How do you replace ATF in a BMW 5 Series?
You have two main options when replacing ATF. You can drain and fill the fluid. Or you can drain the fluid and replace the fluid strainer by dropping the transmission fluid pan. In either case the old ATF inside the torque converter remains and mixes with the new fluid.
What kind of transmission fluid do I need for a BMW 325xi?
By 100K miles the fluid is usually very dirty. This fluid change was performed on a 2002 BMW 325xi with A5S 390R transmission so the procedure will be the same on any BMW 2001-2005 325xi or 330xi. A5S 390R is a GM transmission so it uses Dexron VI fluid. Any decent brand of Dexron VI will work and you will need about 7 quarts of it.
What kind of ATF do I need for BMW 4 speed?
BMW 4 and 5-speed automatics are made by either ZF (4HP) or GM (5L40-E/A5S360R). The recommended ATF for either is Dexron III (D4). This is also the most common ATF you will find at auto parts stores (it’s compatible with most GM and Ford auto transmissions).
What kind of fluid does a BMW use?
The manual and SMG transmissions are filled with manual transmission fluid, while the automatic transmission is normally filled with “lifetime” fluid. However, BMW does not define what the lifetime is.
Can you use ATF fluid in a BMW power steering system?
ATF fluid can be used on BMW with the word “ATF Fluid” on the cap of the power steering fluid. One downside of using ATF fluid as a substitute for the recommended BMW power steering fluid type is that over time, ATF fluid in the BMW power steering system can make seals brittle, which will eventually develop leaks.
What kind of oil do you put in a BMW transmission?
BMW recommends using only the same fluid in the transmission when topping off the oil level. They do not recommend mixing ATF oil brands and specs so keep track of what oil is in your transmission.
BMW 4 and 5-speed automatics are made by either ZF (4HP) or GM (5L40-E/A5S360R). The recommended ATF for either is Dexron III (D4). This is also the most common ATF you will find at auto parts stores (it’s compatible with most GM and Ford auto transmissions).
You have two main options when replacing ATF. You can drain and fill the fluid. Or you can drain the fluid and replace the fluid strainer by dropping the transmission fluid pan. In either case the old ATF inside the torque converter remains and mixes with the new fluid.