drtimwright

Hey everyone, I'm about to do a trans fluid change (as well as filter, gasket and shift selector seal) on my '98 E36 328. With a ZF 5HP18 / A5S310Z transmission. I'm currently trying to figure out the right fluid to use. On the Penrite website, there's a note: And what do you know: So, I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on fluid - or am I stuck going to the dealer? (I've sent Winger BMW an email asking for price and availability). Thanks, Tim

Turns out it's a ZF-5HP18.

The professional said: leaky pan gasket and probably needs replacement seal on the side (I forget the exact part - potentially the extension shaft seal but will find out more when I talk in person). Can be done without having to remove the transmission. He said there was nothing wrong with the seals joining the engine and torque converter. Now to find the right parts. I got him to write down the transmission model code And, yes, I'll be doing a fluid and filter replacement at the same time. Tim

Thanks - it was hard to get good quality photos with one arm stretched under the car (didn't want to crawl too far under when it's only jacked up). I've booked it in with my mechanic now (remembered that it's still covered by the mechanical warranty I purchased). Tim

Or is this one OK: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-auto-trans-filter-kit-fk1870 I don't seem to have two pans - just one. Like I've seen on an E46!

Hey everyone, I've got a leaky auto transmission in my 1998 E36 328i. Photo of the transmission attached - hopefully it has the transmission code on the photo. This seems to be the gasket replacement kit that fits: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-automatic-transmission-filter-kit-24111421kit Just wondering if anyone can say "no that's wrong" before I buy it (I don't expect anyone to say "yes" - I just want to reduce my risk of buying the wrong part) Thanks, Tim

Hey everyone, This is for a 1998 328i E36 cabriolet. My front passenger seat doesn't stay forward. Which makes it hard for people to get into the back seat (it's a 2 door cab). I can hold it forward, but that's getting to be annoying Some initial googling tells me it might be the strut inside the seat that's worn out. This makes sense because the driver's seat fair launches itself forward but the passenger one just sits there sedately. However, before I go removing the seat, figuring out where the strut is, and trying to order one, I thought some people here with more knowledge than me might have some other options. Also, if anyone knows how to replace a seat strut, that would be great. I've never disassembled a seat before! Tim

And here we are: https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1525485906

Thanks for all the help everyone! The new bushings and lollipops are now on the car. I bought replacement bushes but couldn't get these into the lollipops so put the 'backup' pre-combined lollipops from @APT in there. So if anyone needs some E36 control arm rear lollipops and bushes, I have some for sale. Will put on trademe and then post here.

Cheers - I have sent you a PM. Have also bought a set from trademe (one of the ones linked by @WYZEUP) but it'd be good to have a fallback in case I can't install those ones. Tim

Cheers @WYZEUP - I was contemplating polyeurethene because they seem (from youtube videos) to be easier to install (in that I don't need a press - only a hacksaw and a multi tool to remove the old bushes). But I'll see if there are easier ways to install the bushes too Tim

Hey everyone, My car just got a warrant with this note: "Front control arm rear brushes soft need replacing soon" Before I order them, can someone please double check I'm buying the right part: https://runautoparts.com.au/holder-control-arm-mounting-300-610-0001 I'll probably buy the bracket too unless there is another option that I can put in without a fancy bit of equipment. Wouldn't mind going Polyurethane but will depend if I can find them! Tim

That is an awesome car! Would love to see some pics

Welcome to the forums! Your car looks fantastic. I've heard the 135i's are awesome - and with a tune yours will go like a baby rocket. Looking forward to gazing at it's rear number-plate as you pull away from me at a drive Tim

Wecome and nice ride Saulo! I bet she drives well

Welcome! Your 320i looks awesome Hopefully we'll get to see it in Wellington sometime soon. Tim

Hey Aaron, Welcome to the site! And am looking forward to the photos... Tim

Looks great! Looking forward to seeing you (and it) at an event sometime soon.

Wow - it looks fantastic! I've used Mothers NuLens renewal headlight kit on my cars - it worked really well. Some people say you can use toothpaste and other things too. Tim

Nice wagon - E36s are awesome! Just watch out for the cooling system and the rear suspension bushes (I think it's bushes anyway). I had to replace both those on my E36 recently. Tim

Hi Shizam - great to see you here! Some photos of your ride would be awesome Tim

Welly seems to have quite an active group of people who organise events - you could do the same on Hamilton Or we could have a combined event half way! That'd be awesome...

Hey Glen - nice car! Looking forward to seeing it (and you) at an event sometime soon

135i? Nice! It looks great - I test drove a 125i the other day and it was amazing. Can only imagine what the 135i is like!

Hey Dan - your car looks awesome! Nice buy