Transmission Oil change; how often?

[applefan]

Hello -

I have a 96/318ic with 152K miles. Wondering how often should I change the transmission oil.

Is it a DIY job? How much will it cost if I have to get it done outside?

Thanks!

[CirrusSR22]

Automatic or Manual?

If it's a manual, it's DIY for sure. Remove the fill plug, remove the drain plug. Replace the drain plugs with a new crush washer, then fill the transmission until it overflow from the fill plug. Approx 1.1 quarts. You do need to buy a cheap fluid pump though.

The automatic is FAR more involved, messy and exacting. It's still a DIY though.

[applefan]

Its Automatic.

[wolferj-RIP]

Here's a DIY for Auto Trannies...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...Fluid_Auto.htm

Good luck!

[CirrusSR22]

Also download this.
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Tranny/SD92-114.pdf

[applefan]

Thank You Wolferj and Cirruss

Another quick question - I was looking at the owner's manual and it says for Automatic
"extended duty lifetime fluid" - no change required
note: Dexron III ATF

In that case should I even bothered to change the fluid? Thanks again

[kevinheap]

Lifetime mean life of the tranny. I just did this job on our 525 touring. BMW advisors will say 100,000 is time for change of tranny fluid. You will find alot of discussions about this in different net forums.

Note: tranny life would be less if you do not change it, make sense?

[applefan]

Kevin, absolutely. it makes sense. Thank you!

I am going to get it changed as well. Since I don't have a ramp, probably I am going to get it done at a local shop. The guy at local shop said he would do it for $240 which includes Dexron III and gasket replacement

[kevinheap]

I suppose it would be worth it if you do not want to wrench it. I ended up stripping one of the threads and for the big pan and had to helicoil it. It was messy but I enjoyed it.

[applefan]

I really wanted to do it myself too. But little scared to go under the car. How did you do it ? with the car on a ramp or on jack stands?

[wolferj-RIP]

Originally Posted by applefan

I really wanted to do it myself too. But little scared to go under the car. How did you do it ? with the car on a ramp or on jack stands?

Either is ok... Just never get under a car that is supported only by a jack, it's a quick way to die. A little fear is a good thing, sometimes. Respect it.

Another DIY;
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...Jacking_Up.htm

[applefan]

Thanks Wolferj. makes perfect sense!

[applefan]

I am getting the filter kit from autohausAZ, but couldn't find Dexron III there


Should I get any specific type or any Dexron III from a local auto shop will work ?

[kevinheap]

I used synthetic max life on mine. Do not over tighten the pan bolts, read the spec for that. If the car is not running it will spill out right from the get go so that tells you it has to be running when you fill it up too. You need to run through the gears to get it all in from what I have read and you do that on the jacks with a assistant putting it in through the gears with his foot on the brake, while you fill it, or take it down and drive it for a while.

You want to wet the gasket with ATF before replacing I believe. In my book you tighten bolts around in a circle not across like most stuff. Car should be as close to level as you can.

I got my fluid pump from BAVauto for $20 and it worked well.

You sound kind of new at this so please be careful in all that you do. Do not run the car in the garage for along time like I did as it is dangerous even with the door open.

[aceyx]

I usually drive on to ramps on the front then jack the back. If I'm working on the rear I put the ramps at back and jack the front. Saves a bit of time for me.

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