Trans. Fluid Change questions, A4S310R....

[MO525]

While doing the radiator/water pump/hoses/EVERYTHING else repair, I noticed that my fluid is a bit on the unpleasant side (what dripped from the cooler lines). SOOOO..it's fluid change time.

Just a few questions:

Fluid Type: Bentley says Dexron II, that is superceded by Dexron III, correct?
Screws on the filter TORX?
Can fluid be changed COLD? While the car is down awaiting the BIG parts order, this would be a PRIMO time to do the change.
3.2 quarts is accurate? That's the number in Bentley.
Small Front Sump. I'm ASSUMING the BMA tranny service kit comes with that gasket so upon reinstallation of the small pan, should I put some fluid in there?


Thanks a bunch folks.
I appreciate anyone taking the time to respond.
I want to do this RIGHT!

[sbcncsu]

Fluid Type: Bentley says Dexron II, that is superceded by Dexron III, correct?

Yes, that is correct.



Screws on the filter TORX?


Yes, T25 or 27, can't remember exact size.



Can fluid be changed COLD? While the car is down awaiting the BIG parts order, this would be a PRIMO time to do the change.


Sure, no time like the present.


3.2 quarts is accurate? That's the number in Bentley.


That should be pretty close. Don't over fill the trans. Start by putting in as much as you can get in without running the engine. Then, when the cooling system is back together, run the engine and finish adding the 3.2 quarts.



Small Front Sump. I'm ASSUMING the BMA tranny service kit comes with that gasket so upon reinstallation of the small pan, should I put some fluid in there?

That gasket will come with the kit. No, it isn't necessary to put fluid in that pan, that will only make a mess. The pump will fill that pan up immediately when you start the engine.




Thanks a bunch folks.
I appreciate anyone taking the time to respond.
I want to do this RIGHT!

Don't mention it, some of us have been there before!

[ryan roopnarine]

rebuilt your unit scott, but i don't remember having torx holding my filter in, and i always try to remember which bolts i have to pull out the torx bit or socket set for...the pelican parts pic looks like mine

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/pic10.jpg

if the car is parked up though, i guess you'd have time to check :D

[MO525]

rebuilt your unit scott, but i don't remember having torx holding my filter in, and i always try to remember which bolts i have to pull out the torx bit or socket set for...the pelican parts pic looks like mine

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/pic10.jpg

if the car is parked up though, i guess you'd have time to check :D

I sincerely appreciate the input.

[sbcncsu]

rebuilt your unit scott, but i don't remember having torx holding my filter in, and i always try to remember which bolts i have to pull out the torx bit or socket set for...the pelican parts pic looks like mine

if the car is parked up though, i guess you'd have time to check :D

Yep, the Jeep has the Torx, the 5er had hex head bolts.

[MO525]

Yep, the Jeep has the Torx, the 5er had hex head bolts.

Torx scary if some baboon had been inside doing this service before.
Sure is easy to chew up a Torx if you're not careful.
Hex is pretty tough for the most part.

Crossing my fingers it's a Hex.
My supply of Torx is rather limited.

[Unregistered]

This web page will be very helpful, it did for me when I did my 92 525ia.
It addresses the A4S310R with lots of pictures and intructions. Good Luck.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto.htm

glen-sj

[winfred]

be real careful tightning the 10mm pan bolts, they strip way too easy, if you strip one you can usually use a longer bolt and access some fresh threads, i've even seen some with a real long bolt and a nut on top where it sticks through the case

[MO525]

This web page will be very helpful, it did for me when I did my 92 525ia.
It addresses the A4S310R with lots of pictures and intructions. Good Luck.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto/E36-Tranny_Fluid_Auto.htm

glen-sj

[MO525]

be real careful tightning the 10mm pan bolts, they strip way too easy, if you strip one you can usually use a longer bolt and access some fresh threads, i've even seen some with a real long bolt and a nut on top where it sticks through the case

The torque setting is around 46 in. lbs. isn't it? Whew!
My 17 month old daughter can generate more torque than that! :)

[winfred]

it aint the bolts, the gasket/filter kit comes with new ones with locktight on em, it's the case, it's aluiminum but may as well be tin foil

[MO525]

it aint the bolts, the gasket/filter kit comes with new ones with locktight on em, it's the case, it's aluiminum but may as well be tin foil

GREAT! :D