Changing the ATF while Cold?

[CamE32]

I'm getting really close to making my 735i roadworthy again, so I apologize for all the recent posts

I just got the gas tank back from the local radiator shop (nicely sealed inside/out), and most of the fuel lines are good to go.
Next steps will be replacing all four coolant hoses, and then finally starting it up after an oil change!


I digress, so my question is can I do a transmission fluid/filter change while the transmission is cold? How about the differential? I ask because I figure it's a good idea to do those two things before I drive the car, considering how long it has sat.

[TheStigg]

Trans, yes. Differential, maybe. Better to drain when warm simply because it's so viscous. If you let it drain overnight, then that should get it all out. Just remember to remove the fill plug in the diff BEFORE removing the drain plug. Numerous instances have been reported where the drain plug comes out with no problem but the fill plug is stuck, leaving one with an empty diff and no means to fill it other than removing it from the car and flipping it on end or coming up with some other means to remove the fill plug.

[shogun]

here are all the instructions for trans fluid check, filling procedure etc http://www.europeantransmissions.com...MWtechinfo.htm

[CamE32]

What type of transmission fluid should I be putting in my car? I can't figure out for sure which transmission I have - 11/87 production date

[shogun]

735 has a ZF4HP22, any DEXRON II , III will do
ZF 4HP22 AUTOMATIC GEARBOX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
http://blog.paddockspares.com/zf-4hp...ked-questions/
http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co...p22-faq-s.html

best is to install a new filter kit = new ATF filter, o-ring for the filter and a new ATF oil pan gasket. The Meistersatz from FCP made in China will do, have used already many of them for my own as well as other cars for 4HP22 and 4HP24
On FCP site go to the 1988 model, 11/87 is 1988 model https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...it-zf4hp22-24a
BMW Auto Trans Filter Kit - Meistersatz ZF4HP22-24A 318i, 325, 325e, 325i, 325is, 525i, 528e, 533i, & more Price each: $13.79 Part #: CRP-ZF4HP2224AFE
There is another kit for 4hp22, but that has a shorter neck for the filter, usually installed on older models with more shallow ATF pan.