"ATF only" reservoir leaking / How do you check transmission fluid

[donoman]

Hi, I have a 1996 E36 M3 with 110k miles 5spd manual transmission...

I noticed that the reservoir under the airbox is leaking fluid. The subsequent sludge underneat the car seems to be a result of the reservoir leaking fluid onto the hoses. The reservoir says "ATF fluid only" so I'm going to assume it's the tranny fluid. I don't have a service manual yet since I just got the car a few days ago. And the owners manual is pretty crappy w/ regards to mechanical stuff.

Just wondering, how the heck do you check the tranny fluid levels in this car? Is there no dipstick anywhere? I can't find it.

Sorry in advance for what could be a totally idiotic threadstart.

Donovan

[G. P. Burdell]

The reservoir labeled "ATF only" is the power steering fluid reservoir. Your transmission does not have a dipstick. The dipstick for the power steering fluid reservoir is built into the bottom of the cap.

The one-time-use clamps on those power steering hoses are crap. Cut them off and replace them with some quality screw clamps.

[jbreiding]

it could also be the seal on the cap.