[007_e350]

Stole it from bimmerforums.com (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...onverter-fluid) - Is this correct ? Would it hurt the tranny if 3.5 L came out and the engine still running ?

----- here's the procedure in the link ------

Hi everyone, I read too many posts about changing complete fluid from transmission and torque converter. Every one suggest to keep repeating filling the pan and drain for couple of time. I think it is just wast of fluid and your time. What I do is very simple and perfect way to do it.

* VEHICLE MUST BE STABLE AND 100% LEVELED ON THE SURFACE, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO FILL THE CORRECT LEVEL OF FLUID INTO TRANSMISSION. IF NOT A LEVEL SURFACE, YOU MAY END UP TO LEES OR TOO MUCH FLUID. MAKE SURE YOU CONSIDER ALL SAFETY MEASURES.


1. Drain transmission old fluid by opening drain socket,
2. Drop pan, change the filter and install new gasket,
3. Put the pan back and make sure it is tight,
4. Fill about 4-5 liter fluid from filling hole, it may start dripping but do not worry just keep filling at least 4 L fluide,
5. open the transmission cooler return pipe end which is connected to the transmission and put it in a container which show the quantity by liter,
6, Ask some one to start the engine and you keep eye on the old and dark fluid which exitS from the pipe, this dark color fluid is the old fluid from torque converter been pushed by new fluid,
7. as soon as you see 3.5 liter old fluid in the container ask your assistant to turn off the engine, now connect the return pipe back into the transmission,
8. Refill the transmission pan by pumping more fluid until starts dripping,
9, Start the engine and leave it to run until the transmission fluid reach 40C, open the filling hole and check the fluid level, keep filling until it starts dripping,

The job is complete, NOW YOU HAVE FRESH FLUID INTO YOUR CAR TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER, double check everything you have opened and make not to push the vehicle too much. Take it for a decent drive about 5 minute, come back and check for any leak,

This procedure is not by book or a formal guideline, it is just based on working experience.

[BB_cuda]

Is 9 qt (normally spec'd in L) the dry transmission capacity? Normally there are 2 numbers. Either the drain and fill number (about 5.5L is what I got out of pan) OR the full system capacity inclusive of pan, lines, cooler, AND torque converter. I could be wrong but memory serves it was more like 14 L for full system.

Heather, do you recall what your full refill was when you rebuilt your trans?

[terry335d]

This procedure has been used on previous generation BMWs, IIRC, so no reason it couldn't be done with our trans. At least I haven't seen a post indicating trouble with it.

[Persian Whisperjet]

I did the pan/fluid change at 55K and put in a bit over five liters of ZF, but given that I only apparently replaced half the fluid that is actually in the trans, why wouldn't it make sense to just drain the thing again in 30K miles and put in another five liters?

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by Persian Whisperjet

I did the pan/fluid change at 55K and put in a bit over five liters of ZF, but given that I only apparently replaced half the fluid that is actually in the trans, why wouldn't it make sense to just drain the thing again in 30K miles and put in another five liters?

both time you'll be replacing partial fluid - If you disconnect the line from cooler (pumping into trans) and run the car till clear fluid comes out you've got 100% new fluid - Its risky if your trans runs dry, so make sure to turn the car off immediately approx after 4 qrts or so (which is the amount you put in) ... here's a sample video but its not on our car, still same concept