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How do you check the automatic transmission on a BMW?

In: Transmission Fluid, BMW X-Series [Edit categories]

Answer:

Answer

If you want to check the fluid level there are 2 options. Either your trans will have a dipstick or it will be sealed. If it has a dipstick warm the car up and park on a level surface. Shift through all gears and check the dipstick with the engine running car in park. If there is no dipstick it is more complicated. There is a drain plug somewhere on the side that will drain out any excess fluid.
All German Manufacturers (ZF?)are doing the latter described above i.e. sealed for life/death. See the following link for changing the ATF on a VW Passat, generally things will probably be much the same on your BMW. http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/atfchange/ Would you ever buy another German car?

Steps to check ATF:
1. Lift up car on jacks
2. locate fill plug on tranny bay
3. unscrew and remove
4. if oil is level with the bottom of the hole, then it is full
5. if not, add oil with a pump(can find at autozone or csk for like 10 bucks)
6. screw plug back on and you're done

(oh yeah, oil will most likely be Dexron III if car is from the 90s)

First answer by Campart. Last edit by A BMW. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 62 [recommend question].

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