6HP26X with metal pan
 

I was under the X5 spraying some WD40 on the bolts in preparation to my oil change, and got a bit confused by the identification of the filling/drain plugs.
Can you guys confirm that I got it right by refering to the picture of my transmission below.

A: I don't know
B: Filling hole (I tried to remove the plastic plug with moderate force without success, should I apply more force at the risk of breaking it?
C: Alternate filling hole when 'B' is blocked by exhaust
D: Drain plug

It's the first time I realise that this transmission can be filled from underneath the pan (there is a well inside the pan that extend toward the top).
Anybody used that method to fill his tranny?
It looks to me that it is easier to use 'B' as a filling hole though.

Suggestions are welcome.

Picture is here: (can't link to an image, site doen't allow??)
http://www.angeleyescontroller.com/W...P26X_plugs.jpg

C is the fill hole.
D is the drain.

Loosen C before undoing D. Make sure you are able to fill back up before draining. You don't need to use wd40 on the bolts, the torque on them is very small, and they will come out no problem.

...and I think you will find the Fill Hole B is filled with resin where a hex would fit so it's not an option.

Here's my saga. http://www.xoutpost.com/images/smilies/thumbup.gif

yea sometimes a manual saves you a lot of headache.

Thanks SlickGT1 and jbond007.
So you guys used the bottom fill hole? Was it tricky to fit a tube inside?
If you look at this video, there is a plastic cap over the filling hole that might cause troubles inserting a tube. Was that part installed in your pan?
(look at 21sec)
BMW X5 Meenan Transmission - YouTube


What did you use to clean the pan? TIS say :
'don't use cleaning agent:'

BMW TIS - 24 11 010 Removing and installing/sealing or replacing transmission sump (GA6HP26Z/6HP32Z)

Thanks.

Hi Turbo,
My fill hole is C, you will need to pump the fluid in. Your pic, your fill hole is C as well. lol.

Do not touch the side filling plug or that resin. I don't know what that is at all.

LOL, yes, I realised my mistake after I posted the reply. You're too fast, you replied before I edit my post :-)

Yes, the fill hole has a "T" type internal hollow cap to it. I just bent the fill hose I used to bend around the radius of the internal fill cap and get into the pan.

The other question was about using a cleaning agent. I used one. I used Brakleen. It leaves no residue and I wasn't going to risk having metal shavings or metal sludge anywhere. I would have eaten off the pan when I was done. :D

Thank you ;-)

P.S. I think this TIS refers to the plastic pan by the looks of the "cooling fins on the bottom and the "O" ring type gasket - not the metal pan which is different, which would make sense as to why you don't want to be using solvents like cleaning agents on the plastic. Our metal pans should have no problem.