BG tranny service

**mjs012** · 07-25-2007, 05:24 PM

I found a local shop that will do ths for $160 or $225 if the screen/filter is replaced. Do I need the screen/filter? Do I need to tell them what oil to use or will they know to use the right one? I am not sur if the BG replacement tranny fluid is universal. Thanks or all your helpe... again!!
Mike

**BillAileo** · 07-25-2007, 05:53 PM

(1) Assuming you are driving a late model US Spec XC70 you have a transmission that requires, and I mean really requires, an ATF meeting specification JWS 3309. Mobil 3309 is such a fluid as is, of course, the fluid sold at a Volvo dealership. There are other manufacturers that have fluids labeled as meeting JWS 3309. I don't know if BG is one of them. If they do not have that specification listed in writing I would definitely stay clear of them.

(2) To the best of my knowledge, there is no "screen/filter" to replace in these transmissions.

(3) I believe BG claims to use some sort of power cleaning process. I don't know if they do it on all flushes. I would be very leery of the pressurization used in such processing and whatever fluids they may be introducing into the transmission in doing this.

(4) If you are dealing with an outfit that has not successfully flushed Volvos, go elsewhere.

Bill

**Forkster** · 07-25-2007, 07:14 PM

What bill said.

**dijoe7** · 07-25-2007, 09:13 PM

if you are going to a shop that is not sure if it has a filter turn around and run out the door, my local shop promised me a fluid change for 79.95 till i got a call while they had it stating it would be 290.00 because "they didnt know" it had special fluid, this was after they assured me they had "volvo experiance". i told them park it dont do any work and i picked it up to go elsewhere

**mjs012** · 07-26-2007, 06:49 AM

Thanks again. I had read in some of the threads that the BG service was very good. I guess i shouldnt assume that the can do it on a volvo.

**VWVespaVolvoinVA** · 07-26-2007, 08:34 AM

My very reliable and knowledgeable independent Volvo shop (Bethesda Import Specialist Inc., in Bethesda, MD, home to approximately 4.3 gajillion Volvos) uses the BG fluid system exclusively. I had my 2004 XC70's fluid exchanged at about 50k miles, and it is running apparently perfectly. I think their charge was about $150.

I do NOT believe that BG fluid is labeled as 3309 compliant. But I am assured by Mike at Bethesda Import Specialist that BG is used in many Volvo servicing facilities.

**MoeB** · 07-26-2007, 01:10 PM

The 3309 spec fluid's two essential qualities are it's high friction coefficient and very high resistance to thermal oxidation. It is possible (even probable) that non 3309-certified ATFs meet or exceed the 3309 specs. Personally, I use Mobil 3309, but I've read that the BG fluid is pretty good, although I haven't tried it myself. The BG warranty supposedly covers the unit if it fails while using their fluid. If so, it might actually be worth taking the risk with an older tranny.