Manual Transmission Fluid Change DIY (Instructions & Pictures) - Page 2

Sixracer · 10-06-2010, 01:18 PM

Anyone want to add the differential fluid change onto this thread? I was hoping to dot he diffs on my Xi at the same time.

Kubica · 10-06-2010, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixracer

Anyone want to add the differential fluid change onto this thread? I was hoping to dot he diffs on my Xi at the same time.

You just need a 14mm hex head socket and 2 quarts of some 75w90.

Sixracer · 10-07-2010, 11:10 AM

A few images of the trans, xfer case, and diffs. I figure these will help me locate the plugs. (#5 on the trans, #10 on the xfer case, #10 on front diff, #5 on rear diff).

I picked up all the crush washers from Pelican parts.
Got the fluids from Turner:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...=E46Xi-REDLINE

Seems like getting access to some of these plugs is going to be pain in the ass.

Kubica · 10-07-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixracer

Seems like getting access to some of these plugs is going to be pain in the ass.

No it's easy with the car on 4 jackstands. Just take the front two shields off. The front fill faces the driver's side wheel. The drain points down and to the back of the car.

Put the 14mm socket on a 3 inch extension- can easily get all 4 this way.

E46tknv · 07-06-2011, 05:28 PM

i just did this fluid change with royal purple. Another DIY from mad russian.net says to use 2 bottles and also get a third. I probably used only 1 1/2 bottles. Do m3's use more fluid then a regular m54 engine?

TiAg323ci · 07-07-2011, 05:42 AM

I am not sure about M3's but I just flushed my 323ci's tranny with a little under 2 quarts of Redline MTL and about 1 1/2 quarts of Redline 75w90 in the differential. Car shifts like butter now - would highly recommend this to anyone with a manual

E46tknv · 07-07-2011, 11:50 AM

I need to do the differential.

E46BimmerLover · 08-12-2011, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the sweet write up, each step worked flawlessly, the zip ties are needed for tubing if your not using a pump, without them oil will get everywhere lol, and boy is that stuff stinky. I noticed alot smoother shifting and gear engagement with the Royal Purple.

CaptainMorganS4 · 09-19-2011, 11:14 AM

im having issues with my 2nd gear popping out of place and reverse no longer activating the mirrors. should i try flushing the trans. fluid or should i just go ahead and accept its the trans mounts or possibly the bushings/synchro's that need replacing. (which means i have to fork over $$$ to rebuild the transmissions forks/bushings.) pun intended i just bought this car and its already as bad as my audi s4.

e46frvr · 12-29-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainMorganS4

im having issues with my 2nd gear popping out of place and reverse no longer activating the mirrors. should i try flushing the trans. fluid or should i just go ahead and accept its the trans mounts or possibly the bushings/synchro's that need replacing. (which means i have to fork over $$$ to rebuild the transmissions forks/bushings.) pun intended i just bought this car and its already as bad as my audi s4.

I know its been a while but for those who stumble on this thread - for mirrors, toggle the left/right switch on the mirror adjustment knob to the driver side.

And CaptainMorganS4, any updates on your issue? Just wondering..

CaptainMorganS4 · 12-30-2011, 04:14 PM

sold the car.

ZANIESXD · 05-14-2012, 04:13 AM

pretty good tutorial but i dont think you need to waste 7 steps on jacking a car lol.

SteadyMobbin · 12-07-2012, 02:14 AM

Is it nessecary to bleed the clutch after mtf change? Or is it as easy as changing the oil...

mikeetastic · 01-04-2013, 08:11 PM

bumping up this thread.. what is the torque for the drain and fill plugs please? will do mine soon..

should have done this when my tranny is on the ground when i did my clutch... argggh!

edit: any other fluid alternative aside from Royal Purple? my auto parts shops doesnt carry it for some reason.. how bout Pennzoil Synchromesh?

TIA..

aglushen325ci · 04-15-2013, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim330i

...Tighten to 44lbs-ft (I think).

Bentley Manual says:

Transmission drain or fill plug tightening torque: 50 Nm (37 ft-lb)

jerseyBMW2000 · 04-23-2013, 09:00 PM

I've seen other posts/videos and have heard from some of my mechanic friends that you should flush the transmission at least once before buttoning it back up...Maybe flushing isn't the right word...they say to drain the old stuff, fill it with new and run it though the gears, then to drain it again and fill it with brand new fluid...thoughts?

10-06-2010, 01:18 PM	#21
Sixracer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 96 My Ride: '01 325xiT, '85 M635 View My Garage	Anyone want to add the differential fluid change onto this thread? I was hoping to dot he diffs on my Xi at the same time. __________________ ...................2001 325Xi Touring..................1985 M635Csi..................

10-07-2010, 11:10 AM	#23
Sixracer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 96 My Ride: '01 325xiT, '85 M635 View My Garage	A few images of the trans, xfer case, and diffs. I figure these will help me locate the plugs. (#5 on the trans, #10 on the xfer case, #10 on front diff, #5 on rear diff). I picked up all the crush washers from Pelican parts. Got the fluids from Turner: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...=E46Xi-REDLINE Seems like getting access to some of these plugs is going to be pain in the ass. Attached Thumbnails __________________ ...................2001 325Xi Touring..................1985 M635Csi..................

07-06-2011, 05:28 PM	#25
E46tknv Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New york Posts: 5,028 My Ride: Fst'r then your e46 View My Garage	i just did this fluid change with royal purple. Another DIY from mad russian.net says to use 2 bottles and also get a third. I probably used only 1 1/2 bottles. Do m3's use more fluid then a regular m54 engine? __________________ .:Eugene:. I used to be an e46 owner. I love this one more. Have headers? Cant pass inspection? Need custom stickers made? or need your wheels brought back to life?

07-07-2011, 05:42 AM	#26
TiAg323ci Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 150 My Ride: 2000 323ci View My Garage	I am not sure about M3's but I just flushed my 323ci's tranny with a little under 2 quarts of Redline MTL and about 1 1/2 quarts of Redline 75w90 in the differential. Car shifts like butter now - would highly recommend this to anyone with a manual __________________ Koni FSD's \| Eibach Pro Springs \|Staggered 19" VMR 710's \| Hotchkiss Sway Bars \| BMW Performance CF Strut Bar \| Meyle HD Control Arms, RSM, Diff. bushing \| Powerflex FCAB, RTAB\| Brembo Sport Slotted Rotors + Akebono Euro Ceramic \| Simota CF CAI \| Conforti Shark Injector \| Stewart Water Pump \| M3 front and rear spoilers \| Depo smoked front/side signals, Eagle Eye smoked LED tails \| ACS interior trim/pedals \| UUC Rob Knob 5 & floor mats \|

07-07-2011, 11:50 AM	#27
E46tknv Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New york Posts: 5,028 My Ride: Fst'r then your e46 View My Garage	I need to do the differential. __________________ .:Eugene:. I used to be an e46 owner. I love this one more. Have headers? Cant pass inspection? Need custom stickers made? or need your wheels brought back to life?

08-12-2011, 06:18 PM	#28
E46BimmerLover Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North Pennsylvania Posts: 34 My Ride: 2001 325Ci ZPP/ZSP View My Garage	Thanks for the sweet write up, each step worked flawlessly, the zip ties are needed for tubing if your not using a pump, without them oil will get everywhere lol, and boy is that stuff stinky. I noticed alot smoother shifting and gear engagement with the Royal Purple.

09-19-2011, 11:14 AM	#29
CaptainMorganS4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 25 My Ride: 01BMW330CI SOLDb5s4 View My Garage	im having issues with my 2nd gear popping out of place and reverse no longer activating the mirrors. should i try flushing the trans. fluid or should i just go ahead and accept its the trans mounts or possibly the bushings/synchro's that need replacing. (which means i have to fork over $$$ to rebuild the transmissions forks/bushings.) pun intended i just bought this car and its already as bad as my audi s4.

12-30-2011, 04:14 PM	#31
CaptainMorganS4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 25 My Ride: 01BMW330CI SOLDb5s4 View My Garage	sold the car. __________________ like father.. like son

05-14-2012, 04:13 AM	#32
ZANIESXD Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado Posts: 23 My Ride: 2002 325i Sedan View My Garage	pretty good tutorial but i dont think you need to waste 7 steps on jacking a car lol.

12-07-2012, 02:14 AM	#33
SteadyMobbin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: SePDX Posts: 142 My Ride: ImolaZHP 6spd M/T View My Garage	Is it nessecary to bleed the clutch after mtf change? Or is it as easy as changing the oil... Last edited by SteadyMobbin; 12-09-2012 at 02:51 AM.

01-04-2013, 08:11 PM	#34
mikeetastic Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Cali Posts: 122 My Ride: 323i 99 View My Garage	bumping up this thread.. what is the torque for the drain and fill plugs please? will do mine soon.. should have done this when my tranny is on the ground when i did my clutch... argggh! edit: any other fluid alternative aside from Royal Purple? my auto parts shops doesnt carry it for some reason.. how bout Pennzoil Synchromesh? TIA.. Last edited by mikeetastic; 01-05-2013 at 01:47 AM.

04-23-2013, 09:00 PM	#36
jerseyBMW2000 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: jersey/philly Posts: 2 My Ride: 200 323i View My Garage	I've seen other posts/videos and have heard from some of my mechanic friends that you should flush the transmission at least once before buttoning it back up...Maybe flushing isn't the right word...they say to drain the old stuff, fill it with new and run it though the gears, then to drain it again and fill it with brand new fluid...thoughts?

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