[E90raw]

So I want to take on the challenge of the tranny oil change on a 2011 328xi..........Is there anyone out there that is compulsive about their vehicles and has done it recently? I see some older post's, but nothing recently. Is it really that difficult? I want to do it at 25,000 miles.

[07lilredwagon]

The DIY on this forum is spot on...for both manual and automatic.

Just be very thorough and do your research...have a little more fluid on hand than you think you will need...and get the right stuff.

You didnt say if you have a standard or automatic transmission...

I used jack stands and ramps and have a garage and creeper...worked pretty well.

I have an automatic GM transmission....so I followed that procedure. I also found an excuse to get an infra red temperature sensor...pretty cool device...along with a transfer pump, a boat load of Dexron6 and some locktite....the light duty stuff, mind you...

I made a drip pan from an old garbage can lid that I cut a hole in...and the bottom portion of a 5 gallon bucket that I cut to a height that would hold enough fluid and fit under the car...works great....or you can get one of those from the parts store...

BAV auto and other places will have your tranny filter if an automatic....The German Z series trannys feature a nifty design that houses the filter inside the pan...so you have to get the unit....pricey.....(the Z does NOT take Dexron6)


The DIYs are solid....You Tube has some reputable versions too...

good luck with it...let us know some more info so we can chime in....

JP

[E90raw]

Thanks for the input and support. The tranny is automatic. I have not taken off the undercover to see what type(GM vs Z). The dealership told me the fluid type will be on the tranny cover. I will take pictures.

[mi_bimmer]

Originally Posted by E90raw

Thanks for the input and support. The tranny is automatic. I have not taken off the undercover to see what type(GM vs Z). The dealership told me the fluid type will be on the tranny cover. I will take pictures.

Just plugin the last 7 digits of your VIN and look it up

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

http://realoem.com

If the transmission # ends with Z it's ZF, else GM

[E90raw]

The tranny # came back GA6L-45R. Is this a GM tranny?

[E92 M2530Z]

Originally Posted by E90raw

The tranny # came back GA6L-45R. Is this a GM tranny?

I think that's right; I think the 328's have the GM transmission and 335's have ZF

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94113