Transmission Fluid Change DIY

[dykstra]

Great thread!

[mrl]

Heres a straightforward way of replacing the rest of the fluid while the pan is off
Before replacing the filter seal,, insert a hose into the hole where the filter goes and put the other end in a 6qt container of new fluid. Make sure the end at the trans is sealed and the hose length is as short as is practical. Turn the engine over until the fluid is just about gone. You should be seeing clean fluid falling into the catch pan. Make sure the engine doesnt start. Theres very little old fluid left at this point, less than a quart. Now finish up as you normally would.

[TriX5]

This is interesting. Two questions, how long\short was the hose you used? What size catch pan does it take? Sounds like it could get messy....

[mrl]

The pan is just the one i put under the trans when i pulled the filter. Fluid drips out not sprays
the hose length was about 1 ft. The length of the fluid container which i placed under the front of the trans as high as i could get it

[upallnight]

If you trans is not leaking any fluid the best method to determine how much fluid to put back in, is to put in the same amount that came out. There a variation in the temperature range that the fluid is allowed, I believe it's from 30C to 50C. ATF contract and expand with temperature, that is why they advise you not to check the fluid level when the engine is at operating temp because the fluid in the trans will have expanded. If you open the fill plug to check the level the ATF will flow out and when it cool down it will contract and the trans will be low on fluid.

[neilrmp]

I am finally finished changing my transmission fluid and filter, I had some issues along the way, three of the pan bolts broke off, I tried taking them out without the correct tool and that caused more issues, but I did complete the job flushing the oil twice, the car does work better shifting into gears, so I am happy, next change I will make sure I have all the necessary tool to do it without any issues, Thanks for all the help.

BTW I got the fluid (which is Dexron vi) from my local dealer for $45.00 for 4L.

[Ricky Bobby]

Great to hear you finished it up Neil i'm sure the truck is much happier with fresh fluid regardless of what BMW says

What is the necessary tool you needed? i've broken way too many bolts in my day haha

[neilrmp]

I needed a center tap and bolt extractor, I had an inexpensive one from harbor freight which broke inside the bolt, that took most of the time trying to remove it.


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[bmmr11]

I just bought a 2002 4.4 from a Sewel Mini dealer, does anyone know if BMW will give me a maintenance report for this vehicle? Its a one owner and supposedly been serviced at the dealer its whole life. It has 140 on it and want to know if the tranny has ever been serviced??

[neilrmp]

Originally Posted by bmmr11

I just bought a 2002 4.4 from a Sewel Mini dealer, does anyone know if BMW will give me a maintenance report for this vehicle? Its a one owner and supposedly been serviced at the dealer its whole life. It has 140 on it and want to know if the tranny has ever been serviced??

From what I learned BMW do not service the transmission they replaces it with a new one, and if the vehicle was serviced by a BMW dealer I think the info will be in the key fob.