I recently did an auto transmission oil change on a ZF5HP24. Having read on these boxes failing at high mileage if there has been no prior regular maintenance I decided to still go ahead with it.
The vehicle is a 2002 e39 540i with 258 000 km on the clock. The issue I had when I got the car was the "pulsing/fluctuating" rpm with very slight torque converter rattle on 4th or 5th gear at cruising speeds (I am somewhat a granny driver). The vehicle drove and shifted perfectly fine with this issue. The rpm is fluctuating is even more aggressive on cruise control.
The transmission then developed a hard shift from 2nd to 1st when stopping somewhat quickly. The pulsing then started occurring more frequently and the rattle got slightly louder. To me this said torque converter is on its way out or the trans is not getting the required "hydraulic pressure". I then took the gamble to change the oil as a measure to prolong the torque converter replacement.
I purchased the oil (ravenol 5/4hp), filter and gasket (Febi).
I started the job and just after cracking the sump bolt I had to attend to something else, leaving the oil draining overnight (6is liters). What came out was black oil which didn't stink at all as other forums state. (A glimmer of hope as I thought the oil/filter had been done before).
Filter removed was a Filtran dated 20 Feb 2002. the fear of not having a driving car at this point was at peak.
The new filter came with a gasket, filter screws and two O rings, one already installed on the filter.
The new oil was surprisingly very light in colour and had somewhat of a strong smell but nothing unbearable.
I did the whole refill and 30 to 50 degree fill (6ish liters), working in this area is not fun because the car gets to temp quite easily and the exhaust is next to the fill plug. After finishing, I took the vehicle for a test drive. The vehicle can now maintain a higher gear lowe speed without down shifting or feeling out of place. The trans doesn't have the hard shift from 2nd to 1st. The rattle is gone but the pulsing/fluctuating rpm is still present but a bit more gentle even on cruise control.
The main question I have on my mind now is how much more KM's I'll get after this before a rebuild or a second hand box?, has anyone done this aswell on their vehicle and what was your experience?.
The vehicle is a 2002 e39 540i with 258 000 km on the clock. The issue I had when I got the car was the "pulsing/fluctuating" rpm with very slight torque converter rattle on 4th or 5th gear at cruising speeds (I am somewhat a granny driver). The vehicle drove and shifted perfectly fine with this issue. The rpm is fluctuating is even more aggressive on cruise control.
The transmission then developed a hard shift from 2nd to 1st when stopping somewhat quickly. The pulsing then started occurring more frequently and the rattle got slightly louder. To me this said torque converter is on its way out or the trans is not getting the required "hydraulic pressure". I then took the gamble to change the oil as a measure to prolong the torque converter replacement.
I purchased the oil (ravenol 5/4hp), filter and gasket (Febi).
I started the job and just after cracking the sump bolt I had to attend to something else, leaving the oil draining overnight (6is liters). What came out was black oil which didn't stink at all as other forums state. (A glimmer of hope as I thought the oil/filter had been done before).
Filter removed was a Filtran dated 20 Feb 2002. the fear of not having a driving car at this point was at peak.
The new filter came with a gasket, filter screws and two O rings, one already installed on the filter.
The new oil was surprisingly very light in colour and had somewhat of a strong smell but nothing unbearable.
I did the whole refill and 30 to 50 degree fill (6ish liters), working in this area is not fun because the car gets to temp quite easily and the exhaust is next to the fill plug. After finishing, I took the vehicle for a test drive. The vehicle can now maintain a higher gear lowe speed without down shifting or feeling out of place. The trans doesn't have the hard shift from 2nd to 1st. The rattle is gone but the pulsing/fluctuating rpm is still present but a bit more gentle even on cruise control.
The main question I have on my mind now is how much more KM's I'll get after this before a rebuild or a second hand box?, has anyone done this aswell on their vehicle and what was your experience?.
