Expert: Emanuel Istudor - 4/10/2005

Question
Sir, a friend of mine wants to know if he needs to change his trans fluid in his b.m.w. he was told it is a sealed unit, he cannot check the fluid because it is sealed,i forgot what yr. it is but it is a mid to late 90's the cost to change the fluid is 480 dollars,the car has about 190k on it what do you think? could you help with this question..thanks

Answer
changing the fluids should not cost that much 480 is ridiculous. BMW uses ATF (automatic transmission fluid) on all their E36 (1992-1999) BMW's both manual and automatic.  There is a drain plug that can be loosened to drain out the transmission fluids (located on the transmission bell housing.) and then you can refill the transmission.  My 1998 M3 five speed transmission took 3 quarts of ATF fluid.

I did it in 1 saturday afternoon. hope this helps.

Manu