Hey guys I suspect my tranny fluid might be a little low and I cant seem to find the place where I can check it.... Found all other fluids but transmission fluid. Where is it usually on the e36's?

Hey guys I suspect my tranny fluid might be a little low and I cant seem to find the place where I can check it.... Found all other fluids but transmission fluid. Where is it usually on the e36's?

where are you looking? there is a fill plug on the side of the transmission so you have to check it from underneath the car. the level of the fill plug hole is the level of the fluid. on auto transmissions, you have to warm up the transmission to about 30C when checking fluid level, and the car has to be running.

where are you looking? there is a fill plug on the side of the transmission so you have to check it from underneath the car. the level of the fill plug hole is the level of the fluid. on auto transmissions, you have to warm up the transmission to about 30C when checking fluid level, and the car has to be running.

You telling me I can't check it somewhere underneath the hood?

You telling me I can't check it somewhere underneath the hood?
correct... i do not believe the E36 has a "dip stick" like mechanism for the transmissions. and neither do any modern BMWs.... don't ask me why they designed it like that.

I was wondering how hard the process of flushing the fluid and refilling it is?

Is there a way to let the current fluid out or do you siphon it from the fill hole?

I was wondering how hard the process of flushing the fluid and refilling it is?

Is there a way to let the current fluid out or do you siphon it from the fill hole?
There's a drain hole. On the auto trans, you should take the oil pan off anyway in order to replace the ATF filter. On manuals, you can just drain the oil and refill.

since we talking about tranny and i have to replace mine. where can i find Texaco ETL 8072B oil besides the dealer beause they didnt want to sell me any.

since we talking about tranny and i have to replace mine. where can i find Texaco ETL 8072B oil. Besides the dealer beause they didnt want to sell me any.
I assume what you're asking for is the Texaco ETL 8072B? The BMW ATF that was used on BMW cars w/ GM transmissions between 2000-2002? If so, you can buy it at some dealers, but you have to ask nicely and bring your own container as they only get it in drums. I also believe I recently saw that bavauto.com is selling those "hard to find" BMW ATFs in bottle sizes. Check them out too if you're determined to use that fluid.

Otherwise, those GM transmission just take Dexron-III(h) or better. There are many Dexron-III(H) options from Castrol, Mobil1, Redline, etc. If you can, go for Dexron-VI if you can find it at your local GM Goodwrench dealer. (only $6/qt) It's specifications are 2x-4x better than the Dexron-III and GM intends to replace Dexron-III in all vehicles with Dexron-VI. Just as with motor oil, it matters more that you regularly change the fluid than what fluid you use (within specification). If you look up those GM transmissions on GM's website, they all say use Dexron-III.

I assume what you're asking for is the Texaco ETL 8072B? The BMW ATF that was used on BMW cars w/ GM transmissions between 2000-2002? If so, you can buy it at some dealers, but you have to ask nicely and bring your own container as they only get it in drums. I also believe I recently saw that bavauto.com is selling those "hard to find" BMW ATFs in bottle sizes. Check them out too if you're determined to use that fluid.

Otherwise, those GM transmission just take Dexron-III(h) or better. There are many Dexron-III(H) options from Castrol, Mobil1, Redline, etc. If you can, go for Dexron-VI if you can find it at your local GM Goodwrench dealer. (only $6/qt) It's specifications are 2x-4x better than the Dexron-III and GM intends to replace Dexron-III in all vehicles with Dexron-VI. Just as with motor oil, it matters more that you regularly change the fluid than what fluid you use (within specification). If you look up those GM transmissions on GM's website, they all say use Dexron-III.

Will do, Yesterday I contacted my local BMW dealer, they told me not to use Dexron-III. SO best scenerio is to call a GM dealer and see what they recommend?

Will do, Yesterday I contacted my local BMW dealer, they told me not to use Dexron-III. SO best scenerio is to call a GM dealer and see what they recommend?
Well, do everything at your own risk. You've been warned.

That said, don't always assume that people at the dealership know what they are talking about. Some are very knowledgeable, some are not, or they have limited information or they are not allowed to recommend another solution, which may be acceptable, in fear of being sued.

GM manufactured those transmissions. I would think they know best, but then again that depends on who you're talking to. I know the Cadillacs that use the same transmissions (I think it is the CTS and STS) are filled with Dexron-III(h) from the factory and maybe even Dexron-VI now.

thanks i'll call GM, and see what they recommend worse come worse ill make them sign a paper that they recommend that fluid. :)

*update*
The one GM dealer didn't even know they make GM transmission for BMW. Well ill see if i can ask politely if i can purchase some from the BMW dealer

thanks i'll call GM, and see what they recommend worse come worse ill make them sign a paper that they recommend that fluid. :)
Hahaha... I've done that. In my experience, I got two different answers. When I pretended the transmission was in a CTS, they told me Dexron-III and change it every 50K miles. When I told them the transmission was in a BMW, they wouldn't say anything but were willing to sell me the fluid if I wanted it.

Whats funny he's like thats not the original transmission right, was difficult not to bust out laughing and say "You do work for GM right?"