Valvoline MaxLife ATF Warning!!!

[darkstarmedia]

In getting ready to do my tranny service I re-checked my research on the Valvoline MaxLife ATF.

It seem they changed their formula and they no longer list BMW or the LT 71141 spec on their updated pdf... here is probably why the change:

From their 7/6/2010 spec sheet

"It is formulated with premium base stocks, unique seal conditioners, long-life friction modifiers, ..."

from the original one listed on e38.org (spec sheet dated 8/3/07)

"It is formulated with synthetic base stocks, unique
seal conditioners, long-life friction modifiers, ..."

Until we can get a verification from Valvoline direct it seems that the Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is the last one left that states compatibly.

Richard

Mods... this might be a good sticky if it pans out...

[m3studio]

Haha! I never trusted MaxLife any how. I was looking recently and it wasn't on their list anymore. Hey everyone SWITCH or USE




Also suitable for use in vehicles that specify the following fluid requirements:

Audi G 052 025-A2, G 052 162-A1
BMW LA2634
Esso LT 71141

[randomdude]

I have 4 gallon jugs and 5 quarts in the trunk of my 7 and all of them have LT 71141 on the label. There are even two different labels between the jugs.

Did they change their formula or lose the cert?

[Chief Jimbo]

As long as it is listed on the label you should be fine.. That is what I used on my rebuild. I believe they switched the formula recently and you have the older synthetic version which works good..

[m3studio]

I trust Mobil-1 anyway.. I use their oil too. Mobil-1 everything

[Edwin NL]

Thanks for the heads up

[RIboater]

The two gallons I picked up, which I haven't used yet, both say synthetic and have the BMW LT 71141 spec on them. I'm sure there's still a lot of it out on store shelves but yes, time to read the label if you want to use it.

[randomdude]

I called Valvoline this morning and they said that they changed viscosities, thus the new data sheet. He went on to argue with me that it still meets LT 71141 requirements. It was a long and hardheaded argument where apparently the info in front of him is different what we have available.

Personally, if it isn't on the bottle I am not going to put it in. What I have says it's good, so I am going to use it.

[darkstarmedia]

I used their contact form. what you want is an official signed letter on Valvoline letterhead that says that Valvoline has tested for and approved their current blend to meed the LT71141 spec. And that it would be covered under their fluid warranty.

Anything short of that is insufficient. Unless it's in writing it doesn't count.

Richard

[randomdude]

I know...for this morning I was more interested in why the new bottles didn't have the spec, as long as it was a change in spec what I had was fine as it said it on the bottle.

[redpicker]

Personally, if it isn't on the bottle I am not going to put it in. What I have says it's good, so I am going to use it.

You're making the assumption that they changed the label and the formulation at the same time. Who's to say they didn't have a couple of boxes of the old labels on hand and a floor manager decided it didn't matter and used up the old labels even though he was processing the new formulation?

I've got a gallon bottle (that has LT 71141 on it) and a couple of quart bottles that does not. I think I'm going to use it all for power steering fluid, or some other use, and get some Mobil 1.

Thanks, DarkStar, for bringing this up. I noticed the quart bottles didn't have the LT71141 on them when I bought them, but didn't think anything about it (It was MaxLife and the big bottle had it on there, so I just figured it was an issue with space on the label).

rp

[stonecloser]

Castrol is a good alternative. Been running it in my 5HP24 for 6 months with no problems and shifts very smooth and they list LT71141 on the bottle. <$5/ bottle at autozone etc

[darkstarmedia]

By the way, I have heard no response from Valvoline....

Richard

[randomdude]

I was wondering that today. It's almost like you were reading my mind!

[darkstarmedia]

And they know about this post... I put the link in the email contact form

Richard

[randomdude]

They know...but it's doubtful that they care.

[tekazgtr1984]

Is Mobil1 the only option out there?

[randomdude]

I was at the store the other day and there was one other brand that had our code on it...I don't remember what it was though. I do remember I would spend the money in a heartbeat for Mobile 1 in comparison.

Hopefully Valvoline will pull through and clear us to keep using their product. Options are good.

[tekazgtr1984]

Is any other brand bad for the E38 transmissions?

[randomdude]

Anything that does not have the LT 71141 rating.

[tekazgtr1984]

So, Lubro Moly is a no go, then.

Methinks I'm gonna have to source some Esso LT-71141 ATF.

[darkstarmedia]

So, Lubro Moly is a no go, then.

Methinks I'm gonna have to source some Esso LT-71141 ATF.

Just get the Mobil 1 stuff... just as good at 1/3 the cost.

Richard

[Fast 7]

Just put some of the Valvoline max life out of the gallon jugs in my 2000 740il today with a new filter and it shifts super smooth. It had the lt-71141 on the label and we got 4 of them and they only charged us for 2. Score.

[tekazgtr1984]

I stand corrected. Ha!

http://www.liqui-moly.de/liquimoly/p...id/e_3680.html

[oliverr871]

I noticed this too when I was trying to look for an equivalent for the A5S360R transmission in my E46 323i. I read the latest PDF and I saw that the MaxLife did not have the LT71141 BMW on it. Since it's fairly new, just look at the bottle and if its still the old-style ones with ESSO on it, you're fine.

Other alternatives are either Castrol Multi-Vehicle ATF and Mobil 1 ATF. Castrol is cheaper though.