Details? 325, 330? GM transmission or ZF?

It's been debated heavily whether to change or not at that mileage. I'm in the change camp, but my question was more trying to understand the correlation (if any) with a long-lasting transmission.

Do tell! The more details the better.

 

Details? 325, 330? GM transmission or ZF?



It's been debated heavily whether to change or not at that mileage. I'm in the change camp, but my question was more trying to understand the correlation (if any) with a long-lasting transmission.



Do tell! The more details the better.

does A5S325Z tell u anything about the automatic transmission


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BMW sourced automatic transmissions from GM of France and ZF of Germany. They are different transmissions. The fluid pan of the GM transmission has smooth sides. The fluid pan of the ZF transmission has ribs. They take different fluids. The GM uses Dexron3 or Dexron6. The ZF uses a fluid from Pentosin. They use different filters, obviously.

To change or not to change? A fluid and filter change changed only about 1/2 of the fluid. The reminder is in the torque converter. My opinion is change the fluid, filter, gasket and bolts. Bolts? Yup, you’ll likely mangle some if them when you drop the fluid pan. Go to www.realoem.com and enter the last 7 characters of your car’s VIN. Hit enter and bookmark the page. Scroll down to automatic transmission and get the part numbers for the pan gasket, pan screws or bolts, filter, drain plug, fill plug. Why the plugs? They’ve been in there all these years and they may not want to come out without “persuasion.” Then go to FCPEuro to buy the stuff. While the parts are being shipped search YouTube for the procedures to properly change the fluid, etc. The temperature of the fluid pan is important when filling the transmission.

If you decide to have a shop do the work, go to www.bimrs.org to find a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers in your area.

 

As an aviation mechanic I have to agree with Markusmarkus. Changing hardware, since it is so cheap, can be your best friend down the road. I just bought the filler plug for my auto trans a week ago, $11 from the stealership (I needed it ASAP).

IMO, there is not a fluid on this earth that is "lifetime", so I'm also in the "change the fluid" boat. HOWEVER, I wouldn't change all of it since it is such a PITA to change 100% of the fluid because most of it sits in the converter. UNLESS you have metal particulate that comes out in the fluid, I would only changed the 30% that came out. As long as it is THE EXACT SAME FLUID it will be fine to mix up.

Congrats on having the vehicle for that many miles! Sounds like you are a proactive maintainer!

 

drain, filter, refill

never flush


my pan had black sludge at 44k

should be changed every 60k,jmo

redline d4 or updated works in either gm or zf

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=438667





2 gals , a fluid transfer pump , filter kit


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/red-30505

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w1145

i use wix filters but, search fcp, ecs, etc etc if you want to use something else

 

I changed mine at 170k and the transmission shift much better in the morning and shift perfect when up to temperature
I did bmw transmission fluid(OEM is Golden color not red )
Filter from ZF
And brand new gasket
No the transmission is good right now



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https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bm...m/products/bmw-auto-trans-service-kit-a5s360r-a5s390r-liqui-moly-24117557070kit

would this be good for mine, anything else i need?


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The ZF may be weaker but it's certainly the more serviceable of the two should something go wrong. ZF product support is incredible.

 

I'd say at 200k, your transmission owns you nothing. Unless exhibiting symptoms, I wouldn't change it as the cost is $400+. you can use that for a new (used) transmission.

If you have 60k then yes i fully advocate changing the fluid.

 

2005 330i. KM41626

Your 2005 330i has the GM auto trans, which uses Dexron VI fluid.
Read post #1 in our Official ATF thread here.
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1125083

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bm...m/products/bmw-auto-trans-service-kit-a5s360r-a5s390r-liqui-moly-24117557070kit
would this be good for mine?

Yes. That kit will work for your GM trans. It has quality parts, but the ATF is a bit pricey.
Last time I did the ATF change on my GM trans I bought this filter kit and my favorite Dexron VI fluid from Walmart
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-auto-trans-filter-kit-24117557070-24117557071

 

That 2005 330i has the GM auto trans.

Read post #1 in our Official ATF thread here.

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1125083





Yes. That kit will work for your GM trans. It has quality parts, but the ATF is a bit pricey.

isn’t liqui moly the best?


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i will double check my lifting my car up and checking the tag on the side of the pan


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so basically i need the fluid, new bolts, gasket and filter correct?


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so basically i need the fluid, new bolts, gasket and filter correct?

Some people also replace the drain and fill plugs, up to you.

 

pulls a number out of thin air, try to help him, turns out it's wrong
asked where he got it from, get ignored

 

pulls a number out of thin air, try to help him, turns out it's wrong
asked where he got it from, get ignored

my bad

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I am on my second AT service this year, both ZF. The first was 125k. No incident. The fluid was definitely dirty and worn. Replaced the gasket and both plugs using the FCP kit. and did a sump drain and fill.

The current is a 325iT with 158k miles. I removed the sump last night and it was absolutely foul. The fluid was grey and soupy. I had to use a drill and extractor for one of the sump screws and for the drain plug which was unmovable. The gasket was thin and very brittle, and it shattered It was also completely adhered to the transmission around the holes. Took 2 hours to clean off safely. There was no way that the gasket was keeping fluid in.

There was no particulate matter in the sump, and nothing of significance clinging to the magnets in either case.

The idea of leaving that junk in the transmission is baffling to me.

 

Archbid:I am working on my first two A/T cars right now and am flushing both - one at 125k and another at 175k. I'll let you know in a few weeks if either blows up, but I always bias towards maintenance. I hate endless codes.
LL i am:been a few weeks.

yeah, I was waiting for your comment here, since you did not reply coherently on that previous post
so...transmissions didn't blow up then

 

realoem


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i just discovered my transmission pan is black, is that a normal color??


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and the bolts have some fluid on it


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alright thanks for all the help y’all. i appreciate it


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what is the exact serial number of the dexron vi
10-9395 or 10-9243

Any major brand top tier oil companies Dexron 6 is perfect.

 

So would that mean that one can also use the Dexron VI for the power steering fluid that recommends Dexron III? Would a complete flush be required or would the VI be compatible to mix?

 

You probably can, but it's more than twice the price and no real benefit.