Automatic Transmission Fluid

[dkeats]

I have 2004 X3, Auto, and was trying to determine if there is anyway to check the ATF Fluid level. Looked in the owners manual, under the hood, nothing. Is this BMW's way of telling me it is "lifetime fill", never needs checking? The dealer was more then happy to sell me a couple pints of fluid but did not let on there is no way to check or top off! Thanks.

[primetime]

You don't need to mess with it really.. If the car drives fine then you don't need to worry about it...But, If you're tranny is slipping or acting up the least of your worries is adding fluid to top it off.

[AzNMpower32]

I would change it at 60k if you plan to keep the car for a long time. But there is no way to check the level or the condition. I changed the ATF and transfer case fluid at Inspection II, and both were fairly dirty.

[nosoule46]

Originally Posted by dkeats

I have 2004 X3, Auto, and was trying to determine if there is anyway to check the ATF Fluid level. Looked in the owners manual, under the hood, nothing. Is this BMW's way of telling me it is "lifetime fill", never needs checking? The dealer was more then happy to sell me a couple pints of fluid but did not let on there is no way to check or top off! Thanks.

The only way to check it is to stick your finger in the pan. If you plan to keep the car past 100k then have the "lifetime fluid' changed along with the ATF Filter. Also do the Transfer case fluid, front and rear differentials.