using Valvoline Maxlife for years with no issues

 

+1. My 04 just hit 181K miles and the last 70-75k miles has been on Maxlife. Considering the majority of my driving is in stop and go traffic (NYC), no issues and the transmission shifts nice and smooth.

 

Red Line D6 ATF. Full synthetic.

I'm surprised more folks don't talk about Red Line in this forum. I'm a long-time BMW CCA member, and it's probably the most used, most recommended source for aftermarket synthetic fluids among Club members. Check it out... Red Line Synthetic Oil

 

+1 Redline is the correct call, but I believe it's D4 ATF that's compatible with Matic S specs. It's done a great job in my Titan with a PML extended and finned tranny pan for towing.

 

Mobil 1, Royal Purple and Amsoil are compatible with Matic S.

 

I've switched between AMSOil and Matic S. I can't tell any difference between them. I'll use which ever is less expensive.

 

My vote is Royal Purple. I've been using that in my 04 for years....a bit pricey but cheaper than a 5k+ trans rebuild .

Terry

 

I also used valvoline max life atf and it shifts smooth even with 35's and 20's. About to do another drain and fill from the pan this weekend. And very good price too!

 

No way I'm using anything but Matic S in that expensive SOB.

 

Is there ever a need to drop the pan on these transmissions? I am planning on doing 40k drain and refills...2 so far...bought car with 75k miles and immediately changed with the Matic. I used Valvoline Max Life on 2nd and it seems to be working flawlessly.

 

They say no cause the trans filter isn't as easily replaceable and th gaskets are dealer only. From what I've read on this forum. Can't say from personal experience cause I haven't dropped the pan and looked. Guess it's one of those "lifetime" things but I'm still going to eventually replace it, probably on my 4th drain and refill(doing my second today since purchasing it) On my Chevy the trans filter could just be pulled out and the new filter came with a new gasket for the pan.

 

On my first transmission fluid change I dropped the pan and cleaned it out, mainly to ensure I removed all the crud from being a new transmission and new fluid. After that, I won't drop the pan.

 

AMSOIL.com has a great vehicle lookup feature to find all of your fluids for your vehicle.

 

I did the AMZOIL thing and sucked out all the all fluid with a suction pump, Mighty Vac thing and have had no issues. Also did the rad bypass with an external cooler. Seems to work.