Change Transmission Fluid and Filter on X5 3.0i

[BMC530i]

Great first post and DIY, welcome to the forum.

[LeiZ]

Wholy Shiii !!! I just found out my first Trans Fluid DIY was WRONG!

I unscrewed another bolt which is the wrong one according to the post, and filled the fluid in. And my X is still running!! for 10K miles already......

[championscooter]

Originally Posted by LeiZ

Wholy Shiii !!! I just found out my first Trans Fluid DIY was WRONG!

I unscrewed another bolt which is the wrong one according to the post, and filled the fluid in. And my X is still running!! for 10K miles already......

Do you have the X5 4.4? Because the filler plug for this model located on the opposite side (passenger side) and next to the exhaust pipe. You probably did it correctly.

[chewytang]

Originally Posted by LeiZ

Wholy Shiii !!! I just found out my first Trans Fluid DIY was WRONG!

I unscrewed another bolt which is the wrong one according to the post, and filled the fluid in. And my X is still running!! for 10K miles already......

The bolt was on the same side as the 17mm filler bolt, but higher and toward the front of the tranny case. It's a 5mm inner hex bolt. I looked for a5s-390r tranny diagrams but found no info on this bolt. When I removed it, there was a slow and continuous drip of presumably tranny fluid. After I realized my mistake, I replaced this and filled through the correct filler port.

Test drove and so far so good. Anyone know what that smaller bolt goes to?

Thanks.

[RRPhil]

There’s a pressure test plug close to the filler/level plug (for the diesels).



Maybe that was it?

Phil

[chewytang]

Hey thanks Phil. That's the one exactly. So sounds like unscrewing and screwing this bolt won't be an issue.

I couldn't quite get the car totally level. Had to jack the back up and deflate the front tires (haha). Took about 4.8L of Dexton VI.

Only drove it for 13 miles or so but I'm already feeling a better engagement and crisper shifts.

Cheers,
Chewy

[saldip]

Help please
ATF Fluid change – E53 3.0 litre Petrol

I’m hoping someone has prior experience in solving this problem
I was attempting to change my ATF and accidentally rounded-off the head of the Fill Plug.

I have tried all methods / solutions I could find on-line.
Do not have a welder or access to one, or I would simply weld another larger nut onto the existing Fill Plug.

I used a Universal pipe Wrench / Quick Snap-N-Grip Spanner which has easy access and excellent grip IF TIGHTENING the plug – but those clever engineers did not allow access when loosening the plug.

FYI – I started this removal with an extremely snug open ended spanner, but I was not aware that hit the outer flange of the sump which forced the tool to move away from the plug, which started the rounding-off. Then I tried the extremely snug closed end of a combination spanner, with the same result.

It ‘appears’ to me that I would have easy access with the Universal pipe wrench if I removed the sump, but I do not have facility to leave the car for extended time if that does not work.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The only method I have not used is a blow-torch, and the welder as noted.

Thanks, Sal

PS – big thank you to ‘championscooter’ for his post – particularly the wooden ramps suggestion, which gave me supreme confidence when working under the car

[cn90]

Originally Posted by saldip

...I accidentally rounded-off the head of the Fill Plug..

Please post a photo of your current situation so we can look at it.

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by BMC530i

Great first post and DIY, welcome to the forum.

Yeah, nice first post. Welcome to the club.