Manual Transmission Fluid
 

Hi, I've got a '96 318ti with a 5 speed manual. I want to change the transmission fluid but have a few questions.
What kind of fluid does it take and what is the capacity?
Which brands do you recomend?
Will draining the pan remove all of the old fluid?
Thanks everyone.

Royal Purple.... works great

D4ATF / 1.2L

I use redline, and a suction gun to get anything left (usually nothing). Warm it up and it should just drain out.


REMEMBER TO TAKE OUT THE FILL BOLT FIRST!

i'm looking to change mine too. think i'm going to go with lubro-moly gear oil. capacity should be listed in your owners manual. but basically, drain it out as aceyx said, then put the drain plug back in. fill until it starts coming out the fill hole, put fill plug back in, done.

1. remove FILL bolt*
2. remove drain bolt
3. clean bolts and reinstall drain bolt to 50NM
4. fill to capacity (stop when it comes out of fill hole)
5. reinstall fill bolt to 50NM

*if you remove the drain bolt and realize the fill bolt is stuck, you're screwed. Make sure you can fill it back up before you drain it. If at this point you still mess up, it's not my fault.

17mm and socket handle. You may also need penetrating spray and a hammer: use a liberal amount of spray and leave overnight, refresh in the morning and drive the car around to warm up the fluid. On return if it's still stuck, tap gently to the side (I usually tap in three directions) and try again.

If you can't get it out by that point, I'd suggest taking it to a mechanic. You might end up stripping the threads at which point you'll need a tap set.