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US X3 Automatic Transmission / Fluid Facts

266K views 300 replies 85 participants last post by  RolandSpoon 
#1 · (Edited)
THIS IS FOR N. AMERICAN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION X3s ONLY. This does not necessarily apply to X3s sold elsewhere in the world.

Basic E83 Transmission Facts

The 2003-2006 US E83 (X3) models came with a GM 5L40-E MX5 automatic transmission. The BMW name for this transmission is the A5S 390R. This transmission was made in Strasbourg, France. It is a 5 speed steptronic transmission. No US model used the ZF transmissions. (If you have a US X3 without a GM tag on the driver's side of the transmission, please post so I can correct this.)

The 2007-2010 US E83 (X3) models came with a GM GA6L45R automatic transmission. The BMW part number for this is simply GA6L45R. This transmission was also made in Strasbourg, France. It is a six speed steptronic transmission. No US model used the ZF transmission. (Again, if your X3 is from the US and it does not have a GM transmission, please post.)

Transmission Fluid

For 2003-2006 X3 models, BMW specified an ever changing list of automatic transmission fluids (ATF) as these fluids became obsolete over time. The current recommendation from BMW is DEXRON-VI ATF, which means the fluid conforms to the GM DEXRON-VI specification. (AKA DEX-VI, Dexron VI, Dexron 6, Dex 6, DEX 6, etc).

For 2007-2010 X3 models, the recommended fluid has always been DEXRON-VI.

DEXRON is a GM trademark. GM alone determines whether an ATF may use the DEXRON mark on the product label. GM suggests that ALL of their automatic transmissions (from 1968 on) should now use a DEX-VI ATF, and BMW now recommends DEX-VI for all 2003-2010 US BMW X3s. Here are the facts about DEXRON: Wikipedia DEXRON

Tips on Fluid / Filter Change

BMW claims the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is lifetime, and should never be replaced. There is a sticker on the bottom of the transmission pan that says to never change the fluid. Some BMW dealers now refuse to change transmission fluid. In engineering school I learned that no oil lubricates forever. I have a friend who was an engineer that tested transmissions at Allison Transmission for 20 years, and he agrees.

So here is my advice, which you can follow at your own risk, or ignore completely.

1) Somewhere between 50K and 100K miles, change the filter, and drain and fill the fluid. I suggest the MEISTERSATZ filter. Here is a tutorial on this process for the same transmission in a BMW E46: ATF Filter Tutroial. Here's my handy PDF summary of this tutorial, with full size pics ready for printing: PDF of Tutorial with Pics

2a) For a 2007-2010 X3, use a trustworthy brand of DEX-VI. Any brand that is actually licensed by GM should work, even Wal*Mart brand. I wouldn't use that, but I'm paranoid.

2b) For a 2003-2006 X3, use a trustworthy brand of DEX-VI, or a fully synthetic ATF. I say this because Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is NOT DEX-VI certified (I wrote to Mobil and asked), but it seems to have better viscosity ratings across the board than Mobil Dexron-VI. Also, Mobil Dexron-VI ATF is a blend and not purely synthetic, and I like synthetic.

Here are the specs for Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and Mobil Dexron-VI ATF: Mobil Dexron-VI ATF vs Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF

3) Finally, "Power Flushing" is safe AFTER THE FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THE FLUID HAS BEEN REFILLED. I spoke with the owner of Pat's Automatic Transmission Service in Broomall, Pennsylvania last week. He said that while I could do a drain, fill, and then have him flush it, that this would cost a fortune. The problem is that the transmission and torque converter combined hold about 10 quarts of fluid. The transmission specialist told me that as soon as the clean fluid is pulled into the transmission, it mixes with the old fluid that is already in there. So for the flush, they just keep pumping in new fluid until the out-flowing fluid is clear. For a 10 quart transmission, he estimated it would take 20 quarts of new fluid to do the flush, and that's after you've used 6 or 7 quarts on the drain and fill. His recommendation was to change the filter, refill the transmission, drive 50 miles, and then drain from the drain plug and refill again. Otherwise, you're going to spend big bucks on fluid.

Comments Welcome
If you are an engineer at a transmission company, a chemist with a lubricant company,or an ASE Certified Master mechanic, I would love to hear your thoughts. If anything that I've stated as a fact above is false, and you have evidence, please post so that I can make corrections. At some point GM will supersede DEX-VI with a new specification, so if you're reading this years from my original posting date, please keep that in mind.

EDITs:
Originally misstated 5L40-E as 4L40-E, which does not exist
Added links to the Wikipedia site for both transmissions
Edit paragraph about power flushing to include expert advice
 
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#223 ·
I just also wanted to clarify and confirm that what swampx3 said about using a IR thermometer on the pan is correct and very practical.

Many many owners have serviced their transmission using that method and they are fine.


Given the wide acceptable range of temperature 35-45C, even a thermometer with +- 5 degrees is definitely fine.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#226 ·
I just also wanted to clarify and confirm that what swampx3 said about using a IR thermometer on the pan is correct and very practical.

Many many owners have serviced their transmission using that method and they are fine.

Given the wide acceptable range of temperature 35-45C, even a thermometer with +- 5 degrees is definitely fine.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I listened to swampX3 and actually used 2 different thermometers for fluid temperature today to fill my transmission correctly. Once this old geezer gets the cable and software, then I might be dangerous, LOL. Thanks for the info on the programming and all and I apologize for requesting it in this thread as I didn't realize that this was a no no. To everyone, I am sorry.
 
#231 ·
Quick question for 2004 X3 2.5i Auto with 84K miles (GM trans with green label)...

- Plan to use Castrol Dexron-VI...

- For a simple drain and refill, how many quarts needed?

Thanks!
Usually no more than 6, I always have a 7th on standby that I'll save for the next time.

Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest mobile app
 
#235 ·
What do they consider a "fluid change" - a simple drain and refill or a complete exchange using a machine? My plan has been to do a simple drain and refill every 30K, but of course, that only changes about half the fluid. Maybe that's not adequate?

OTOH, there's a guy on the E53 forum with over 300K miles on his original trans who apparently insists on sticking with the original fluid to the extent possible. Apparently he has drained the fluid to change the filter, but then he poured that old crap back in there - only adding enough new fluid to top it off. Amazing. Not what I would do.

AM.
 
#237 ·
This isn***8217;t heart surgery

I drop about 4 liters out f drain plug, sneering at the lifetime oil sticker, and then idle the car while I put 4 liters back in the fill hole , once a year or 12000 miles, roughly, until it drips from hole, then put the plug back in.

I***8217;m roughly replacing the ATF every 3 years/ 36k with this model, a little excessive but $20 of ATF a year won***8217;t break the bank.
 
#289 ·
This isn***8217;t heart surgery

I drop about 4 liters out f drain plug, sneering at the lifetime oil sticker, and then idle the car while I put 4 liters back in the fill hole , once a year or 12000 miles, roughly, until it drips from hole, then put the plug back in.

I***8217;m roughly replacing the ATF every 3 years/ 36k with this model, a little excessive but $20 of ATF a year won***8217;t break the bank.
What's your mileage like?
 
#238 ·
Is the "sneering" a critical part of the procedure? I forgot to do that and now I'm worried. ;-)

AM.
 
#244 · (Edited)
Essential, but not critical. Chest thumping on Internet Fora about it, critical

:rofl:

If you do the three drain and fill ritual, you get 90% out, then just do the 4 liter swap once a year and your fluid will stay fresh. That***8217;s my strategy. Choose relatively warm weather so the oil flows freely
 
#242 ·
Sure, but if you just do a simple drain/fill, you'll only have gotten about 40% of the fluid out. Most do 2-3 drain/refills with a little driving in between to blend the old/new fluids. If you told us which model you have, I'm sure we could find a DIY video or something to guide you. Be sure you understand the procedure for refilling to the proper level. Trans temp about 90*F, vehicle idling in park after going through the gears.

AM.
 
#247 · (Edited)
I found this oil, Castrol Transmax Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid for Import and Domestic Vehicles 6 x 946 ml

Is that a good fit, based on the search, it is good price and a good fit.


Anyway, ordered 2 cases. Thanks.
 
#248 ·
I found this oil, Castrol Transmax Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid for Import and Domestic Vehicles 6 x 946 ml

Is that a good fit, based on the search, it is good price and a good fit.

Anyway, ordered 2 cases. Thanks.
More information is required: if it is the Dexron 6, it is the proper fluid for your vehicle. If it is ANY other type of Transmax, it will waste your transmission in short order.
 
#253 ·
Sorry, I should make it more clear and post the data sheet as well, here is the castrol data sheet for this oil, it exceed dexron XI and licensed as well.

https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/0C7F2A42E180533080257CF500642CB9/$File/BPXE-9KZPMZ.pdf




It says...

Licensed and approved for use in:
All GM vehicles (DEXRON®-VI, DEXRON®-III, DEXRON®-II, DEXRON®-II-D, DEXRON®)
All Ford vehicles requiring MERCON® LV


Warranty and Protection Requirements
Exceeds all passenger car and light truck manufacturer***8217;s warranty requirements for vehicles, transmissions or
power steering service where a DEXRON®-VI or MERCON® LV type ATF is specified
 
#257 ·
I wouldn't use that.

Use Mercon in a GM trans, it'll blow. Use Dex in a Ford trans, it'll blow. That stuff is approved for both transmissions, which means it isn't great for either transmission.

I got a case of Valvoline Dex 6 (NOT the one posted... the one I got isn't Mercon compatible) from Advance Auto online for the same price or cheaper IIRC recently, and that's what currently is in my Silverado. In a few thousand miles when the E83 is due for a filter/drain/fill, it'll receive the same. The Valvoline Dex 6 is full synthetic, whereas the Castrol Dex 6 is only semi-synthetic IIRC.
 
#260 ·
How so? Did the female allen hex round out? Mine was quite rusty and rust-rounded, so I'd welded a nut to it to remove it. Use a GM drain plug for an of their 6 speed transmissions (get one at the auto parts store) and cut the smooth, non-threaded end off it (that is beyond the threads) and use that. It has an honest 14mm bolt head for easy removals in the future, and an integral rubber o-ring for sealing. An 8 mm allen is too small to apply much torque when they corrode.
 
#263 ·
THIS IS FOR N. AMERICAN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION X3s ONLY. This does not necessarily apply to X3s sold elsewhere in the world.

Basic E83 Transmission Facts


The 2003-2006 US E83 (X3) models came with a GM 5L40-E MX5 automatic transmission. The BMW name for this transmission is the A5S 390R. This transmission was made in Strasbourg, France. It is a 5 speed steptronic transmission. No US model used the ZF transmissions. (If you have a US X3 without a GM tag on the driver's side of the transmission, please post so I can correct this.)

The 2007-2010 US E83 (X3) models came with a GM GA6L45R automatic transmission. The BMW part number for this is simply GA6L45R. This transmission was also made in Strasbourg, France. It is a six speed steptronic transmission. No US model used the ZF transmission. (Again, if your X3 is from the US and it does not have a GM transmission, please post.)

Transmission Fluid

For 2003-2006 X3 models
, BMW specified an ever changing list of automatic transmission fluids (ATF) as these fluids became obsolete over time. The current recommendation from BMW is DEXRON-VI ATF, which means the fluid conforms to the GM DEXRON-VI specification. (AKA DEX-VI, Dexron VI, Dexron 6, Dex 6, DEX 6, etc).

For 2007-2010 X3 models, the recommended fluid has always been DEXRON-VI.

DEXRON is a GM trademark. GM alone determines whether an ATF may use the DEXRON mark on the product label. GM suggests that ALL of their automatic transmissions (from 1968 on) should now use a DEX-VI ATF, and BMW now recommends DEX-VI for all 2003-2010 US BMW X3s. Here are the facts about DEXRON: Wikipedia DEXRON

Tips on Fluid / Filter Change

BMW claims the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is lifetime, and should never be replaced. There is a sticker on the bottom of the transmission pan that says to never change the fluid. Some BMW dealers now refuse to change transmission fluid. In engineering school I learned that no oil lubricates forever. I have a friend who was an engineer that tested transmissions at Allison Transmission for 20 years, and he agrees.

So here is my advice, which you can follow at your own risk, or ignore completely.

1) Somewhere between 50K and 100K miles, change the filter, and drain and fill the fluid. I suggest the MEISTERSATZ filter. Here is a tutorial on this process for the same transmission in a BMW E46: ATF Filter Tutroial. Here's my handy PDF summary of this tutorial, with full size pics ready for printing: PDF of Tutorial with Pics

2a) For a 2007-2010 X3, use a trustworthy brand of DEX-VI. Any brand that is actually licensed by GM should work, even Wal*Mart brand. I wouldn't use that, but I'm paranoid.

2b) For a 2003-2006 X3, use a trustworthy brand of DEX-VI, or a fully synthetic ATF. I say this because Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is NOT DEX-VI certified (I wrote to Mobil and asked), but it seems to have better viscosity ratings across the board than Mobil Dexron-VI. Also, Mobil Dexron-VI ATF is a blend and not purely synthetic, and I like synthetic.

Here are the specs for Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and Mobil Dexron-VI ATF: Mobil Dexron-VI ATF vs Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF

3) Finally, "Power Flushing" is safe AFTER THE FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THE FLUID HAS BEEN REFILLED. I spoke with the owner of Pat's Automatic Transmission Service in Broomall, Pennsylvania last week. He said that while I could do a drain, fill, and then have him flush it, that this would cost a fortune. The problem is that the transmission and torque converter combined hold about 10 quarts of fluid. The transmission specialist told me that as soon as the clean fluid is pulled into the transmission, it mixes with the old fluid that is already in there. So for the flush, they just keep pumping in new fluid until the out-flowing fluid is clear. For a 10 quart transmission, he estimated it would take 20 quarts of new fluid to do the flush, and that's after you've used 6 or 7 quarts on the drain and fill. His recommendation was to change the filter, refill the transmission, drive 50 miles, and then drain from the drain plug and refill again. Otherwise, you're going to spend big bucks on fluid.

Comments Welcome
If you are an engineer at a transmission company, a chemist with a lubricant company,or an ASE Certified Master mechanic, I would love to hear your thoughts. If anything that I've stated as a fact above is false, and you have evidence, please post so that I can make corrections. At some point GM will supersede DEX-VI with a new specification, so if you're reading this years from my original posting date, please keep that in mind.

EDITs:
Originally misstated 5L40-E as 4L40-E, which does not exist
Added links to the Wikipedia site for both transmissions
Edit paragraph about power flushing to include expert advice
 
#264 ·
Hi Dewayne,

THANK YOU for your excellent thoughts & how-to's.

I got my oil changed at a Valvoline, and they recommended I change the transmission oil in the next 2-3,000 miles. Said it was dirty.

They said they did not do this service, but that it was reeeeeeaaaaally easy. They said to get a pump --hand or electric-- to remove most of the transmission fluid (*I have a 2006 x3 3.0i w/ 105,000 miles), and pour in new t-fluid.. and that would be fine.

I've got some guy friends who offered to help. But if it is too involving, I'll probably skip asking for this favor and just take it somewhere..... so wondering if YOU think it is "super-easy" like the Valvoline guys led me to believe. You impress, so trust your counsel.

Same question for the filter? was that easy? (also, the Valvoline fellas did not mention replacing a filter -- just the dirty fluid ... how important is the filter?)

I've got a big credit at a parts website for BMW, and buying the transmission fluid from them would be a good way to use it up (or put big dent into it). Ditto a filter.

Also, your .pdf is no longer linked.. if I sent you my e/mail, could you lob it to me (if not too much trouble).

Thanks Dewayne (if you have time to reply), or others who are a knowledgeable and generous as Dewayne,
B.
 
#265 ·
THIS IS FOR N. AMERICAN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION X3s ONLY. This does not necessarily apply to X3s sold elsewhere in the world.

Basic E83 Transmission Facts


The 2003-2006 US E83 (X3) models came with a GM 5L40-E MX5 automatic transmission. The BMW name for this transmission is the A5S 390R. This transmission was made in Strasbourg, France. It is a 5 speed steptronic transmission. No US model used the ZF transmissions. (If you have a US X3 without a GM tag on the driver's side of the transmission, please post so I can correct this.)

The 2007-2010 US E83 (X3) models came with a GM GA6L45R automatic transmission. The BMW part number for this is simply GA6L45R. This transmission was also made in Strasbourg, France. It is a six speed steptronic transmission. No US model used the ZF transmission. (Again, if your X3 is from the US and it does not have a GM transmission, please post.)

Transmission Fluid

For 2003-2006 X3 models
, BMW specified an ever changing list of automatic transmission fluids (ATF) as these fluids became obsolete over time. The current recommendation from BMW is DEXRON-VI ATF, which means the fluid conforms to the GM DEXRON-VI specification. (AKA DEX-VI, Dexron VI, Dexron 6, Dex 6, DEX 6, etc).

For 2007-2010 X3 models, the recommended fluid has always been DEXRON-VI.

DEXRON is a GM trademark. GM alone determines whether an ATF may use the DEXRON mark on the product label. GM suggests that ALL of their automatic transmissions (from 1968 on) should now use a DEX-VI ATF, and BMW now recommends DEX-VI for all 2003-2010 US BMW X3s. Here are the facts about DEXRON: Wikipedia DEXRON

Tips on Fluid / Filter Change

BMW claims the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is lifetime, and should never be replaced. There is a sticker on the bottom of the transmission pan that says to never change the fluid. Some BMW dealers now refuse to change transmission fluid. In engineering school I learned that no oil lubricates forever. I have a friend who was an engineer that tested transmissions at Allison Transmission for 20 years, and he agrees.

So here is my advice, which you can follow at your own risk, or ignore completely.

1) Somewhere between 50K and 100K miles, change the filter, and drain and fill the fluid. I suggest the MEISTERSATZ filter. Here is a tutorial on this process for the same transmission in a BMW E46: ATF Filter Tutroial. Here's my handy PDF summary of this tutorial, with full size pics ready for printing: PDF of Tutorial with Pics

2a) For a 2007-2010 X3, use a trustworthy brand of DEX-VI. Any brand that is actually licensed by GM should work, even Wal*Mart brand. I wouldn't use that, but I'm paranoid.

2b) For a 2003-2006 X3, use a trustworthy brand of DEX-VI, or a fully synthetic ATF. I say this because Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is NOT DEX-VI certified (I wrote to Mobil and asked), but it seems to have better viscosity ratings across the board than Mobil Dexron-VI. Also, Mobil Dexron-VI ATF is a blend and not purely synthetic, and I like synthetic.

Here are the specs for Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and Mobil Dexron-VI ATF: Mobil Dexron-VI ATF vs Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF

3) Finally, "Power Flushing" is safe AFTER THE FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THE FLUID HAS BEEN REFILLED. I spoke with the owner of Pat's Automatic Transmission Service in Broomall, Pennsylvania last week. He said that while I could do a drain, fill, and then have him flush it, that this would cost a fortune. The problem is that the transmission and torque converter combined hold about 10 quarts of fluid. The transmission specialist told me that as soon as the clean fluid is pulled into the transmission, it mixes with the old fluid that is already in there. So for the flush, they just keep pumping in new fluid until the out-flowing fluid is clear. For a 10 quart transmission, he estimated it would take 20 quarts of new fluid to do the flush, and that's after you've used 6 or 7 quarts on the drain and fill. His recommendation was to change the filter, refill the transmission, drive 50 miles, and then drain from the drain plug and refill again. Otherwise, you're going to spend big bucks on fluid.

Comments Welcome
If you are an engineer at a transmission company, a chemist with a lubricant company,or an ASE Certified Master mechanic, I would love to hear your thoughts. If anything that I've stated as a fact above is false, and you have evidence, please post so that I can make corrections. At some point GM will supersede DEX-VI with a new specification, so if you're reading this years from my original posting date, please keep that in mind.

EDITs:
Originally misstated 5L40-E as 4L40-E, which does not exist
Added links to the Wikipedia site for both transmissions
Edit paragraph about power flushing to include expert advice
Are you referring to US X3s as ones produced in South Carolina or jut fit the US market? My 07 X3 was produced in Austria. Which transmission do I have?
 
#266 ·
My suggestion(s) for your answer is: you will need to crawl under the car & see what sticker information is on the transmission, that's the best way. All others is based on an assumption.
or #2, go to realoem.com & enter your last 7 vin# & then browse parts. Go to the transmission & see what they call out. I'm pretty sure all automatic transmission were made by GM in France, for the face change models in 2007. Some one else will need to verify this.

FWIW, The first-generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform. The E83 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria who also manufactured all first-generation X3s under contract to BMW.

The F25 is the second generation of BMW X3 being released in 2010 for the 2011 model year. For this generation production moved from Austria to BMW's US factory in Greer, South Carolina.[21]
 
#268 ·
Hi Rentoc + rav31,

I ordered ATF (fluids) and filter today -- and place ordered from looked-up my car using the VIN.. is "
M54 3.0i"(not one made abroad).. ...that part foggy on -- but they DID (again using my VIN) let me know I have a GM transmission, so could sell me needed items that were correct. {whew}

That said, I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE the point to realm.com rav31 -- what a great resource. MASSIVE THANKS!!!

I'm blown-away by how wonderful so many on Bimmerfest are - thanks everyone,
dumbdumb x3 owner in California
 
#270 ·
BTW, RE:
"FWIW, The first-generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform."

I was kinda happy that I finally left corp-company cars and bought an SUV.. then discovered at first trip to the mechanics that the x3/e83 was nothing more than a BMW 325 with a 'different top'... all other parts were 325 ones.. ugghhHH/hahhaaaaa... oh well, probably don't need SUV capabilities except when take the car skiing (and almost never use my car for such jaunts)..so not a big deal -- but did feel foolish.
 
#273 ·
BTW, RE:
"FWIW, The first-generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform."

I was kinda happy that I finally left corp-company cars and bought an SUV.. then discovered at first trip to the mechanics that the x3/e83 was nothing more than a BMW 325 with a 'different top'... all other parts were 325 ones.. ugghhHH/hahhaaaaa... oh well, probably don't need SUV capabilities except when take the car skiing (and almost never use my car for such jaunts)..so not a big deal -- but did feel foolish.
Less than 1% of SUV drivers actually need the capability of a true SUV. Rarely have I done something with my E83 that I couldn't do with my air cooled Beetle; I've hauled more lumber with the Bug than the BMW. Don't feel foolish; you'll never be left wanting. If you had plans of tackling the Moab, you wouldn't have shopped BMW anyway. Every crossover today is based on a car chassis, there are very few truck-based or dedicated true SUVs left (off the top of my head, some Jeeps, MBs, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequioia, Land Cruiser & 4Runner, Rovers, and the domestic Full sizers). There are differences between the E46/90 and the E83; suspension components have been upgraded between the cars and the CUV/SAV (don't call the E83 an SUV) to handle additional stresses; I'm not aware of any chassis components that are interchangeable between the two.
 
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