Should I change my E46 transmission fluid?
The BMW Repair Guide recommends at a minimum an E46 transmission service fluid and filter change every 60,000 miles.
How often should BMW transmission fluid be changed?
Your BMW’s transmission fluid is supposed to be replaced between every 30 to 60 thousand miles, and if it isn’t, then it may start to smell. A sweet or burning odor could be the transmission fluid (although it could also be the coolant.)
How do you check the transmission fluid on a BMW e46?
It’s a sealed transmission. So the only way to check it is to jack up the car, take off the filler plug and sticker a finger inside. You should be able to fill fluid when you stick one finger inside.
Does BMW have lifetime transmission fluid?
The fluid BMW uses is also known as lifetime fluid (not forever fluid). This fluid is less prone to chemical and viscosity break down compared to conventional oil. It was 3 to 4 times more expensive and it was suitable for up to 100,000 miles.
How much transmission fluid does a BMW E46 take?
E46 models utilize a plastic oil pan with a built in strainer. To service the strainer, you will have to replace the oil pan. The transmission holds about 10 liters of fluid.
How do you check the transmission fluid on a BMW E46?
Should I Change my automatic transmission fluid?
If it looks good (red) and smells normal (like petroleum), you’re okay changing it yourself. If it smells or looks burnt, this could indicate transmission problems, requiring the trained eye of a mechanic. Most manufacturers recommend an automatic transmission fluid change every 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
How do you change automatic transmission fluid?
Changing Your Transmission Fluid (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Make sure the car is off and place it in park. Raise it up securely with a jack stand or a lift. Lay down some tarp and a 2-gallon (or 8-quart) catch pan under the transmission. This pan where the fluid you drain will go so be sure to place it accordingly.
How often should I get my transmission fluid changed?
Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 15,000 miles. Automatic: Service intervals for an automatic transmission vary from every 30,000 miles to never.
How often do you replace transmission fluid?
Most manufacturers suggest 30,000 to 60,000 miles as the point at which you should change the transmission fluid in a manual transmission. However, vehicles with transmissions that are under ‘high stress’ should change the transmission fluid every 15,000 miles.