[lukemcmullen45]

Judging from the pictures, I don’t really see how the transmission pan is also the filter (N54 335i). I don’t see any filter, only solid plastic. Where is the physical filter?

[WoodE30]

Originally Posted by lukemcmullen45

Judging from the pictures, I don’t really see how the transmission pan is also the filter (N54 335i). I don’t see any filter, only solid plastic. Where is the physical filter?

The filter is integrated into the pan, the raised portion of the pan. The fluid goes into the filter, then up out of the pipe into the valve body.

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by WoodE30

The filter is integrated into the pan, the raised portion of the pan. The fluid goes into the filter, then up out of the pipe into the valve body.

This is correct, here's a picture up close of the filter set up described. I'm doing my transmission soon so I have it handy

[lukemcmullen45]

Originally Posted by ky0u

This is correct, here's a picture up close of the filter set up described. I'm doing my transmission soon so I have it handy

Sweet thank you! Helpful information as I was very confused 😂

[Moisture]

Despite the sheer quality of the ZF transmission, in my opinion its pretty disappointing to have a plastic pan on a luxury car like this. Even a $76,000 5 series has a plastic pan. Even the transmission in my $30,000 2015 Mazda 6 has a metal pan with its own integrated filter sitting above the pan, below the unit itself.

Based on personal experience with a couple different vehicles it is imperative that you replace the pan filter on these cars in order to keep the magnet clean. This will save you the hassle of rebuilding your valvebody and replacing solenoids down the road and will result in a much faster/smoother shifting transmission.

Use Redline or Motul ATF fluid for the refill.