'94 540i - where is the auto-trans dipstick?

[kiwipetrolhead 1]

I have had the car for two years now and never checked the auto trans fluid in that time. There's no sign of leaks so it should be fine, but I have never managed to find a dipstick to check it. Or is there some other method of filling and checking it?

Also, how often should the fluid be replaced.. and the filter? I assume the filter replacement is an easy job, just take the oil pan off, true?

Finally, what type of auto trans fluid do these take?

Any tips appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[isis 16]

hasn't got a dipstick.

filter is inside the oil pan.

should use dextron 3

[kiwipetrolhead 1]

hasn't got a dipstick.

filter is inside the oil pan.

should use dextron 3

Thanks for that, but how do you get new oil into the trans after replacing the filter?

And I assume you just put back in the amount that was drained, so I have to measure that?

Thanks again

P

[my_e36 43]

Correct me if I am wrong...

94' 540i should be a e34, which has a ZF A5S 560Z gear box.

They use "lifetime" fluid, that's why there's no dip-stick.

Proper fluid to use should be....

Shell LA 2634 if your gear box housing has a black plate

or

Esso LT 71 141 if your gear box housing has a green plate

[arros 0]

Concur with my_e36: Had a look at my 540 (E34) owners manual last night- yes the oil does not need to be replaced- says something about 'lifetime oil'

[kiwi535 538]

lifetime oil....no such thing,change it there is a fill plug in the side,correct level is very important and temerature dependent.

[isis 16]

depends on where the car is from as well..some countries use GM boxes, some lucky ones get the ZF..

most earliers series have the ZH5hp.

Its a whole load of crap when they tell me its life time fluid.

change it every 70k or so...am hunting a good place to do mine.

Usually a ZF 5hp boxes take up to 9litres.

Fill it through the drain hole.

[kiwipetrolhead 1]

Correct me if I am wrong...

94' 540i should be a e34, which has a ZF A5S 560Z gear box.

They use "lifetime" fluid, that's why there's no dip-stick.

Proper fluid to use should be....

Shell LA 2634 if your gear box housing has a black plate

or

Esso LT 71 141 if your gear box housing has a green plate

Yes it is an e34. The earlier ones (like mine is) are only 4.0 litre V8 engines and not 4.4 litre. I have no idea which gearbox it has, but yes..."lifetime" fluid sounds a bit ominous to me. Thanks for that though I will check out the plate's colour, but I guess if there are no signs of leaks then I don't have too much to worry about.

Paul

depends on where the car is from as well..some countries use GM boxes, some lucky ones get the ZF..

most earliers series have the ZH5hp.

Its a whole load of crap when they tell me its life time fluid.

change it every 70k or so...am hunting a good place to do mine.

Usually a ZF 5hp boxes take up to 9litres.

Fill it through the drain hole.

Please let me know how you get on. (Mind you, I am in Palmerston North, but I will still be interested to hear.)

Cheers

Paul