Replacing transmission fluid and filter.

[vping]

I'd like to do it because I do not have the history of service yet. Is it recommended?

Has anyone done it themselves and what does it entail?

I'd like to find a Bentley Manual so I can start to do more work myself.

[glen-sj]

Read this acticle on changing A/T fluid and filter. It'll give you an idea of what it entail. I've sucessfully done it on my 92 525, I went as far as flushing the entire transmission, with this you'll need helpers. I'm currently working to do the fluid and filter change on my 95 530.
Here is the acticle by Pelican Parts - http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto.htm

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Read this acticle on changing A/T fluid and filter. It'll give you an idea of what it entail. I've sucessfully done it on my 92 525, I went as far as flushing the entire transmission, with this you'll need helpers. I'm currently working to do the fluid and filter change on my 95 530.
Here is the acticle by Pelican Parts - http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto.htm


90 535 should be way easier....drian plug, one pan and a dip stick

[632 Regal]

dont flush it, just the pan and filter, repeat a couple times a year and you shouldnt have any probs

[BigKriss]

easy, peasy, japanesey

http://bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/transmission/automatic_flush.htm

[Phatty5BMW]

I'd like to do it because I do not have the history of service yet. Is it recommended?

Has anyone done it themselves and what does it entail?

I'd like to find a Bentley Manual so I can start to do more work myself.

Just don't be like me and break off one of the pan gasket bolts. Then try to use a bit extractor, then break that off in there. After that, Drilled it out with a drill bit (which barely worked) then break the bit off in there! Yep, I drilled a new hole, and put the clamp on right next to it :) It works and has no leaks! besides setting me back a few days without my car and completely freaking me out in the process! Other than that, its easy lol

-Pat

[ThoreauHD]

That's quite a story.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y106/toasty0z/3stooges.jpg

[Phatty5BMW]

[QUOTE=ThoreauHD]That's quite a story.

lol ya, wasn't fun, very nerve racking. An experience none the less. More like a horror story.

[nirvana19]

I've gotta get on this job asap, no clue when my transmission fluid was last changed. Any recommendations on what type of fluid to use? I'm not going to flush, just drain from the plug. I fear a flush would destroy my tranny.

Heres a stupid question but i've gotta ask, how do you refill the fluid? Dipstick tube seems to be the only way unless i'm totally missing something...

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Dip stick is the easiest.....new ones don't have 'em and that's more fun to fill.

[BigKriss]

use dexron 3 fluid and pour it in from the dipstick tube - should take 3-4 litres


I've gotta get on this job asap, no clue when my transmission fluid was last changed. Any recommendations on what type of fluid to use? I'm not going to flush, just drain from the plug. I fear a flush would destroy my tranny.

Heres a stupid question but i've gotta ask, how do you refill the fluid? Dipstick tube seems to be the only way unless i'm totally missing something...

[nearle]

use dexron 3 fluid and pour it in from the dipstick tube - should take 3-4 litres

I am looking to do this too. Is there a cheaper way than buying the BMW fluid for $130 /5 liters?

[BigKriss]

yes, yours doesn't use dexron 3 but another type. the 540 has lifetime fluid. there are distributors that sell it cheaper than the dealer though.

is has been talked about in earlier threads and suitable lifetime fluid substitutes.


I am looking to do this too. Is there a cheaper way than buying the BMW fluid for $130 /5 liters?

[AngryPopTart]

easy, peasy, japanesey

http://bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/transmission/automatic_flush.htm

This man links the TRUTH!

Protip: Get lots of rags and have a drain pan larger in diameter than the pan itself because once the pan is off, the transmission will never stop dripping.