Atf

[nixbimmr]

Can ATFs be mixed? Without exaggerating, would it still be good to have two kinds/brands of ATF in my car?

I'm not sure what is in there now, but plan have a leak....I need to fill it up.

[Bluebimma]

Drain as much of the current fluid then refill, itll be a lot better than just topping it off.

[nixbimmr]

is there a reason why?

Also, what's the best way to drain transmission fluid?

[Bluebimma]

Well, whats the point in getting under there jsut to top it off when itll shift smoother if you just replace the oil to begin with?

Fluid should be at operating temperature when drained so it flows easier, quicker, and more thorough. Refill with the recommended weight oil, brand of your choice.

[nixbimmr]

Can anyone tell me how many qts my car can hold?

[Riick]

Can ATFs be mixed? Without exaggerating, would it still be good to have two kinds/brands of ATF in my car?

I'm not sure what is in there now, but plan have a leak....I need to fill it up.
Car uses Dextron III -- any manufacturer
You can probably use Dextron IV since fluids are backwards compatible.
As to amount -- look it up in owners manual or the Bentley manual.
Don't have one..?? look around here .......you can download one.

[Bimjam96]

its just over a quart. i want to say like 1.2 quarts. i put swepco 201 lube into my trans, its about 30$-50$ a gallon depending on where you buy it. and its enough to last you a couple transmission flushes. i installed a short shift kit into my tranny and with this fluid it shifts even smoother than the stock set up. make sure you fill it all the way though.

[Riick]

If we're talking about automatic transmission, you can do a fluid exchange and get ALL the old fluid out this way.

You need trans fluid - maybe what var calls for + a gallon, or more - depends on how you feel. Plus 4 or 5 gallon milk jugs, funnel, 10 feet of plastic tubing of right diameter, and a helper. (On jugs, do some measurements before you start, Mark off jugs in 1 pint or 1 cup increments - see below for why)

Set up funnel on hook from ceiling, with plastic tube from bottom connected to RETURN line of transmission cooler.
Add plastic tube to Supply line of cooler, set to send old fluid into gallon jugs.
Once set up, start car, and into gear with foot on brake.
Old ugly, dark, cloudy fluid goes into jug
New fresh fluid goes from funnel into transmission
If you pump out 2.6 gallons, you are simultaneously adding SAME 2.6 gallon amount.
Keep going, sometimes shifting from drive to reverse, until fluid on output side runs clear, and amount in -vs- out is equal.
STOP.
Re-Connect cooler lines. (( New O-Rings A GOOD IDEA ))
Done.

[baghram]

If we're talking about automatic transmission, you can do a fluid exchange and get ALL the old fluid out this way.

You need trans fluid - maybe what var calls for + a gallon, or more - depends on how you feel. Plus 4 or 5 gallon milk jugs, funnel, 10 feet of plastic tubing of right diameter, and a helper. (On jugs, do some measurements before you start, Mark off jugs in 1 pint or 1 cup increments - see below for why)

Set up funnel on hook from ceiling, with plastic tube from bottom connected to RETURN line of transmission cooler.
Add plastic tube to Supply line of cooler, set to send old fluid into gallon jugs.
Once set up, start car, and into gear with foot on brake.
Old ugly, dark, cloudy fluid goes into jug
New fresh fluid goes from funnel into transmission
If you pump out 2.6 gallons, you are simultaneously adding SAME 2.6 gallon amount.
Keep going, sometimes shifting from drive to reverse, until fluid on output side runs clear, and amount in -vs- out is equal.
STOP.
Re-Connect cooler lines. (( New O-Rings A GOOD IDEA ))
Done.wow that's a smart idea. Beats getting under the car and taking off the pan. Sticky this maybe? :buttrock

[nixbimmr]

I'm going to be replacing my transmission cooler (again) once it comes in the mail....should I also replace the filter and do a full repalcement of fluid? I guess my 325 is always worth the extra work...I guess I'm just curious to know how bad those filters can get and if it really is worth my time vs. Riick's idea

[ososinsk]

I'm going to be replacing my transmission cooler (again) once it comes in the mail....should I also replace the filter and do a full repalcement of fluid? I guess my 325 is always worth the extra work...I guess I'm just curious to know how bad those filters can get and if it really is worth my time vs. Riick's idea


I've replaced the auto tranny fluid filter on a couple non-bmws with around ~100k miles, and they were REALLY bad.. almost sludgy. Also there was some crap sticking to the magnet on the bottom of the pan. Well worth it IMO. Dirty job, but not all that difficult.

[nixbimmr]

Yeah, seems like 2 sumps to remove to get to the filter, replace filter, clean the sumps, replace & fill back up.

But I want to clarify on how to refill the ATF. Once I fill the small sump and put that back up, and then fill up the larger one, what's next?

I believe I should run the car to get the fluids all through the lines, then repeat the process until it's overflowing when I check the fill plug. Also, should I have the driver side of the car jacked a bit higher to help get it full?