Replacing Transmission Fluid - 5 Speed Manual

[AnuketTi]

Hi Guys 'n Gals -

I am posting this question because I have never done this procedure and someone else may benefit from the thread.

I have a 1995 318 Ti with a 5 Speed manual and would like flush and replace my transmission fluid.

Does anyone have the procedure available and / or tips on how to do this?

Thanks!

[samdemange]

hi, look at this ( translate with g....e )

http://www.darkgyver.fr/reparation-B...nuelle-fc.html

[spidertri]

Remove the fill plug before the drain plug. The fill plug is located on the right side of the trans (looking forward) and I believe is 17mm. The drain plug is the same size and on the bottom of the transmission.

You'll need a pump to get fluid up to the fill hole, make sure the fluid you use is appropriate, earlier manuals used ATF I think.

[AnuketTi]

Originally Posted by samdemange

hi, look at this ( translate with g....e )

http://www.darkgyver.fr/reparation-B...nuelle-fc.html

Merci!

Originally Posted by spidertri

Remove the fill plug before the drain plug. The fill plug is located on the right side of the trans (looking forward) and I believe is 17mm. The drain plug is the same size and on the bottom of the transmission.

You'll need a pump to get fluid up to the fill hole, make sure the fluid you use is appropriate, earlier manuals used ATF I think.

Thanks! It seems it is indeed ATF. If so, I will upgrade it to maybe a synthetic ATF or something like Redline that was recommended. Car shifts smooth at the moment, but I can see there is a slow leak so I will need to figure out where it's coming from.

Hopefully it's just a bad crush washer and replacement will fix it.

[diegokiill]

Does 1997 TI use ATF too?

[jca]

Originally Posted by diegokiill

Does 1997 TI use ATF too?

Yes, it does. Be sure to use a high quality synthetic. I would change it out every 30k miles of so. Cheers, John

[spidertri]

Originally Posted by AnuketTi

Merci!



Thanks! It seems it is indeed ATF. If so, I will upgrade it to maybe a synthetic ATF or something like Redline that was recommended. Car shifts smooth at the moment, but I can see there is a slow leak so I will need to figure out where it's coming from.

Hopefully it's just a bad crush washer and replacement will fix it.

There aren't crush washers on the drain/fill plugs. They are just tapered thread fit. Be careful when tightening them, the torque specs called out are for dry threads, there's no way to get the threads dry, just tighten enough so that it doesn't leak.

If you currently have a leak and its not from a loose plug, chances are it is the selector shaft seal, that's a pretty common leak spot. You have to remove the selector rod to get at that seal.

[AnuketTi]

Originally Posted by spidertri

There aren't crush washers on the drain/fill plugs. They are just tapered thread fit. Be careful when tightening them, the torque specs called out are for dry threads, there's no way to get the threads dry, just tighten enough so that it doesn't leak.

If you currently have a leak and its not from a loose plug, chances are it is the selector shaft seal, that's a pretty common leak spot. You have to remove the selector rod to get at that seal.

Thanks for the information. If the leak is from the selector shaft seal, is this something I can get to from the top from inside the car or does the transmission have to be removed?

[AnuketTi]

I checked my transmission today and I confirmed that it uses ATF Oil. The sticker is on the Passenger / right side of the transmission.

I also check the leak and it seems to be seeping from the drain plug. I will replace it when I flush and refill the transmission.

I am thinking of upgrading the oil for better performance and durability.

[BlackBMWs]

I wonder if using Redline MTL in my tranny is causing any mutant transformation inside? 2 years and no issues or leaks.

[AnuketTi]

Originally Posted by BlackBMWs

I wonder if using Redline MTL in my tranny is causing any mutant transformation inside? 2 years and no issues or leaks.

Is the MTL a form of ATF or is it completely different? Did you flush the tranny out first before you started using it or just did a drain and fill?

[BlackBMWs]

It's made for Manual trannies but, now I'm inclined to check in case I shoulda used ATF. Habit and many tranny fills over the years.


1998 & 1997 318ti Sport Schwartz II
1995 318ti Active Alpineweib III

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by BlackBMWs

It's made for Manual trannies but, now I'm inclined to check in case I shoulda used ATF. Habit and many tranny fills over the years.


1998 & 1997 318ti Sport Schwartz II
1995 318ti Active Alpineweib III

Redline MTL is a gearbox oil 75W-90. Not recommended for BMW. Might be too thick. Still better than running dry though but you'll never know what it's doing to your synchronizers.
BMW recommends ATF, Dexron or Pentosin.

[AnuketTi]

Considering the advance of oil technology, I'm going to look for a synthetic ATF to use to flush and refill the tranny. Not sure how to flush it on jack stands though.

[BlackBMWs]

Originally Posted by bazar01

Redline MTL is a gearbox oil 75W-90. Not recommended for BMW. Might be too thick. Still better than running dry though but you'll never know what it's doing to your synchronizers.
BMW recommends ATF, Dexron or Pentosin.

Interesting, I know using this in my 5 series manuals have made shifting smoother and quieter. Thanks for the feedback, I'll research further.

Cheers!