If you want to check the fluid level there are 2 options. Either your trans will have a dipstick or it will be sealed. If it has a dipstick warm the car up and park on a level surface. Shift through all gears and check the dipstick with the engine running car in park. If there is no dipstick it is more complicated. There is a drain plug somewhere on the side that will drain out any excess fluid.
All German Manufacturers (ZF?)are doing the latter described above i.e. sealed for life/death. See the following link for changing the ATF on a VW Passat, generally things will probably be much the same on your BMW. http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/atfchange/ Would you ever buy another German car?
Steps to check ATF:
1. Lift up car on jacks
2. locate fill plug on tranny bay
3. unscrew and remove
4. if oil is level with the bottom of the hole, then it is full
5. if not, add oil with a pump(can find at autozone or csk for like 10 bucks)
6. screw plug back on and you're done
(oh yeah, oil will most likely be Dexron III if car is from the 90s)
how to put transmission fluid in a 740il BMW 1993
In order to check the transmission fluid on a 2000 BMW 323i, you must first determine whether the transmission is manual or automatic. If it's automatic, it's not suggested that you change it yourself. If it's manual, you should look in the user's manual for instructions.
You can use any SAE certified transmission fluid in your 2001 BMW automatic transmission. The automaker recommends that you never overfill the transmission fluid.
I am having the same problem and what I have been reading you have to check it on the side of the transmision.. Also, be sure that your transmission is not the "lifetime sealed" unit which requires a special fluid that is not compatible with ATF. Recommend you check with an authorized BMW dealership mechanic.
There are 2 ...the drain plug and the other should be on the side to check its levels....Max The Automatic Transmission in a BMW Z3 contains a lifetime fluid - If you drain it, you cannot refill it and you will destroy the transmission. The same goes for the rear diff...
To check the Automatic transmission fluid on the 2001 BMW X5 3.0i model, there is simply no dipstick to look for. Answer: The owner's manual will discuss this in very limited wording in regards to the AT fluid of this particular model found in the A-Z topics of the Table of Contents. This model comes with a "Lifetime Fluid" sealed in the automatic transmission casing, thus there is no need to check the fluid level. Check with your local maintenance personnel to further substantiate this answer.Read more: How_do_you_check_transmission_fluid_on_BMW_x5
2001 BMW X5 3.0i and 4.4i Automatic Transmission fluid Check?To check the Automatic transmission fluid on the 2001 BMW X5 3.0i model, there is simply no dipstick to look for. Answer: The owner's manual for the 2001 BMW X5 3.0i and the X5 4.4i will discuss this in very limited wording in regards to the Automatic Transmission fluid of this particular model found in the main topic heading, "Technical Data" page 13 and subtopic, "Capacities" also on page 13 of the Table of Contents which leads to page 209 of the manual, which tables the list of fluids to include "Manual and automatic transmission, transfer box and differential". This model comes with a "Lifetime Fluid" thus there is no need to check fluid level, and/or change the fluid. The Transmission is sealed. Check with your local maintenance personnel to further substantiate this answer. I found it healthy to frequently ask my "Jiffy Lube" oil changers questions in reference to my 2001 BMW X 5 series vehicle, and have received some money saving answers.
The 2008 BMW X5 has a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
The 2012 BMW X5 has a 8-speed shiftable automatic.
The 2013 BMW X6 has a 8-speed shiftable automatic.
The 2011 BMW X5 has a 8-speed shiftable automatic.
The 2011 BMW X3 has a 8-speed shiftable automatic.