Transmission Fluid Change DIY

[TiminIndy]

Will bump this thread again and get it back on topic with a couple of questions I have on transmission fluid & filter change:

1) Is the Elring filter a good choice? I saw somewhere that Elring is an OEM supplier for BMW, but I don't know if they supplied transmission filters. Best price I found on this was $26.39 from AutoHaus which comes with the gasket and the 20 pan bolts. I have also seen some Meyle aftermarket filters for about the same price, which is much better than $110 for OEM at BavAuto.

ElringKlinger 24117557069 Auto Trans Filter Kit

2) If I'm doing a double drain & fill, is the old & new sufficiently mixed after running it 15 minutes and moving it through the gears while up on the lift?

3) I've done a lot of reading on replacement fluids and I think I'm going with Dexron-VI. Best price I found from a reputable brand was 12 quarts of Mobil Dexron-VI from The Lubricant Store for $55.44 + $9 shipping. I noticed some of the brands say synthetic and Mobil says 'synthetic blend', but since the GM specs are so specific, I'm wondering how there could be much of a difference. Does anyone see a reason not to use Mobil Dex-VI?

(my trans has the blue sticker with p/n 83220024359, which is unavailable and has been superseded by Dexron-VI)

Mobil ATF Dexron VI (Case - 12 Quarts)

4) When cleaning the pan, do I just wipe it out real good or should I use a parts cleaner or de-greaser on it? If so, any recommendations on what to use?


One other comment: I have a floor jack and jack stands and was going to do this in my driveway (can't currently get it in my garage!). Even with the jack stands, I wasn't looking forward to working on my back and weather is up and down around here lately. Then I found a place called Indy's DIY Garage where you can rent a bay with a lift for $25/hour. Seems like it would be well worth it to be able to stand under the vehicle. I figure even if I take my time to get everything right, I should be able to change fluids in the transmission, transfer case, and both differentials in a couple of hours. You might check your area for one of these:

https://www.facebook.com/IndyDIYGarage/?fref=ts

[racebmwm3]

- I've always used Elring filters without issue. 325k and counting on my old 535i.
- I would take it off the lift and drive it around for a good 15-30 minutes. You don't want to drain it without getting it up to temp and thoroughly mixing things.
- Take some Brakleen and clean the pan with some lint free towels. Make sure it is spotless. If there are magnets, take them out and clean them thoroughly. The beauty of doing this yourself is knowing the job was done right. I wouldn't trust anyone to a trans job.

[TiminIndy]

Okay thanks, more:

5) Would you drain and change the filter first, then another drain/fill, or would you drain/fill, then drain and change filter/fill?

[racebmwm3]

Originally Posted by TiminIndy

Okay thanks, more:

5) Would you drain and change the filter first, then another drain/fill, or would you drain/fill, then drain and change filter/fill?

Always change the filter last. You don't want to drive around with any junk that was dislodged shortly after your last drain/fill.

I would drain, fill, drain, change filter, fill.

Depending how long ago you did the last filter change (or someone else did it) I wouldn't drive thousands of miles after the first refill without a filter change. Again, I don't want to drive around too long if there is junk dislodged and trapped in the filter.

[TiminIndy]

I doubt it has ever been done. I have all mx records from 2nd owner (2010-2015) and nothing about it there and nothing in the CarFax report about it. He bought it CPO, so everything was done under the BMW warranty until Nov 2012. Unless the pan comes off to replace the AT Oil Cooler thermostat. This was replaced in Sept 2014 when they replaced the coolant expansion tank and auxiliary fan assembly, but I'm guessing no or they would have added that on this invoice:

[MPDano]

Did we have a picture where the 17mm allen fill plug is exactly located? Drop the Belly pan?

My wifes 2004 3.0 is slipping when cold. Actually been doing this for years. We just let it warm up and coast downhill until you can hear it engage.

Dex IV if I remember way back in this thread.

[bpathare]

My 2004 3.0 has 17mm normal (not allen) fill plug located on the driver side back corner just above where the pan meets the housing. The drain plug removal needs a Torx (like a star) drive bit T50 or T55 (I'm not sure). The fluid is Dextron VI BMW part 83222163514. 6 liters for dropping pan & fill. 4 liters if only drain & fill. This is for my 2004 3.0. Mostly same but doesn't mean exactly same for another 2004 3.0. Check it all out under the vehicle before you start. See this thread link. It has pics for 2001 3.0. My drain & fill plugs are like in these pics.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...r-x5-3-0i.html

[MPDano]

Verified my numbers were different than yours but probably equivalent. Drain Plug is Torx T45 and the Fill Plug is a 17mm wrench. Went to Pelican and ordered my Oil (5+1 litre) and filter kit w/new bolts and a pump. They have never done me wrong. $125 shipped

Automatic Transmission Fluid (5 Liter)
Brand: Febi Bilstein Note: Equivalent to: Dexron VI, Texaco ETL-8072B. (2004 BMW X5 3.0i Sport Utility)
Part #: 83-22-0-397-114-M36

[MPDano]

Just did mine today. All the 10mm bolts were easy except for one. I ended up filling with about 7.5 quarts before it started to spill out the fill hole. Definitely more than I drained out. Torqued bolts to about 7 pounds, had to estimate as my Torque wrench numbers start at 10. I just dialed it down a few.

The big test is tomorrow am when it is cold.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Just did mine today. All the 10mm bolts were easy except for one. I ended up filling with about 7.5 quarts before it started to spill out the fill hole. Definitely more than I drained out. Torqued bolts to about 7 pounds, had to estimate as my Torque wrench numbers start at 10. I just dialed it down a few.

The big test is tomorrow am when it is cold.

Buy an inch-pound torque wrench. Your torque wrench isn't that accurate at the lower or higher range. It can be off by 20-30%.