What transmission oil is used in the BMW 1 Series?
2 Answers
BMW 1 Series uses ZF brand transmission oil. Transmission oil is a lubricant that maintains the cleanliness of the gear system, ensuring the proper functioning of the transmission and extending the lifespan of the transmission components. Functions of transmission oil: Reduce friction and wear, control clutch friction and synchronizer performance; bear loads (low-speed high torque, vibration loads), dissipate heat, reduce vibration and noise, remove contaminants from gear meshing areas (cleaning function); prevent corrosion, pitting, and surface metal tearing, isolate metal surfaces, and prevent direct contact between metal parts. Transmission oil replacement intervals: Manual transmission: Manual transmission oil is generally recommended to be replaced every three years or approximately 100,000 kilometers; Automatic transmission: Automatic transmission oil is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers; Continuously variable transmission (CVT): CVT oil is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers.
I've been driving an older BMW 1 Series for almost ten years, and the transmission oil issue really depends on the specific model and year. My 2010 manual transmission uses Castrol GL-4 gear oil, but the newer automatic models mostly require ZF 8-speed specific fluid. I remember the mechanic saying during the last service that cars manufactured after 2015 must use fluids with LL-17 certification, otherwise it may trigger the transmission protection program. The OEM fluid costs over 200 yuan per liter, but actually, Fuchs 4144 can be a cost-effective alternative if compatibility is confirmed. I stick to a 40,000 km oil change interval since transmission repairs are more troublesome than engine repairs, and frequent gear shifts in city traffic accelerate fluid degradation. An extra reminder: cars with modified powertrains are better off using ester-based full synthetic oils.
