Recommended Tranny Fluid

[Golgade]

Hello,
I am about to change the Auto Transmission fluid in my 530i, What kind of fluid is recommended? You dont have to use BMW fluid do you? I do remember reading in the manual that you do have to use BMW coolant so I thought I would double Check.
Thanks
Dan Lafley

[whiskychaser]

Hello,
I am about to change the Auto Transmission fluid in my 530i, What kind of fluid is recommended? You dont have to use BMW fluid do you? I do remember reading in the manual that you do have to use BMW coolant so I thought I would double Check.
Thanks
Dan Lafley
Depends on the box. If its a ZF with a black plate its probably Dexron III

[bubba966]

You have the 5HP18 transmission in your '95 530. The BMW recommended fluid for the 5HP18 built between 3/93-11/95 is ATF DEXRON III. (you can look at the fluid chart at any BMW dealer, or check it out here http://www.europeantransmissions.com/Bulletin/BMWtechlib.htm under the tranny oil application chard).

So you'll be good with any decent DEXRON III fluid.

If you want to put really nice stuff in, this'd be it http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

[glen-sj]

I've the same trans as I also have a 95 530ia and I used Redline D4/ATF synthenic, which is basicly equal to Dexron III. You can use any name brand Dexron III would be fine.

[Tiger]

Valvoline Dextron is good stuff. If you want better stuff, go with Pennzoil MultiVehicle ATF... Castrol Multi Vehicle, Mobil 1 MultiVehicle... etc.