97 M3 Auto???

[m3f_pilotx253_1945768265]

I have a 97 M3 automatic. Owners manual states lifetime transmission oil, which is a bunch of #%$@. Any suggestions on what kind of oil I should replace it with, is there a filter, and how much oil does it take? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[m3f_M3fun43]

Spoke to some BMW mechanics they usually swap out the trannys not the fluid. depends on the mileage, some folks don't like to add new fluid just the filter. The new fluid I heard weakens the bands which leads to slipage. You make the call, if it were me I would use Redline. There is no fill tube so you have to pump in from the top I believe and hope you get the right amount level ??

Let me know

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

You're not supposed to change that oil. Its some super special formula thats been designed to be used in theses trannys. The bottle of oil for its just around $500 for that stuff. It feels kinda like baby oil.



Supposedly, if you change it, you risk the chance of air getting into the oil or something. Not sure of the specfics, but it should last a good 150,000+ miles.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

sirius, what is the dealer line on changing gearbox lube on a 5sd manual at your dealership? I asked at my local BMW dealer and they said that BMW frowns on changing the tranny lube in most instances. They said they were not sure wether my gearbox had oil or ATF in it.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Heh. Our manuals use ATF fluid. Get some and go wild. I dunno how much we charge for the lube change on the transmissions though.



You're supposed to change the manuals fluid like very 50,000 miles or so. I changed mine when I bought my car. In fact, I changed all the fluids, except the brake fluid, got that superblue stuff and its still clean.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Thanks for the info. As for the brake fluid, you should change it every couple of years, more often if you do a lot of track days. Brake fluid absorbs water , so it should not be changed based on how it looks in the reservoir. Only replace it with fluid from a sealed can.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Thanks for the info. As for the brake fluid, you should change it every couple of years, more often if you do a lot of track days. Brake fluid absorbs water , so it should not be changed based on how it looks in the reservoir. Only repolace it with fluid from a sealed can.



Like wise with the tip. I don' tknow the last time it was changed... prob be a good idea to knock that out.



On another note....is the only difference with that blue stuff and DOT stuff just the temp range it can handle? Does it change pedal feel or no?

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Since liquids are basically uncompressible, I don't think it could alter the pedal feel. I don't know much about Blue fluid. I hope you are not talking about Silicone fluid (DOT5), because that is not what the engineers want in there. I suppose you must be talking about ATE super Blue. Again, I don't know much about this stuff. I have heard a lot of Porsche type racers use Ford heavy duty fluid.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Since liquids are basically uncompressible, I don't think it could alter the pedal feel. I don't know much about Blue fluid. I hope you are not talking about Silicone fluid (DOT5), because that is not what the engineers want in there. I suppose you must be talking about ATE super Blue. Again, I don't know much about this stuff. I have heard a lot of Porsche type racers use Ford heavy duty fluid.



Well, I have no idea whats in the car right now.. I just know its blue. The DOT stuff is your typical stuff you would get at the dealership...

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

I Talked to my tech today. Tranny fluid is under no circumstances to be changed. It's a lifetime fluid.

[m3f_mazur_fc5757570e]

*edited out*

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

you sure even for manual..... i was gonna change it soon....

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

you sure even for manual..... i was gonna change it soon....

I will talk to Shannon (my tech) tomorrow and get all the info from him.