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Old 12-18-2005, 10:31 PM   #1
Slynke
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Default I Dont think this day could get any worse..

It all started off with finally getting around to changing my oil myself for the first time on this car. (I'm about 500 miles overdue)

So I went up to Discount Auto Parts, picked up the oil filter housing tool ($5), a 10qt pan ($6; same thing seen in other topics, with the grille to catch the bolt and all). I decided to give the filters they have in DAP a shot, since it was only $6 for the kit.

I get home, and get the car up in the air. Pop the filter housing off, and find out that the new filter I bought doesn't fit of course. No biggie, filters are actually good for about 12,000 miles anyways, so I don't think using the same one for 6,000 will hurt (besides, I can always replace it before then if need be).

Grab my 17mm socket, and strangley enough, it's too small for my bolt. I end up needing a 19mm. "Strange.." I thought, but no matter. Drained, dumped 4qts into the engine, and checked the levels. It was extremely high. I figured maybe if I let it run a little, it woudl settle down. Let it run, checked, same thing. Put it down on the ground, drove it around the block, only to notice the tranny is acting like a bitch.

Of course, I ****in' drained the tranny instead of the oil pan. (Now, I can honestly say, I still don't understand why the oil pan looks like a ****in AC compressor or something, I've never seen an oil pan with a damn grille on it). No biggie, I'll just pour the fluid back in. ****, there is no way to pour it in from the engine bay, once again, GAAAYY!

I do some research, and of course, I don't have a siphon (sp?), so I figure I will give it a shot doing it the same way you do the smaller pan, by taking it off, filling it, and putting it back on. Of course, in this process, I manage to lose a considerable amount of fluid.

So here I am now, contemplating whether to just do a whole new fluid replacement (requiring even more effort and time, which I would rather spend beating my BMW with a sledgehammer), or spending the extra $100 or so and having it done at a tranny shop..
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Old 12-18-2005, 10:57 PM   #2
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Was it lifetime fluid in the tranny?
Is the tranny still low on fluid?

Did you drain some oil out?
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Old 12-18-2005, 11:07 PM   #3
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true that....generic auto parts stores (auto zone, pep boys, advance auto, etc) do not have oil filters thats fit our cars...their computer will say they have the right part but it wont fit!
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Old 12-18-2005, 11:12 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robcarync
true that....generic auto parts stores (auto zone, pep boys, advance auto, etc) do not have oil filters thats fit our cars...their computer will say they have the right part but it wont fit!
Napa always has the oil filter in stock.
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Old 12-18-2005, 11:14 PM   #5
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ok then auto zone and pep boys and advance auto dont...and napa does...though i dont know where a napa is around here...but when i changed my oil, the car got stuck with no oil filter and was up on stands for a few days before i found one that actually fit at a European Performance shop...
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Old 12-19-2005, 12:06 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1996 328ti
Was it lifetime fluid in the tranny?
Is the tranny still low on fluid?

Did you drain some oil out?
Yes, it's the lifetime fluid.

Yes, it is now low, since I managed to spill at least 1-2 quarts onto the garage floor in the process of putting the pan back on, after pouring what I drained back into it (like I said, I have no siphon, and figured I would try what you do with the smaller pan).

Mixing new and old tranny fluid would be bad, right? The Owner's Manuel says to use Dexron II, so buying some new Dexron II and simply siphoning it in to the full hole would be a bad idea right?
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Old 12-19-2005, 02:36 AM   #7
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Bump.. C'mon guys, I need help ASAP!!! I need this baby to be fixed within the next 15 hours.
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Old 12-19-2005, 02:59 AM   #8
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if possible, try a method my friend and i used for the diff, a long clear piece of flexible tubing. you'll likely need a helper to make sure it stays in the fill out, then fill from a higher point so that it drains into the trans fill hole.

a jub with a pump on it would also work, if you can find one.

EDIT: as for mixing old and new, i'm not sure. it says this in my bentley manual:

Quote:
the automatic transmissions installed in the E36 models are normally filled with Dextron III (3) automatic transmission fluid (ATF), although alternative fluids have been installed from the factory, depending on transmission type and model year. some transmissions are filled with a special bmw "lifetime" automatic transmission fluid, which does not require periodic fluid changes.

CAUTION: mixing different types of transmission fluids will lead to transmission failure.

NOTE: the transmission lubricant installed can be found on a type plate on the side of the transmission. in addition, a sticker may be located on the fluid sump indicating the type of transmission lubricant used. if in doubt, consult an authorized bmw dealer for alternate fluid use and current information regarding transmission operating fluids.

the transmission is not equipped with a dipstick. checking the ATF level requires measuring and maintaining a specified ATF temperature during the checking procedure. the checking temperature is not fully warm or cold (the ATF sump should be approximately warm to the touch.
so it appears the biggest problem is mixing different types of fluid. check the plate on your trans to make sure what you have. i'm not sure what the lifetime ATF is that bmw uses, but you may very well need to go get some from a dealer to make sure you get the right stuff
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Old 12-19-2005, 03:00 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Slynke
Yes, it's the lifetime fluid.

Yes, it is now low, since I managed to spill at least 1-2 quarts onto the garage floor in the process of putting the pan back on, after pouring what I drained back into it (like I said, I have no siphon, and figured I would try what you do with the smaller pan).

Mixing new and old tranny fluid would be bad, right? The Owner's Manuel says to use Dexron II, so buying some new Dexron II and simply siphoning it in to the full hole would be a bad idea right?
I doesn't sound like you have much choice. Just top it off with new fluid using a siphon.

If you added 4 quarts to your engine without draining any out, that's bad. Take care of that first. Then top off your tranny.
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Old 12-19-2005, 03:37 AM   #10
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Yea, already drained it back out and finished the oil change :P

So I guess just top that bitch off with Dextron II (What it says in my manuel)
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Old 12-19-2005, 03:39 AM   #11
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check the plate on the side of the transmission to be sure!
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current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray

acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts




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Old 12-19-2005, 03:46 AM   #12
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If this thing blows up, I'm filing a civil suit against 318ti.org, along with each member who suggested this

Haha, ok, not really.
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Old 12-19-2005, 03:51 AM   #13
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only use the Dextron II if you're ABSOLUTELY SURE that's what's in there now!
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1996 318ti, California package, 267k miles
current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray

acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts




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Old 12-19-2005, 04:14 AM   #14
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this is why i'm scared to change my oil. i'm almost 1000 miles overdue. i need to get this done. is the trans drain bolt like beside the oil drain bolt? so the oil bolt is a 17 and the tranny bolt is a 19...can i just raise the front to do this. i thought it needs to be level?

i hope you fix your problem
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Old 12-19-2005, 04:21 AM   #15
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Eh, the oil wasn't even hard. Just make sure you get the right pan.. Hell, I'll take a pic of it if you want. It has a heat-sink looking grille on it (instead of looking like an ACTUAL oil pan).

So yea, just make sure teh 17mm fits. If it doesn't, your on the wrong one.. haha
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