Gearbox Service - Manual Cars

[MercChef87]

Hi All

Just wondering if anyone could advise as trying to figure out if worth doing a gearbox service for a manual car or if they're only really mainly for Automatics

I have a A Class A180 W176 2013 manual, done around 73000 miles, never had gearbox service done

My understanding is that with the manual cars they don't have a transmission filter so would only be a case of replacing the transmission oil every so often miles?

Any advise would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[jasonh]

I don't know specifically about Mercedes manuals but I know Ford and BMW don't have a service requirement for manual gearbox oil changes. BMW has a "sealed for life" policy, but they have also have had that for automatics!!!

In my case I do change the gearbox oil, usually it comes out looking dirty and the gearbox is quieter and smoother afterwards. At 73k miles I'd change it. They don't take much oil so you can use decent synthetic oil and it doesn't cost much. Gearboxes are expensive; an oil change is not.

 

[fabes]

BMW has a "sealed for life" policy, but they have also have had that for automatics!!!

What a load of baloney!
X1 ATF being changed at 62k tomorrow

Gearboxes are expensive; an oil change is not.

Saying that, whilst gearboxes are expensive, the 8 speed on the X1 is filled with Unicorn juice
£450 for the preventative job, of which the oil is over £300 alone!

 

[SpikyMikey]

BMW say "sealed for life" on autos (which to me means "until it goes BANG!").
However they will quite happily sell you the kit of bits to do a transmission fluid and filter change
ZF who make the 'boxes recommend 60K miles as the service point. I image they should know.
Anyhoo, none of that helps the OP with his question.

 

[DSM10000]

BMW has a "sealed for life" policy, but they have also have had that for automatics!!!

What a load of baloney!
X1 ATF being changed at 62k tomorrow



Saying that, whilst gearboxes are expensive, the 8 speed on the X1 is filled with Unicorn juice
£450 for the preventative job, of which the oil is over £300 alone!

Is that by a dealer or Independent?

 

[Fastcar155]

On the VW group gearbox dq200 is a sealed for life jobbie.

Actually that comment is misleading in that it's 15 years or 150000 miles or as so done said until it goes BANG

 

[MercChef87]

I don't know specifically about Mercedes manuals but I know Ford and BMW don't have a service requirement for manual gearbox oil changes. BMW has a "sealed for life" policy, but they have also have had that for automatics!!!

In my case I do change the gearbox oil, usually it comes out looking dirty and the gearbox is quieter and smoother afterwards. At 73k miles I'd change it. They don't take much oil so you can use decent synthetic oil and it doesn't cost much. Gearboxes are expensive; an oil change is not.

Thanks

Yeah looking online just the transmission oils are pretty cheap!

 

[fabes]

Is that by a dealer or Independent?

Indi just down the road from me.

Main dealer BMW quoted £850
Yes, really!!!

 

[DSM10000]

Indi just down the road from me.

Main dealer BMW quoted £850
Yes, really!!!

Would you mind sharing the Independent's details?

My X1 will need a gearbox service in 10k

 

[jasonh]

The ZF 8HP gearbox supposedly has to have Lifeguard8 oil only.

When BMW were using the 6HP gearbox it was specified as Lifeguard6 oil only...however it turned out Shell made the oil for them and you could buy the Shell M-1375.4 oil for £3 a litre not the £20 for the branded Lifeguard6. When this became well known Shell were stopped from selling the oil. However Ford sold cars in the US with essentially the same 6HP gearbox and specified Ford Mercon SP oil at about $3 a litre. So the oil was a essential a rip off and a money maker for ZF.

Now, there are cheaper LG8 alternatives (than the genuine stuff at £30 a litre) but are you brave enough to use them. ZF (and therefore BMW) cunningly void the warranty if you don't use their oil.

The oil change procedure is much the same as changing the oil in a Mercedes but BMW just charge a lot more.

 

[SpikyMikey]

I'm shortly going to have my 8HP serviced. Luckily I have an official ZF service agent not too far from me. Yet to get a price.

 

[fabes]

Would you mind sharing the Independent's details?

My X1 will need a gearbox service in 10k

Iridium who were bought by Sean of the New Chapel garage business (who then also bought the Hi Q franchises locally)

Iridium

Mixed reviews I accept, but I dropped the car in for a check over a couple of weeks ago (funny rattle and groan from the gearbox - noted after I had already decided to do the ATF) and the main Tech met me and seemed a 'good egg'.

We will see

Main BMW dealership next to them office just want to fleece you (and your wallet).
It's must be a German marquee 'quirk'

 

[fabes]

I believe mine is the "Aisin gearbox used in some BMWs is an 8-speed automatic transmission known as the GA 8F 22AW or TG-81SC"

I will ask tomorrow, just because I am a

 

[SpikyMikey]

I believe mine is the "Aisin gearbox used in some BMWs is an 8-speed automatic transmission known as the GA 8F 22AW or TG-81SC"

I will ask tomorrow, just because I am a

My old Cavalier had an Aisin-Warner autobox which had a handy "snow mode" button.
Never needed in winter, but got us out of wet, muddy Brands Hatch carparks on more than one occasion.

 

[DSM10000]

I believe mine is the "Aisin gearbox used in some BMWs is an 8-speed automatic transmission known as the GA 8F 22AW or TG-81SC"

I will ask tomorrow, just because I am a

I think mine is the 8 speed ZF 'box.

From memory the sump is plastic and is changed along with the fluid?

 

[SpikyMikey]

I think mine is the 8 speed ZF 'box.

From memory the sump is plastic and is changed along with the fluid?

Yep, filter is built into the sump.

 

[DSM10000]

Yep, filter is built into the sump.
View attachment 173047

I find it is a very good gearbox, smooth changes and responsive.

 

[SpikyMikey]

I find it is a very good gearbox, smooth changes and responsive.

Likewise generally. Still trying to work out if my slightly laggy throttle response is torque convertor related or otherwise. Going to try the Throttle Body Adaptation Reset to see if that makes a difference.

 

[DSM10000]

Likewise generally. Still trying to work out if my slightly laggy throttle response is torque convertor related or otherwise. Going to try the Throttle Body Adaptation Reset to see if that makes a difference.

Which engine have you got?

 

[SpikyMikey]

Which engine have you got?

B48 330i