XI Models ATF Tranmission Fluid Change Question

I have a 330XI and I have a couple questions.

I just recently changed my differential fluid and I want to change my ATF fluid so I wnet under the car to check it out first. I have the A5S 390R transmission. Most DIY i have read about this are for non-XI models and the pics in them show the fill plug for the transmission on the drivers side at the back, just above the pan. # 7 in this pic. And is is lised as "Screw Plug - Inner Torx"



I looked under my XI car and this plug is not there. There is a Hex Bolt style plug on the passenger side near the rear, and a inner hex one with a small sticker over it on the drivers side near the front. I am wondering which one is the fill plug.

If you look at the pic i posted # 10 is the Hex bolt style one i am talking about. What is interesting is on Real OEM the pictures are the same for all models but the numbers listed below are only the numbers specific to your model and production date. My model includes #10 and not #7 and yet any non-XI model does not have #10 and lists #7.

Both models list #9 which is the plug i am looking at near the front on the drivers side with the small sticker over it.

I am wondering if the fill plug was relocated to the passenger side (#10) to make it accessible since the extra drive shaft on the XI models is on the drivers side in the way of where the fill plug normally is.

My question would be is #10 the fill plug on the XI - models with A5S 390R automatic transmissions or is it #9, and if the answer is #9 then why is it not this one for non-XI models.

PLease let me know if you know.

I found the same thing on my 2001 330XI and came to the same conslusion. Did you get an clarifying answer to your question? There is also a rubber plug roughly center, on the drivers side about 3" above the pan. Any idea what this goes serves? I pulled it out assuming it was a plug for the fill plug. Instead I got a drip of fluid out. There is a silver clean plug underneath it. I immediately replaced the plug.

My fill plug was covered by a white sticker that I exacto cut away. I remember it is a torx bolt on the driver's side.

I'm thinking about doing this soon. Did you find out where exactly the fill plug is located?

Originally Posted by EDness

I'm thinking about doing this soon. Did you find out where exactly the fill plug is located?

Just look for the one that is closest to the front driveshaft that you can not get a ratchet on. Then let your frustration begin....... Also, if the AT has never been touched there "should" be a sticker covering the plug. Mine was white.


In all seriousness I ended up dropping one end of the front DS and pivioting it out of the way to gain easy access.

Originally Posted by GCoop

Just look for the one that is closest to the front driveshaft that you can not get a ratchet on. Then let your frustration begin....... Also, if the AT has never been touched there "should" be a sticker covering the plug. Mine was white.


In all seriousness I ended up dropping one end of the front DS and pivioting it out of the way to gain easy access.

dropping as in removing the driveshaft to remove the fill plug? Is there an easier way? That means i need an alignment after the drain/fill?

Originally Posted by EDness

dropping as in removing the driveshaft to remove the fill plug? Is there an easier way? That means i need an alignment after the drain/fill?

Using a wrench and shorty Torx bit may also be an alternative; However, all the torx bits I had were too long and I was unable to get the makeshift wrench in there. YMMV if you have a stubby bit or want to grind one down.

Honestly I think unbolting one end (the Transfer Case end) of the front driveshaft is the easy way. Its only 3 ETorx bolts and its off. Just make sure to mark its location on the yoke so it goes back on in the same position.

The Driveshaft has nothing to do with suspention or steering so no alignment needed.

Originally Posted by GCoop

Using a wrench and shorty Torx bit may also be an alternative; However, all the torx bits I had were too long and I was unable to get the makeshift wrench in there. YMMV if you have a stubby bit or want to grind one down.

Honestly I think unbolting one end (the Transfer Case end) of the front driveshaft is the easy way. Its only 3 ETorx bolts and its off. Just make sure to mark its location on the yoke so it goes back on in the same position.

The Driveshaft has nothing to do with suspention or steering so no alignment needed.

haha my bad...i was thinking axle shaft. I guess your way might be easier.

Thanks for your help. From the DIY it looks pretty straightforward.

so any brand Dexron VI fluid is fine right?

Originally Posted by EDness

haha my bad...i was thinking axle shaft. I guess your way might be easier.

Thanks for your help. From the DIY it looks pretty straightforward.

so any brand Dexron VI fluid is fine right?

Yes I would think any premium brand of Dexron VI would be just fine.

Personally I am going to be using Castrol's Dexron VI for my next change. Mobil 1's Dex VI is supposed to be good as well. Both of these are synthetic blends.

Redline has an all synthetic D6 that meets these specs as well.

Originally Posted by GCoop

Yes I would think any premium brand of Dexron VI would be just fine.

Personally I am going to be using Castrol's Dexron VI for my next change. Mobil 1's Dex VI is supposed to be good as well. Both of these are synthetic blends.

Redline has an all synthetic D6 that meets these specs as well.

From looking around, i think i'll pick up some Valvoline Dexron VI since it's full synthetic and it's only $6.99/qt.

Another question...when they say engage gears a few times P R N D, do i have leave it in each gear with the wheels spinning (car on jack stands) or i can just cycle thu with my foot on the brakes? Just want to make sure.

any brand Dextron VI fluid is great. I was recommended Pentosin rrom BAPGEON in Va beach. I have had no problems so far.... The only PITA was filling it up. You see in order to get the full seven qts in, you have to fill it as far as it can go. Then have someone start up the car( yes while your under it!!) the transmission filter wil begin to suck up the fluid you just put in-then using your handheld pump begin to pump another quart or more of fluid into the transmission fill hole. Once the fluid begins to spill out quickly insert the plug( which is right next to the exhaust..LOL) and insert it and turn to secure it. try not to cross thread.... Transmission fluid is slippery as wet cat @#$%!! use eyeprotection and you have to be quick.. or else all the fluid will pour out!!! its a liitle frustratiing and intimidating.

Cycle through with the car stationary....go through each gear..D R N etc...and let it sit for at least threee minutes...in each gear. This wil allow the fluid to route-itself between all the inner gears and nooks adn crannies....
sorry if I am interupting..just thought I could help someone out..

This is some great info I just read a DIY on how to do this but on a non XI

Originally Posted by SILVRRONIN

Cycle through with the car stationary....go through each gear..D R N etc...and let it sit for at least threee minutes...in each gear. This wil allow the fluid to route-itself between all the inner gears and nooks adn crannies....
sorry if I am interupting..just thought I could help someone out..

you're not interrupting at all...this is a public forum and i was asking everyone.



I was reading and saw someone posted saying he put it in gear and ran it in M 1-2-3 and all the other gears while the wheels are spinning. So i just want to make sure if that's right? or as you said the car is stationary (no wheels spinning) while on jackstands(up in the air).

Yes, the E46-XI Tranny's GM390R has different fill plug , it on the passenger side, so the " Gear change lever " on passenger too.
I just did both 323i & 325XI and do not need to remove drive axe. You need a torx bit and use an adjustable wrench 1 foot long to open it.
Use 11 quarts fluid to flush out all old fluid.

I used Amsoil Universal ATF with great success. When I changed the fluid out after 50,000 miles, the old Amsoil fluid still looked like new along with the transmission filter. Our 01 325 xi wagon also has the GM transmission.

Originally Posted by dephantn

Yes, the E46-XI Tranny's GM390R has different fill plug , it on the passenger side, so the " Gear change lever " on passenger too.
I just did both 323i & 325XI and do not need to remove drive axe. You need a torx bit and use an adjustable wrench 1 foot long to open it.
Use 11 quarts fluid to flush out all old fluid.

i just did this on friday and i was able to use a torx bit to crack open the fill plug without removing the axle. It was very easy except for putting the fill plug back with the transmission fluid coming out. Quite slippery.

I just did my transmission and the fill plug on the passenger side works just fine. No reason to drop the drive shaft. Once you get the pan off you can see the driver side and passenger side bolts look identical. Unless someone has a reason that we should use the drive side one...

I posted on hera while back about refilling it-I cant find the thread right now but, mine was a hassle. I filled it up with someone running the car and my head and hands under and right next to the exhaust..its a white knuckle job, tranny fluid spilling out everywhere..I advise you to research it too!
I dont want to see you screw up your transmission-

Hello,
Does anyone has the Torx bit size for the filler bolt(passenger/driver side) ? Thanks