E39 Auto problem - Change oil or not?

[UAE528]

My 98' 528i has 100,000 kms on the clock and goes really well apart from one nagging problem. The gear shift from 1st to 2nd gear is rather violent when the transmission is cold and all changes up and down the range are not really that smooth even when warm (still a bit jerkey). I suspect low transmission fluid level to be the cause. Any ideas or experience with similar problems would be appreciated. If it is of any help, the ambient temp. here in the UAE at the moment is aprox. +25 C in the morning, so COLD is relative. The temp rises to aprox +35 C during the day at this time of year.

Secondly, if the fluid level is the culprit, I will need to jack and level the car to check it. If I have to do that, I would like to change the fluid and filter at that time. I have a "lifetime fill" (a joke, I know) transmission fitted. What fluid do I use and is there any special procedure for doing this? I have seen the procedure posted by Pelican Parts for the 3 series. Is the 5 series the same?

Again, any help is appreciated.

:help

[318daily]

I'm not going to be much help, but here goes.

You have to drain and remove the big pan, and you also have to remove the smaller pan which sits forward of the bigger pan. Since there is no drain plug for the smaller pan, you need to loosen all the hex bolts and just watch out since that fluid will come showering out.

As far as the fluid type? I think my mechanic uses a type of Penzoil which is approved for use in our trannys. Unfortunately I don't know what type, but there is supposed to be a sticker on the bell housing which will designate which type of fluid to use.

Good luck with it. My 97 528i ran so much better after changing fluids and filter at 110K. I have 112K now and it feels great. "magical tranny fluid" my butt. :mad:

[UAE528]

Thanks 318 Daily,

I will definately change the oil. It might be a while befor I can get around to it as I travel alot. Anyway, I will post my results when I have done.

Thanks again.

[sbcncsu]

from BMWTIPS.com:
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Tranny/GM1999Chart.jpg