Examination (only box with oil filler tube)
Attention: Since February 1990, some vehicles have been equipped with boxes without oil dipstick (without filling tube). Oil level control on them is possible only by polling the status using a BMW service tester. It is usually sufficient to regularly inspect the box externally and replace the ATF regularly.
Maintaining the correct oil level is essential for proper automatic transmission operation.
The measuring rod is located in the engine compartment. ATF is also poured here (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Attention: The check must be carried out with the box warmed up (+80°C).
Warm up the engine, the oil in the box should have a temperature of about + 80°C.
Put the unloaded car on a flat area, tighten the hand brake.
The engine must be running at idle when checking to fill the torque converter.
Set the gear lever to position "R", apply the handbrake.
During the test, the engine must be running at idle.
Remove the oil-measuring rod and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth, preferably with a piece of leather. Then fully insert the rod, pull it out again and read the reading.
At a normal level on a heated box (around +80°С) The oil should reach the MAX mark on the stem.
Caution: When the oil level is low, the air drawn in is clearly audible. This causes the oil to foam and may give incorrect oil level readings. In this case, turn off the engine, add oil after 2 minutes and then check the oil level again with the engine running.
Oil is poured through a clean funnel, preferably with a fine mesh. The difference in volume between the MAX and MIN·marks is about 0.3 liters.
Caution: Do not overfill with oil. If too much oil is filled in, malfunctions in the operation of automation may occur. When overflowing oil, 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 lead to transmission control problems.
Attention: Only fill with ATF approved by BMW. In principle, all oils for automatic transmissions with the designation "Dexron II".
All permitted oils are allowed to be mixed. Do not use any additives or additives.
If the torque converter is not filled with ATF, do not start the engine or tow the vehicle.
After checking the level and topping up, fully insert the dipstick again.
Press the brake pedal and slowly change all gears. Then check the oil level again.