Oil change / cleaning the screen in the oil pan (BMW 5 Series E34)

Special tool:

• Set of Torx keys.

Wear parts and consumables:

• ATF oil approved by BMW.
• New gearbox oil pan gasket.

Usually ATF oil is changed every 80,000 km, at the same time the mesh in the oil pan is cleaned. When changing the 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.

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

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

Box without oil filler tube

Unscrew the oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan and drain the oil into a container.

Attention: Old oil is handed over to special waste collection points. Never pour out old oil or throw it away with household garbage.

If the oil has a burnt or blackish color, the box needs to 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 without overtightening. The tightening torque is 30 Nm.

Box with filler tube

Unscrew the oil pan and clean it thoroughly. There are two magnetic washers in the oil pan that collect metal shavings. Clean the magnets.

Attention: For cleaning, use only clean, lint-free cloths and maintain cleanliness during all work operations.

Unscrew the sheet with the mesh at the bottom of the box. This requires a key for bolts with Allen heads. Unscrew the three mounting bolts. Pull out the sheet with the mesh.

Wash the mesh in gasoline. If resin formation begins, determined by a brownish burnt coating, replace the mesh.

Insert the mesh with the gasket into the sheet. Insert the sheet into the box and tighten the bolts with a tightening torque of 25 Nm.

Screw the oil pan with magnets. At the same time, secure the mounting bracket so that its short arm presses the pan. Two brackets with straight arms are attached on the sides.

Tighten the oil drain tube onto the box.

Fill with about 3 liters of ATF.

Caution: Only use oils recommended by BMW, see operating instructions.

Check the oil level.