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Transmission maintenance

3K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  1995i540 
#1 ·
I just got a 1994 E34 525i with an automatic transmission. Was looking at the maintenance schedule -- got my 40k inspection II coming up -- and was expecting to see some transmission maintenance: flush, filter, check fluid levels, whatever; but there is nothing. Shouldn't one replace the fluid or at least check the level?
 
#2 ·
I change my transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles or so. I think I read it somewhere. BTW, mine was first changed at about 80,000 miles.

Note there is no dipstick and the fluid level must be checked under the car with everything level. Search for the how-to. I let the local BMW indy do it for me.
 
#5 ·
Guys.... leave your automatic transmission alone unless you have:

A) Leak
B) Shifting problems

Deadeye you need to raise the car up on 4 jack points or a lift and undo drain plug, if fluid comes out your level is good otherwise you need to top it off.

Again please do not change your fluids without having your current fluid tested and looking how much particles will come out the transmission. Always use ZF approved fluid.

If you have burning/particles in the fluid (heavy) do not change fluid until you actually start having problems with shifting.

Never power flush.
 
#8 ·
Gu

If you have burning/particles in the fluid (heavy) do not change fluid until you actually start having problems with shifting.

Never power flush.
Hi,

Please do explain the background logic behind these two comments, if you can spare a few minutes. They seem counter intuitive at first blush.

rgds,
Roberto
 
#6 · (Edited)
You can use any fluid of the correct rating for your transmission provided its from a reputed company. The Bentley manual has precise details...and there was an oil chart somewhere i lost it with my old computer.

I used Castrol Dex 3 for my transmission, which is actually the wrong fluid going by the manual, and have noticed no troubles and no degradation in performances, and its been three years. I recently checked its colour and it was fine.

That being said, semi and fully synthetic transmission fluids (those sold by zf especially) have come down in price in recent years. They have the huge advantage of greater tolerance and maintenance of its lubrication properties while under greater heat, and can tolerate this much longer, than non synthetic oils. They also cost anything from 2-4 times more than normal oil. However, since the service interval can get extended greatly (at least twice I believe) and since the tranny service is a costly affair labourwise, it would be a good investment to deploy fully synthetic tranny oil.

You can, always, from time to time, either go to your mechanic for a quick direct check or remove your transmission oil line from your radiator to check on your radiator fluid, to help you determine the time you need to change it.

There are different brands of fully synthetic tranny oil. ZF remains the priciest, but other reputed manufacturers sell it cheaper. Its been nearly 20 years since castrol-zf invented synthetic tranny fluid and other players have caught on. I got a whole batch from a japanese manufacturer at close to half the price of the ZF stuff. My transmission specialist uses that for his BMWs without mischief. We're talking anything from 8-12 litres here (and even more if you need to flush your tranny which you ought to if the existing oil is black in colour when spread out on kleenex, medium brown is the limit and dark brown is the uncomfortable limit :) ) so the cost numbers can run up quickly. It pays to invest some time in research here. Ensure that it is compatible with the ZF fluid, or of the same specs. Of course, you can never go wrong with anything OE. But it is not a sacred cow so I disagree with 1995i540 that you need to stick to that religiously.




rgds,
Roberto
 
#7 ·
K. What sort of fill is it?. Humor me I'm new to bimmers. I've have dubs all my life. Can it be filled from top side or is it pumped in from the bottom? If so can this be done without takin it to a garage? I've always worked on my own vehicles so I have a fairly good understanding. Would I need a specific tool/attachment?
 
#11 ·
Please do a search for the bentley manual for E34s on google and download it off the links which appear. The information you require along with extensive diagrams are listed there. This is an important resource for DIYers.

It is also important for you to read the stickies at the thread, and search these archives for common well known no-start issues, if you just bought your E34 and especially if she's your DD.

In short, to answer your question, the drain plug is at the bottom of the tranny.
 
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