Expert: Josh Fields - 9/15/2006

Question
Hi Josh,
 I recently purchased a 1991 325i from Japan.  I live in Winnipeg, Canada, and i had it shipped here from Japan.  The style of car looks like the North American 1992 model, although it is a 1991 from japan.  It is a 4dr., automatic, 6cyl.  I cannot find the dipstick for the transmission fluid.  How do i check the level and is it easy to fill.  Also the car only has 59,000 km's which is around 35,000 miles.  Should i be worried about the tranny fluid?  Also the ATF fluid looks dirty, is it easy to change myself?  Thanks for your time, Glenn Wagner

Answer
Glen,
 If the ATF fluid looks dirty, how did you check this without using the dipstick?

 Usually the dipstick is toward the rear of the engine, and most likely will be on the left side of the car.  I'm not sure how this is done on your car, because I'm assuming it's a Right-hand drive vehicle (Japan).  

 Changing the ATF is not really hard, just make sure you buy quality lubricant and change the filter.

 Good luck,
 Josh


 Glen,
 I'm sorry you felt like I had little knowledge and was rude, but I was just trying to help.  If you look in my profile it will tell you that I am only fluent with the E30 1984-1991 BMWs.  You said your BMW was like the 1992 bodystyle, which would make it an E36.  I'm sorry I dont know more about these cars, but I never claimed to.  I was just going out of my way to try to help you.  Now you left negative feedback on me, and it looks bad.
 Hope you have better luck with the car,
 Josh