avslash
Full Access Member
Those are useful links.
Did the solenoid kit from ebay also include the replacement foam strip that seals the solenoids?
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Transmission concerns
- Thread starter Fields Carlisle
- Start date
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Those are useful links.
Did the solenoid kit from ebay also include the replacement foam strip that seals the solenoids?
scott schmerge
Full Access Member
It did not. I did not replace the foam strip. Mine was in good shape. The first versions of the zf transmission did not have these. My understanding is the foam keeps particles out that circulate in the fluid. Not certain it’s a critical part.
I also did use the Mercron SP fluid which is compatible according to ZF. It is red in color but chemically consistent. I believe there are anti-shudder properties (like Lubegard instant shudder fix) which gives it its red color. If you look on several of the bmw forums and other conversations about fluid, Mercron SP checks out. It was $90 for 12 quarts...so there’s that and didn’t have to take out a second mortgage to buy fluid -Lifeguard 6. I also found this link for fluid which also seems to be a compatible fluid, but didn’t do much research on it.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/282910028278
Mercron SP is working great and all is shifting as it should. Very little concern with compatibility, but thought it worth a mention. I’ll probably swap the fluid more often (every 30k) due to affordability of Mercron.
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Krill
Full Access Member
I’m headed home to do my transmission fluid change, valve block seal and 4 valve body seals. Just want to double check that I DO NOT need a transmission adaption reset or any sort of programming. Obviously the *mectronic* unit comes down to replace the seals but I just need to be sure that I don’t need the IID tool to reconfigure anything.
avslash
Full Access Member
I did exactly what you are describing a month or so ago.
I did not reset, and truck shifts fine afterwards.
Krill
Full Access Member
So.....hit my first problem. Drained the transmission fluid and it’s red... I assumed it would be filled with the ZF(clear) which is what I bought to refill it. I’m assuming it won’t matter mixing the fluid..? I’ve read about the people switching to the Mercron(red) fluid but because there is no way to drain the torque converter it would be mixing the fluids any way correct?
scott schmerge
Full Access Member
Yes, I went the opposite direction. I put in Mercron from ZF. If you’re dropping the mechatronic, majority of the fluid will drain out.
All is shifting fine with a slight mixture. Keep in mind these are compatible fluids so the chemical composition is very similar. The Mercron has anti shudder properties which are similar to dr trannys instant shudder fix additive (same color red). Fluids even smell the same. My best guess is this change won’t cause much issue. If you have shudder after the fluid swap, you might add one or two tubes of the dr Trannys.
Are you experiencing any problems with the transmission currently?
Krill
Full Access Member
Occasionally a weird downshift(clunk into gear) and in the mornings the first shift after start up kinda holds out to 2200rpm then once trans is warm it shifts perfect.
scott schmerge
Full Access Member
Got it, does not sound major. Fingers crossed this fixes for you! Keep us posted.
Krill
Full Access Member
Did getting the mecktronic unit down give you any issues? Mine seems to be hung up on one corner( there the white plastic release clip is)
