Automatic Transmission

[Andie520i]

I have a slight query that hopefully someone can help me with. I have got a 1994 520i with the M50 24V engine.

I want to change the transmission fluid as i am not sure if it has been done before as i have only had it a few weeks but cannot find out what transmission is fitted to the car.

I know that it is an automatic but i have been told that there is a few that can be fitted and i cant find a dipstick in the engine compartment for the fluid level.

If anyone can help to explain what transmission is fitted it would be a help and if anyone can explain how to change the fluid then that would be an even bigger help.

[Tiger]

Jack up the car and look from passenger side on the tranny... should be a name plate. Look at the tranny pan, you probably have one big hole in the middle that is kinda up there... if so, that is where you fill in the fluid...pump up the fluid there... you have another for drain hole... also on passenger side near the front.

The problem is your car has to be level and running to fill the tranny fluid to proper level.

[Andie520i]

Could low oil level in transmission be the reason for jerking into gears. When it changes into third gear it tends to jerk the car. it is alright in the other gears. Also when i first pull off it seems to be making a whining noise.

[Tiger]

Low fluid level can make tranny act funky. Fill it up first and see if you have any leak. Major leak is from the electrical connection spot which if got inside the connectors can make it act funky.

[Tiger]

Actually... dirty ATF causes this type of problem.

[ryan roopnarine]

etk is sayin' that you have an a5s 310r aka ZF 5hp18 in there, 50/50 chance you need either dextron III or special sauce.

[Don (Ireland)]

that you get the fluid changed. I would not do this if yourself unless you are 100 confident and know what you are doing. There is no dipstick on these cars so it can be a bit tricky. I got it done by a specialist and it was not expensive, around £80. BMW dealers are not much more.

As for the whining in first this is a charcteristic of these autos unfortunatley. It shouldn't be too loud but should disappear when the car shifts to second.

Are you UK or Ireland?

Don
95 520iA

[Andie520i]

I am in the UK. I will find some places and ring round and see how much to get the fluid changed. I can do it myself for about £20 but that means that i have got to do all the messing about.