From what i have read on here they recon to just change the oil run it a few hundred miles do another change run it then on the third change put in new filters as well, but i may be way of the mark.

Expensive hobby though, I've just purchased the ZF kit for my E39 which contains fluid, filter (possibly bolts/plugs too, I haven't opened the carton) & gasket for £105 inc. carriage from Germany :(
 
£240 to service a modern ZF 6spd.

Well i say "modern" early 2000's.

The 8hp is extremely expensive to get oil for £25 a litre last i checked.
 
There seem to be varying opinions as to whether flushing a slush-box is a good idea as opposed to just changing the oil & renewing the filter. There is a theory that flushing can disturb particles that are happy hiding in nook/crannies.
I'm in the same position with my daily driver, a 1998 E39 now with 148k on the clock & FSH, but I've no idea whether the fluid has been changed in the past. BMW state 'sealed for life' (which defies logic) whereas ZF recommend fluid changes every 50k or so.
The 'box (5hp19) functions perfectly so I'm going to have a fluid / filter change done next week & keep my fingers crossed ;)

As norseman indicated, changing the fluid can cause debris to detach in the clean fluid and make itself known. Plus you'll only get about 80% of fluid removed without flushing. That's why people tend to give it a few thousand miles and then flush again. By that time 90% or so will be new.


The Debris "hiding" isn't necessarily true.

Debris will work it's way into a Valvebody if the oil is left or changed for new stuff, Debis/clutch material in the valvebody will cause the hydraulic fluid pressure to decrease and the clamping pressure on the clutches drops off and they start to slip..

Changing the oil regularly keeps the tranny healthy, as old fluid is used it ages and loses the lubrication and cooling effects, the clutch packs rapidly wear, which is the "black" fluid you get on knackered boxes, the black "sludge" in the bottom of the pan is clutch material, that some think is "dirt" lol

There is a pardox though, the reason flushing is considered bad i because on old knackered boxes the Black shít is clutch material, and paradoxically the floating material in the fluid helps the knacked clutches "engage" and when you flush and replace all the fluid with new fresh fluid, the material disappears and the clutches slip..

Odd things..

Dropping ths ump and replacing 40% is ok, it helps,

If the oil is black the tranny is usually ****ted.

Best wipe the old oil on a piece of paper, that'll give the true colour.

The smell is also telling..

A proper turbo 400 is what these big cars need ;)
 
Expensive hobby though, I've just purchased the ZF kit for my E39 which contains fluid, filter (possibly bolts/plugs too, I haven't opened the carton) & gasket for £105 inc. carriage from Germany :(
Expensive if you had to do it every 10k! Peeps spend a fortune getting their tin cans serviced each year at the Stealers. My In-laws spend more on service costs than the purchase prices for my vehicles plus I am not tied to contracts or maintaining a Stealer service history etc.. so running costs are v. low and cars tend to leave my ownership in better condition than they arrived. Probably saving at least £100 doing the gearbox yourself? I know that my local Merc garage charge £105 ph labour as they wanted that to carry out a 10 minute gearbox ecu reprogramming for me after I had replaced a knackered box, at £105 ph they were the cheapest main Stealer with some running into several hundred quid per hour!
 
I've done the oil change but I've taken it off the road while I investigate the wobble through the front wheels that happens from time to time. Just waiting for slightly better weather
 
I've done the oil change but I've taken it off the road while I investigate the wobble through the front wheels that happens from time to time. Just waiting for slightly better weather

This an L322? There are bushes everywhere, any of which might be acting up, including some rose joint ones. @RichardSEL has some experience, check his threads.
 
Just went out and had a look at the car. The off side front wheel.was very dirty with brake dust. Dirtier than the near side front. Very difficult to turn the off side front wheel. Me thinks I've a sticky caliper
 
Just went out and had a look at the car. The off side front wheel.was very dirty with brake dust. Dirtier than the near side front. Very difficult to turn the off side front wheel. Me thinks I've a sticky caliper
I have found with the mix of weather and crap on the roads that the caliper sliders could be the culprits.... easier fix than new bushing, fingers crossed it gets rid of the shakes?
 
Just went out and had a look at the car. The off side front wheel.was very dirty with brake dust. Dirtier than the near side front. Very difficult to turn the off side front wheel. Me thinks I've a sticky caliper
Got to do my rears over Chrimbo as they sqeal like a banshee when reversing, doesn't give the right impression of luxury to the local mipmops!
 

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