E36 automatic trans service
sub006
03-06-2012, 04:31 PM
After 200,000 miles in 13 years, my daughter recently replaced her 1984 318i automatic with a 1997 318i automatic, which runs smoothly and economically.
The coupe has 180,000 miles, and I'd like to service the automatic transmission. There is no dipstick, and I know they are supposedly "sealed for life". But I remember from the BMW CCA tech forum that it IS advisable to change the fluid if you are going to drive deep into the six-figure range.
I believe there are a couple of (rubber?) plugs that can be removed to drain the old ATF and pump in the new. My questions are:
1. Do independent trans shops have the equipment to do this, or do ai have to go (ugh!) to the dealer?
2. My go-to ATF is Red Line D4. Is there a compelling reason to buy the BMW "lifetime" fluid instead?
3. Is there a filter I need to change? If so, where is it?
The coupe has 180,000 miles, and I'd like to service the automatic transmission. There is no dipstick, and I know they are supposedly "sealed for life". But I remember from the BMW CCA tech forum that it IS advisable to change the fluid if you are going to drive deep into the six-figure range.
I believe there are a couple of (rubber?) plugs that can be removed to drain the old ATF and pump in the new. My questions are:
1. Do independent trans shops have the equipment to do this, or do ai have to go (ugh!) to the dealer?
2. My go-to ATF is Red Line D4. Is there a compelling reason to buy the BMW "lifetime" fluid instead?
3. Is there a filter I need to change? If so, where is it?
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