Royal Purple, M1 or Amsoil ATF? Thought about adding some LC also but Terry Dyson recommended against it. No real reason given. Car & trans in excellent shape, no problems, just thinking about a flush and going synthetic. Looking for suggestions. Thanks everyone.
03 325i BMW w/steptronic AT
- Thread starter Steel Blue Wind Rider
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What's the mileage on your BMW? I think that this transmission calls for Dexron III. However, I suggest you check with a dealer just to make sure that AT doesn't use some special OEM fluid. Otherwise you're in danger of voiding the warranty. If your particular car comes with factory maintanence you probably should perform all work at dealership. Ask them is they'll accept your synthetic ATF.
I suggest going with Mobil 1 ATF, it worked very well for me too many times to be ignored.
Regards,
I suggest going with Mobil 1 ATF, it worked very well for me too many times to be ignored.
Regards,
Is your transmission a ZF one? I think most ZF transmission need ESSO LT 71141.
Tell me please if I'm wrong.
If I'm not mistaken (I very well might be
) newer BMW 3 series use GM-made hydromatic 5L40-E transmissions which use Dexron III. This is NOT the 6-speed sequential AT which is installed on some 3 series of model year 2004 and later. BMW very possibly might recommend Esso fluid because it has semi-synthetic base. If I remember correctly Esso fluid is compatible and approved for Dexron IIe/III. BMW also recommend changing their ATF at 100,000 miles.
I have an 03 also. I am not sure if you are aware, but there was a problem with the 03 Step depending on the time of the year it was made. I have a new tranny in mine now. I would check into this prior to changing fluid, especially to a non BMW fluid. It may be reason for them to give you a hard time about the transmission. The primary symptom is slipping when cold, especially after backing up first. I told my dealer the syptom and he immediately ordered me a tranny so they know about the problem.
I was wrong
. I checked the BMW transmission fluid chart and found that most 3 series beginning from 2000 use GM transmission. That chart only go up to 2002 model so for 2003 model, not sure
.
But be careful, GM transmission call for three different fluid according to the chart:
1. Dexron III
2. Texaco ETL 7045E
3. Texaco ETL 8072B
Make sure to find what is in you transmission!
But be careful, GM transmission call for three different fluid according to the chart:
1. Dexron III
2. Texaco ETL 7045E
3. Texaco ETL 8072B
Make sure to find what is in you transmission!
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The ONLY BMW's that accept Dexron III fluid are the ones that still have a dipstick.
The newer vehicles actually specify Texaco ETL7045 fluid. BMW is very strange about this fluid and actually say to save what you drain from the transmission and reuse it if you do any maintenance on your vehicle.
The bad news is that this fluid is only available from BMW dealerships in 26 liter pales and is VERY expensive. It is made specifically for the General Motors transmission facility in Strasbourg, France, and isn't commercially available. The good news is that there are fluids that can be used to replace it. Personally I'd either source the heavy duty texaco/chevron synthetic ATF (a jobber only item) or select Redline D4.
The newer vehicles actually specify Texaco ETL7045 fluid. BMW is very strange about this fluid and actually say to save what you drain from the transmission and reuse it if you do any maintenance on your vehicle.
The bad news is that this fluid is only available from BMW dealerships in 26 liter pales and is VERY expensive. It is made specifically for the General Motors transmission facility in Strasbourg, France, and isn't commercially available. The good news is that there are fluids that can be used to replace it. Personally I'd either source the heavy duty texaco/chevron synthetic ATF (a jobber only item) or select Redline D4.
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