[WDE46]

RP doesn't even publish the specs of its fluids. Never buy anything like that. They're all marketing hype. I don't care if it works. I don't support bullshit companies like them.

 

[WDE46]

Dexron IV does not exist. Redline D4 ATF only meets/exceeds Dexron III specs. Their marketing is that it's "one" better.

Deron VI is the next step up from Dexron III. And it's backward's compatible.

 

[WDE46]

Okay, so Dex 4 does not exist, but D4 is a replacement for Dex II and Dex III, which is the fluid called for in the manual transmission of the 3 Series cars -- and others but we only care about the 3s here.

D4 is ATF, and ATF is the specified manual transmission fluid for the 3 Series. That's the bottom line.

:thumbsup:

 

[WDE46]

DexVI is backward compatible with DexIII in all GM automatic transmissions. The main difference is that it must be a partial synthetic and it's slightly lower starting viscosity than DexIII. However, it breaks down slower than DexIII, so the average viscosity over the life of the fluid is actually higher with DexVI. So, if DexIII is okay for our manuals, I'd assume DexVI is okay as well.

Having said that, I'd simply use Redline D4 ATF because that's what most people here seem to use and they like it.

 

[WDE46]

Today I learned that wildirish is an elephant.


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[WDE46]

The manual transmission doesn't have a line to the radiator. Try again.

 

[WDE46]

no five speed thanks

Okay then it's the power steering system because your 5 speed manual doesn't connect to the radiator.


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[WDE46]

Mango, while we are on topic. What are the common spots for the 5 speeds to leak? My fluid appeared original. I got less then 1/2 quart out and it had some metal shavings. Transmission itself is fine,I didn't feel any big difference swapping the fluid w/ pentosin but lack of fluid drained concerns me.

You can't look to see where it leaked out?


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[WDE46]

Everything is bone dry. I'm guessing that with a lack of fluid that it had in it may be its not reaching the point of escape it once had

An oil leak that big wouldn't really just disappear.

How much did you manage to fill it with?


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[WDE46]

Car was level?


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[WDE46]

A ghost stole the fluid.


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[WDE46]

so what your saying the power steering fluid goes to the radiator in two compression lines at the bottom of the radiator beside the frame rail just trying too get thing straight thanks

Either that or you have an automatic 5 speed


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[WDE46]

Please post a picture.


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[WDE46]

never been in her how do I upload a pic

Upload the picture to imgur.com then use the BB code text it gives you and paste that into your response.


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[WDE46]

thanks for the help first time I've ever seen transmission fluid in the power steering thanks and sorry for the bother

No bother. Glad we could help. Yes the E46 uses pure ATF for the power steering. Recommend Dexron III or VI.


As for people saying you might have an auto, please don't take offense because we've had posters make far dumber comments than saying they have a manual when they really have an auto. lmao. Only reason that came up is because you insisted it came from the transmission.

 

[WDE46]

no trouble just the transmission fluid leaking out at that spot had me a little puzzled thanks

Indeed. It just so happens that cars with automatics have a small cooling block near that area as well that circulates ATF and it has the same type of connectors on it even.


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