What kind of Tranny Fluid for 99 540?

[PinkInhibitions]

I was wondering what kinds of tranny fluid is ok to put in?

[brettski]

Substitutes for Esso ATF LT 71141 (p/n 83-22-9-407-807) called for in the ZF 5HP24 automatic transmission listed in alphabetic order:

AMSOIL Universal Synthetic ATF

Castrol Import MV ATF

Exxon Superflo ATF

Kendall VersaTransT ATF

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF

Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF

Quaker State/Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF

Pentosin ATF 1

Puratech Multi-Vehicle Syn-Blend ATF

Redline D4 ATF

Shell ATF 3403 M115

Shell M1375.4

Valvoline MaxLife ATF

But please verify this with your supplier.

[PinkInhibitions]

lol.... are you afraid I might hold you responsible if I blow up my tranny?? Thank you for the info

[PinkInhibitions]

I called BMW to find out about the oil and of course they say the the LT 71141 is the only fluid to use.... I also find out that Esso is made by Mobile. Since from my google searches I keep reading that Mobile 1 Synthetic is great to use, I called Mobile to ask them about using the 1 synthetic instead of the LT71141. Mobile told me that they do not recommend any other forms of their ATF fluid to replace the LT71141 as doing so may damage the transmission because their other fluids do not meet the same standards.

Next I call Napa Auto Parts hoping they may have the fluid, however they do not but mention Valvoline Max Life is listed as a suitable replacement. So, I do some research and find some other forums that give write ups and analysis about how Valvoline is working.... after 1 1/2 so far so good.... however, I then find another post about how Valvoline doesn't mention LT71441 anymore so it no longer is ok to use. I then proceed to check out the PDF Spec Sheet and sure enough it doesn't mention it..... so I email Valvoline asking them if the Max Life is still ok to use for the LT71441. I received an email back from them within minutes stating that using Max Life is still ok and even included an attachment which was a letter from CEO dated 4/10 about which transmissions is recommended or not. Even mentions a phone number to call should their be issues with the tranny after putting the Max Life in.

Not sure if this is useful to anyone else but thought I'd share my findings.

[brettski]

Originally Posted by PinkInhibitions

lol.... are you afraid I might hold you responsible if I blow up my tranny?? Thank you for the info

Yeah, but more that it important to find out if things have changed, as it appears they have according to what you have posted. It sounds like you are pretty thorough in your investigation. Let us know what your final decision is.

Further to the list above, Royal Purple claim that their ATF is suitable, but apply your scrutiny to that claim.

[PinkInhibitions]

We ended up using the Valvoline.. as for the royal purple, on their website it show the LT so I would say it's fine to use... I'm thinking royal purple all the way around next time.

[brettski]

How did you go with the oil change. Did you manage to get the torque converter drained as well?