

About ZF Lifeguard S671090255

The Lifeguard Fluid 8 from ZF is a high-quality transmission fluid that is designed to meet the specific needs of BMW and other European vehicles with ZF 8-speed transmissions. This fluid is an excellent choice for BMW owners who want to maintain the health and longevity of their transmission system.

One of the standout features of the Lifeguard Fluid 8 is its advanced formulation, which is specifically designed to provide optimal performance and longevity. This fluid is engineered to deliver excellent shifting, smooth operation, and reliable protection against wear and tear on internal components.

Additionally, the Lifeguard Fluid 8 is designed to resist oxidation and thermal breakdown, which helps to keep the fluid clean and effective for longer periods of time. This means that you can potentially extend the life of your transmission and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.

The Lifeguard Fluid 8 comes in a convenient 1-liter bottle, which makes it easy to add to your transmission system as needed. The bottle also features clear labeling and easy-to-read instructions, so you can be confident that you’re using the right product for your BMW.

The Lifeguard Fluid 8 from ZF is an excellent choice for BMW owners who want to keep their ZF 8-speed transmissions running smoothly and reliably. With its advanced formulation, excellent performance, and convenient packaging, this fluid is an excellent investment in the health and longevity of your BMW.

Get ZF Lifeguard S671090255 at Bimmers.com

Here at Bimmers.com, we understand that routine maintenance is the best way to keep your BMW in good shape. That’s why we stock a wide range of quality parts and maintenance products, including the ZF Lifeguard S671090255. That said, make sure to use our vehicle selector tool to find parts that are a guaranteed fit for your BMW.

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