Cars Specification

1. Locate the differential housing. It is the lump on the axle in between the two tires, known as the pumpkin. If your vehicle has a differential cover, it will have a fill hole.
2. Locate the fill hole. On some models, it will be a square nut head sticking about 1/2 inch out of the cover itself, and on other models it will be an allen-style nut, recessed inside the cover.
3. Remove this plug, either using a crescent wrench or allen key, whichever your application requires.
4. Put your finger in the hole and feel for fluid. If filled correctly, the fluid should be almost to the bottom of the fill hole when on level ground. If you have to reach very far in, add some more.
5. Reinstall fill plug, but dont over tighten. They are designed with a lot of threads so the fluid wont leak, so there is no need to muscle these on. Just make it nice and snug.

1. Drive the vehicle for ten minutes and then place it in park on a level area. Check the automatic transmission fluid prior to completing the oil change since its best to check and add transmission fluid at operating temperature.
2. Locate the reservoir and dipstick labeled ATF. It will be found opposite of the regular motor oil, on the driver side of the vehicle and is colored red.
3. Remove the dipstick from the reservoir and wipe it clean with a rag. Replace the dipstick completely and remove it once more. This will give you an accurate reading of the transmission fluid. If the measurement reads full do not add any fluid at this time as over filling can cause damage to the transmission. If the measurement reads between the full and add lines or below the add lines, then add fluid.
4. Place a funnel into the reservoir neck where the dipstick normally sits. Pour a small amount of transmission fluid into the reservoir and allow it to funnel down completely. Check the transmission fluid levels again by removing the funnel and replacing the dipstick completely.
5. Remove the dipstick and read the measurement. Add more fluid, if needed. Continue this process until the measurement reads full. Once finished, proceed to the oil change, as the components and oil will now be cool enough to complete the oil change.

1. Drive the BMW for at least 10 miles to warm the transmission up to operating temperature. Park the car on a level surface and apply the parking brake. If you want to raise the car on jack stands, do so at all ends so the car remains level.
2. Loosen the drain plug for the transmission fluid pan; a half turn with the wrench will be enough. Place a draining container under the pan and remove the plug, Measure the amount of fluid that drains from the pan, then replace the plug with a new plug gasket.
3. Disconnect the transmission fluid pan by removing its mounting fasteners. Discard its gasket, and clean the mating surfaces and the inside of the pan; brake cleaner will work.
4. Remove the transmission fluid filter; disconnect its mounting fasteners if equipped. Install a new filter with new seals.
5. Install the fluid pan back on the transmission, using a new gasket.
6. Fill the transmission with the fluid specified for your model BMW; the cars manual should state the type needed. Remove the filler/level plug, which is on the transmission above the pan, to fill it with the fluid. Fill it to the amount you measured earlier from the drained fluid.
7. Check the fluid level; the fluid needs to be just seeping over the edge of the hole. Replace the filler plug, start the engine and let it run idle for a few minutes. Check the fluid level again, as it will have heated and expanded.