Examination
Maintaining the prescribed oil level is very important for the normal operation of the automatic transmission. Therefore, the check should be carried out with increased attention every 10,000 km.
The dipstick is located in the engine compartment. This is where the ATF is poured in (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Note: The test must be carried out with the box heated (80°C).
Warm up the engine, the oil in the gearbox should have a temperature of about 804.
Place the unloaded vehicle on a level surface and tighten the handbrake.
During testing, the engine must be running at idle speed to fill the torque converter.
Set the gearbox lever to position "P" and tighten the handbrake.
Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag without lint, or better yet, a piece of leather. Then insert the dipstick completely, pull it out again and read the reading.
At a normal level on a heated gearbox (about 80°C), the oil should reach the MAX mark on the rod.
Note: Since February 1985, a new dipstick has been installed, which allows the oil level to be determined more quickly. After a test drive and the oil temperature in the gearbox has warmed up to 40°C, the oil level should not rise above the lower ball on the dipstick. At an oil temperature of approximately 80°C, its level should be located between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick. The new dipstick can also be installed on older vehicles.
Fill the oil through a clean funnel, preferably with a fine mesh. The difference in volume between the MAX and MIN marks is 0.5 l.
Attention: Do not overfill the oil. If there is too much oil, the automatic system may malfunction. If overfilled, be sure to drain or suck out excess oil with a syringe.
At the same time, check the oil on the dipstick for smell and color. Burnt pads give off a burnt smell. Contaminated oil can cause problems with gearbox control.
Caution: Only use ATF oil approved by BMW.
The vehicle's operating instructions list more than 100 ATF oils. In principle, all automatic transmission oils labeled "Dexron II" are permitted.
All approved oils can be mixed. Do not use any additives or supplements.
If the torque converter is not filled with ATF oil, do not start the engine or tow the vehicle.
After checking the level and topping up, reinsert the dipstick completely.
Press the brake pedal and slowly shift through all gears. Then check the oil level again.