Automatic Transmission: Oil Change and Oil Level Check (BMW 3 Series E36)

Examination

The oil level can only be checked by querying the status using the BMW service tester.

Consequences of elevated oil level: high foaming, elevated temperature at high speed, oil leakage through the gearbox ventilation system.

Consequences of low oil level: valve chatter, foaming, general malfunctions.

Oil change

Special tool:

• Hydraulic jack with stands.
• Models 320i/325i/328i: Torx key set.

Wear parts and consumables:

• 1 aluminum gasket A30x36; 1 aluminum gasket A10x14
• ATF oil approved by BMW.

Caution: Use only oils recommended by the manufacturer. In general, all automatic transmission oils designated "Dexron II" are allowed to be used. All approved oils can be mixed. Do not use any additives.

Usually ATF oil is replaced every 40,000 km, at the same time the mesh in the oil pan is cleaned. When replacing oil, observe the strictest cleanliness. Even the slightest contamination can cause failure of the automatic transmission.

Warning: If the oil in the transmission is drained, it is prohibited to start the engine. Also, if the oil in the transmission is drained, it is prohibited to tow the vehicle.

The oil change is performed on a warmed-up gearbox.

Raise the vehicle and place it horizontally on stands.

Models 316i/318i/318is/325td/tds

Unscrew the oil filler tube at the bottom of the oil pan and drain the oil into a container underneath.

Attention: Gearbox oil should be taken to special waste collection points. Do not pour out or throw away with household waste.

If the oil has a burnt smell or is blackish in color, the gearbox should be repaired.

Unscrew the oil filler plug on the side of the oil pan.

Tighten the drain plug without overtightening. The tightening torque is 25 Nm.

Fill through the side filler hole with ATF until oil comes out through the filler hole. Drain the spilled oil into a container.

Tighten the filler plug with a new gasket without overtightening. The tightening torque is 30 Nm.

Models 320i/325i/328i

Unscrew the oil filler tube at the bottom of the oil pan and drain the oil into a container underneath.

Attention: Gearbox oil should be taken to special waste collection points. Do not pour out or throw away with household waste.

If the oil has a burnt smell or is blackish in color, the gearbox should be repaired.

Unscrew the oil filler plug from the bottom of the oil pan.

Carefully tighten the drain plug "1" with a new gasket. The tightening torque is 15 Nm.

Fill through the filler hole with ATF until oil comes out through the filler hole. Drain the spilled oil into a container.



Screw in the filler plug "2" with a new gasket without overtightening. The tightening torque is 100 Nm.

Check the oil level.