E46 ATF fluid and change...

SupraMkIV · 12-02-2005, 06:00 AM

I see the tech article on changing the fluid in an E36 automatic transmission, but nothing on the E46. Does anyone have some tips? I was going to use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF as soon as I can source it.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

The E46 AT uses special fluid ($200-ish Esso) and the change procedure is difficult and more complex then the E36.

Many mechanics recommend not changing it at all.

My local mechanic has done many E46 ATF changes and I hope to have mine changed soon at 60k. He charges $300-350 but most of the cost is fluid.

SupraMkIV · 12-02-2005, 11:30 AM

Really? I bought the ATF Transmission Kit from Pelican Parts w/ new gasket, bolts, filter, etc.... There is a drain on the pan. I just assumed you pulled the drain, pulled the pan, cleaned off the magnet, installed all the new parts and put it back together.

The only part that I was concerned about was refilling it and I read somewhere that you just fill the canister to the top before starting the car and then check to make sure its still full after you've started the car.

Any more information would be greatly appreciated.

John

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

The fluid is very specific and I am not aware of any fluid you can substitute for it. Most E46 AT's use Esso and it is very expensive.

The fill level is more difficult to achieve than on the E36 and it is filled almost cold, but at a very specific temperature, whereas the E36 is filled warm but not hot.

I too bought the filter and gasket from Pelican and took it to a BMW club DIY Day, at a club sponsor mechanic. The #1 reason we couldn't do it was the temperature needed to be dead cold before the filling procedure. Then they talked me through the procedure and explained how difficult they thought it was to do. So I decided I would rather pay an extra $100 to have a mechanic worry about spilling or making a mistake with the fluid. Also mine is under warranty so if the AT goes out afterward having the repair done a BMW certified mechanic is useful.

Anyway, your two problems are where to get the fluid (at BMW) and what is the fill procedure. I wouldn't try this at home without knowing exactly how to refill to the correct level. Sorry I cant be any more help.

If you do try it I would love to know the outcome.

Maybe ask Wayne directly.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Amsoil as of late 2005 specifically states that their Universal ATF is compatible with ESSO SOLT 71141 and Texaco ETL 7045E which is the fluid used in the Blue label and Yellow Label A5S 325Z & A5S 360R trannys.

The fill procedure is here:
http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/72-16089-142522-1634/B305_240.pdf

airman1 · 07-26-2009, 01:08 AM

I'm in Japan and have a 1998 320i with a M52 engine. The last seven of my VIN are EA35414. Will the E36 transmission kit I ordered from Pelican Parts work since I do not have the smaller sump? I was changing my fuel filter and was looking under my car and couldn't see a fill plug fro the transmission. And from reading the above posts, I can't use Dextron III? Damn I'm confused, any help would be great, thanks.