3.0d auto gearbox fluid

[b3oty]

I want to change the oil/filter on my 2001 3.0d auto gearbox, but i want to avoid paying BMW dealer inflated prices for the parts if possible.

Does anyone know of a source of the filter/gasket kit in the UK other than main dealers?

The green sticker on the bottom of the pan says use BMW oil part number 83220026922 and I am looking for an alternative oil to use. I know BMW say only use that part number, but I've been looking around on the web and a lot of people seem to think that this is just an excuse for BMW dealers to over charge for the oil and it is in fact Texaco ETL 7045E which is the same stuff as ESSO 7114 or any Dexron iii transmission oil.

Can anyone confirm this please?

Also, does anyone know how many litres of oil I will need?