Operatiing Fluids Group 24 Automatic Transmissions:
 

I have been fretting over what ATF to put in my '97 Active w/4-Speed Automatic. Finally I went to my local BMW Dealer and the service person at the parts counter (Linnion Christian - BMW of Peoria) printed out the following from a Techincal Service Bulliten from March 2008 - What a helpful Guy!
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3.1 GM Transmissions

USE OF ANY OTHER OIL WILL CAUSE A NON WARRANTABLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE

*Transmission identification plate can be utilized to determine proper trasmission fitted in vehicle

A4S 270R (THM-R1W)

E36
318i/is/iC/ti from 1996 to 1999 Production

All reputable brand name Automatic Transmission Fluid of the Dexron III formulation.

A4S 310R (THM-R1)

E36
318i/is/iC/ti from 1992 to 1995 Production

All reputable brand name Automatic Transmission Fluid of the Dexron III formulation.
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I am going to drain out the old ATF, replace the Filter, and refill with Redline D4 ATF. I got the Transmission Filter/Gasket Kit from Pelican Parts (09-2043-004-M30 - $30.25).

I already replaced the Rear Diff Oil with Redline 75W90NS All-Synthetic Formula (for non-LDS like mine).

have you been having transmission problems? BMW uses a lifetime ATF that shouldn't be replaced unless you are actually having transmission problems, if everything's working the way it should you're better off just leaving it alone

Hi Pauly...I've not been having any problems...I know you mean well but Dexron-III is not "lifetime fill".

"ESSO LT 711 41" or "Shell LA 2634" is the "lifetime fill" - not used in 318ti.
"Shell M-1375.4" is the "100,000 Mile" Fluid - not used in 318ti.

This information is from the very same printout I got from my local BMW Dealer. Therefore I will change it out, even though it's contrary to what is commonly posted in this and other forums...I'm obviously more inclined to take from the "Horses Mouth" than elsewhere.

Bavarian Autosports discusses the reason the BMW "Life Time Fluids" should be changed in their Spring 2006 newsletters (you can access it on their web sight). Its basically to reduce the preventative maintenance cost of BMW ownership. The fluids really are not lifetime fluids in the 318 Ti according to Bav auto.

In he Winter 2008 newsletter they have a Table outlining their preventative maintenance recommendations for most BMW models. Most of the information in the table contrasts the Ti Owner's Manual for preventative maintenance.

Its all interesting but has left me a little confused too.

Any Dexron III ATF will work in our automatics. There's about 10 options at your local parts store, and all will work perfectly fine, so don't fret over your choice. I have generic Farm and Fleet Dexron III in my 318ti. 169,000 total transmission miles and it still works flawlessly. I have something like 20,000 miles on the fluid as well.

150,000 miles is pretty much lifetime for any car. I'm not sure why people think lifetime means until the car rusts into tiny little pieces.

my mistake, I was just reposting what I've heard on here