Fuel filter install, don't hesitate!

[seamus2154]

As some may remember I am pretty new to my '01 E38 which is in very good shape. I have been doing any maintenance that I cannot confirm was done. it has 115K on it. The previous owner told me in conversation the fluids were done. I have a 4 post lift at my house and I immediately noticed that the tranny pan bolts definitely were never touched! The fluid confirmed that!! Alot of gaskets, alternator, and belts were all done in the last year(receipts). But I have been on a campaign to change every maintenance item maybe neglected. I already did the trans, rear and motor oil ow40 Mobil 1 and spark plugs. Today was fuel filter day. Yep it looked like I may have been original?? It was a BMW filter but if it was ever done it was some time ago the screws and clamps look untouched. Well anyone considering this job, don't hesitate, it was a walk in the park! I had pinch clamps which kept spillage to a minimum. This job w/ a lift took no longer than 30 minutes. FYI!!:buttrock

[rb26dett240z]

Thanks for the update, this is on my checklist of things to do. On a scale of 1 - 10, how difficult was it to do the transmission fluid and filter change?

[seamus2154]

On a lift is is also a walk in the park. Very easy. I bought the Filtran filter which is a must. Also used the Castrol Import trans fluid that met the spec. I then drained, and removed the pan. Have to clean the 4 magnets and inside and the pan good and use a lint free cloth to finish after degreasing w/ brake cleaner. Install the filter and pan. Then fill to over flow. Put fill plug in. start car run through the gears and refill to over flow while car is running w/ a/c on. With a temp gauge fill to overflow as it reaches 86 degrees but less than 122 degrees. Then put in fill plug and your done. There is a DIY link here somewhere do a search. I ran it for 200 miles and then just drained the fluid and refilled again as there is still alot of fluid in the trans and converter. Then it's more of a complete flush. Some do it some don't, I felt it was better. Good luck

[xyflz]

How much tranny fluid did you replace (drain and fill method) like 6 qts? Im just glad its not an in tank fuel filter. Its a cake walk if you have the time. Another question, where do you order the drain and fill plugs and washers for the motor, tranny and differential? Thanks

[seamus2154]

How much tranny fluid did you replace (drain and fill method) like 6 qts? Im just glad its not an in tank fuel filter. Its a cake walk if you have the time. Another question, where do you order the drain and fill plugs and washers for the motor, tranny and differential? Thanks

I use
http://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW_E38_7_Series_Parts_s/1831.htm


To clarify the drain and fill method is done AFTER you do the filter first then fill following the procedure and drive a bit. The drain and fill again to get a better flush. Yes 5-6 quarts is all you'll need to drain and fill. So almost 12 quarts to do the whole procedure.

[M I C H A E L]

i had mine drained and filled, trans fluid was low, drained like 2 quarts or something insane, filled it, let it run, drained, filled, drained, filled, drained, then filled again, then i went around 6500 miles and did it twice once more. now i have virutally all new fluid. and it shifts perfect.