Transmission drain/fill, how many quarts when only removing drain plug?
 

I did a full pan drop and fill (twice) with a new pan about 30k miles ago. To keep the fluid clean, I’d like to just do a quick drain and fill without dropping the pan (just remove drain plug). How many quarts will this yield?

No more than 6 will come out that way but you probably want to have an extra quart around to be safe. It it pretty easy to spill some fluid while filling it up.

Thanks. I was expecting it to be a bit less than dropping the whole pan.

I'm guessing 3 or so. Report back so you can help someone else out with the same question in the future

Certainly. Will probably do the job within the next month.

At what mileage are you guys swapping out fluid? I'm at 50k, some say too early or just in time.

It’s never too early in my opinion. I changed mine at 80k, but the previous owner had the mechatronic sleeve gasket replaced around 60k, at which time the fluid was replaced.

ZF recommends first change between 60-75k miles iirc

Sounds about right. I usually say 50-75k


Here's the deal: BMW "recommends" 100k. In actual fact most people never change ATF. Most DEALERS never change ATF. You roll in at 100,001 they will likely try and talk you out of it ('dont risk it" and 'can cause issues').

The important thing is THAT YOU CHANGE IT....50, 60, 75.

Lots of threads on this. Including the role of the mechatronics sleeve.