05 Transmission filler plug location HELP

H8Rain · #1 05-31-2008, 02:53 PM

I am planning to do a transmission fluid and filter change on the X5 tomorrow. It has 30K miles. I have read a couple of the DIY's and I think I am all set. However, I'm not sure I have located the filler plug. All the write ups seem to reference pre 05 trucks.

Take a look at the attached picture which is my trans pan. I took this pic from the passenger side just behind the trans. I thought the filler plug was the plug just above the pan and to the right in the picture. However that "plug" has a black plug in the center which keeps you from being able to remove it. Is that not the filler plug?

Any help would be great. I'm not gonna drain it until I have located where to fill it

Tomaz · #2 05-31-2008, 03:14 PM

I changed my transmission filter and fluid with the help of the following DIY: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...smission+flush Picture number 2 shows the filler plug as it was located to the rear right side of the transmission housing. Good luck

H8Rain · #3 05-31-2008, 06:00 PM

Yeah, I read that post. Thats what led me to thinking I had located the correct filler plug. But then why is it closed up so I can't get a tool into it to remove it? Thats what makes me question it.

amacman · #4 05-31-2008, 06:56 PM

i think you should consult a bmw dealer before you touch anything as they will tell you that fluid in auto transmissions does not ever require to be changed.even checking fluid level is a complicated task,and unless there is evidence of leaking,there would be no point checking level.

swissfrank · #5 05-31-2008, 09:04 PM

In your case that would not be the correct fill plug... On a '05 the fill plug is actually in the pan itself. That big circular depression in the pan that is right in front of the drain plug is your filler.This type of filler plug will make the job a little bit messier but what happens is the filler plug is recessed in the pan to hold back the fluid until it is at the correct level... Same filling procedures as pre '03 x5's apply though!

blaubenz · #6 09-17-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swissfrank

In your case that would not be the correct fill plug... On a '05 the fill plug is actually in the pan itself. That big circular depression in the pan that is right in front of the drain plug is your filler.This type of filler plug will make the job a little bit messier but what happens is the filler plug is recessed in the pan to hold back the fluid until it is at the correct level... Same filling procedures as pre '03 x5's apply though!

.

Went to do my tranny oil changed today stop dead in my tracks when I can not find the filler plug. I have the same 05 tranny.

If Swissfrank reads this please respond to either my IM or here. I want to make clear the following: And if anyone have any additional information on this or it would sure help.

Swissfrank said the filler plug is at the bottom of the pan and it is recessed in the pan to hold back the fluid until it is at the correct level.. Same filling procedures as pre '03 x5's apply though!

Just to make clear. Is he saying the way this works is when the tyanny fluid is at the right temp with the engine running (how you normally check the tranny fluid level). The tranny fluid is at the correct level where the fluid will just about to spill out of this recessed (circular depression) plug. So if there is to much fluid it will drain. Please let me know if I got this right.

Is he also said if you were doing this yourself

"either match a fitting to your plug or you could actually fit a tube up there around the fill hole, as there is a baffle there as well".

First what does the baffle have to do with anything. Just to make clear again. Are you saying you can get a matching fitting to the depression plug threads and connect a tube to your standard tranny oil hand pump and pump in tranny fluid at the right temp and with the engine running. Over fill it a little and let the rest drain out? And you will be at the correct fluid level?

Or you can do it with out the fitting and just pump it in with the hand pump (with the engine running at the right temp) and because you don't have a fitting (not a good seal) it can be messy?

Thanks in advance any help will be appreciated.

rogerkiu · #7 06-17-2008, 09:00 PM

You x is only 30K miles, there is no point to change the fluid and the filter at all. Do not do it, otherwise you may encounter lots of problems thereafter. Totally not recommended!!!!!! You might need to do it when your x reaches 150K miles, and ask BMW professionals to do it instead of yourself.

swissfrank · #8 06-17-2008, 09:13 PM

I know lots of people like to go that route and leave it till it is already too late. The key is to catch it early and keep it under control. If you do it properly there is no difference versus having a BMW professional do it!

My $0.02

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

You x is only 30K miles, there is no point to change the fluid and the filter at all. Do not do it, otherwise you may encounter lots of problems thereafter. Totally not recommended!!!!!! You might need to do it when your x reaches 150K miles, and ask BMW professionals to do it instead of yourself.

rogerkiu · #9 06-18-2008, 02:43 AM

yes, agree. but change TF at 30K miles? you are absolutely wasting your money. the TF is claimed to be lifetime use, i suggest change TF after at least 100K miles if you really think it is necessary and of course you can do it yourself if you really do have the required skills and tools.

one thing you need to be noticed is that lot of people here encounter transmission problem after they unnecessarily change the TF. in most of case of transmission failure, it is not caused by TF, but the valves or some other parts of the transmission.

swissfrank · #10 06-18-2008, 05:10 AM

To each their own. I'm not here to argue or change your view point and I respect your opinion however I want to make a few quick points.

Most people don't even think about changing their fluids until the transmission starts to act a bit funny. Most of the time at this point a failure is inevitable and it was already too late to do a fluid service.

The failure caused in my transmission was fluid related. The F Clutch Piston was worn(from 100k+ fluid), which in turn caused a leak, which caused the failure of the sealing surface of the piston.

The fluid spec'd for these transmission only has a 3 year shelf life from the manufacturer in a bottle!