What temp should tranny be during fluid change

[UNC201]

I've down 2 drains/refills since picking up my car with 4 miles on it. It's now at 42K and going.

Each time I've drained/refilled my transmission, I've done it when the car was warm. I recall reading a blurb about taking a temp gun when doing the transmission fluid and to refill at a certain temp. Anyone care to extrapolate.

BTW, if anyone has done the same, what ATF have you guys used in place of a ZF transmission that calls for Esso 71141 fluid ? All this time I thought it was a particular spec fluid but based on some postings on this forum, it looks like it's just a extended Dex III fluid and any high quality Dex III variant would be applicable as well .

For both times that I changed the transmission fluid, I picked up the 71141 via the VW equivalent bottles at $14 qt......which was alot better than what the dealership was asking for on it. Now, I'm a more informed consumer thanks to this board ;-)

 

[The Critic]

Well, the LT71141 fluid supposedly formulated to address the TCC shudder problems in ZF transmissions. Use Amsoil, but if you get TCC shudder, switch back.

If you're in the mood to experiment, give some Dexron-VI a try.

PS: What happened to the 335i?

 

[UNC201]

Ha. Sharp Eye. I think I posted one thread on it awhile back.

I'm still debating. The 335i was supposed to be a new DD but I think being out here in the Northeast, I may wait that extra year for a 335xi coupe or just pull the gun one day and get the 335i .

I'm hijacking my own thread, but I've also got a new parking lot so no more worries about valet mishaps as well ! It's even faster than the old lot I used. Takes about 1.45 seconds or a lil bit more depending if it gets dropped into a single or double bay

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/technology_news/4213198.html

 

[The Critic]

The fluid should be changed at normal operating temperature (after a short highway run), but the fluid level check procedure is done at a specific temp range. Too hot, not enough fluid in the pan...too cool...too much fluid in the pan. The correct temp range will allow you to uncork the check plug and allow the level to be correct.

This is really needed only if you had a transmission flush through the lines anyway (if you even have lines).

If you are just draining the pan, measure the amount you drained out, and add the same amount plus 4 ounces or so.