bekker

I'm not really familier with your trans, but if you are doing a decent service you might want to change the filter, if it has one, at the same time.

A DX3 is a DX3. Its a performance criteria, its not brand specific. Its that simple. The only difference is whether it is synthetic, semi or mineral. However some brands are obviously better quality than others. For example, you can go to the Warehouse and buy a litre of DX3 ATF for probably less then $10, or you could buy AMSOIL at about $30. Which would you trust! Who recommended that brand? I thought BMW recommended Castrol anyway? Just goes to show. Everybodies got an opinion, including me! Seriously though guys, most workshops will use a cheaper, 'all purpose' fluid if they can. It makes sense, less stock to carry and a bigger mark up. If you really care about your transmission (and why wouldn't you, it's probably the most complex and expensive to repair part in your car) then insist on good fluid. Or better still, buy the fluid yourself, take it along to the workshop and watch them put it in. Docile, are you having the transmission flushed?

Probably. You can get samples tested (I've never had it done so I don't know where). If you are really that worried about whats already in it the safest thing would probably be to get the transmission flushed and refilled with the right kind. Its not the cheapest but at least you know then and you can start fresh with your own servicing. Just make sure they put the right fluid in!

Check out the Penrite website above. I bought it directly through the rep (nice guy) and he had it couriered to me. They do two a full synthetic ATF's (I have used one with good and immediately noticeable results) and a semi-synthetic called BMV which I believe they developed with ZF (and other BMW transmissions) in mind, hence the name. I think BMV is a very new product, so do a search on their site cause I dont think its listed yet under ATF's. They have an 0800 number here which goes to Aus but they will be able to put you through to the rep. The number is 0800 533 698. I'd also just like to point out that I'm not in any way affiliated with this company, I've just used their products and found them to be very good. Some of their more main stream products are available at Supercheap auto. My Honda Legend is using their products entirely and the BMW will be soon too. As for what is already in your Bimmer? Probably just a standard DX3. But thats just a guess. Let me know if you need anymore info. Cheers.

Please please please be very careful what advice you listen to. For example, Castrol VMX is a gear oil NOT an ATF (automatic transmission fluid). The BMW (normally ZF or GM) auto transmissions can be very fussy (and usually for good reason) about which fluids to use. I recommend you have a look at the Penrite website. They have a very good range of ATF's for different applications. You may have to contact them (or there rep) directly but it is probably worth it. I have used Penrite products and I am very please with the results. There fully synthetic ATF is good value. I paid around $60 for 4 litres. Here is a link to their website. http://www.penrite.com.au/html/s01_home/home.asp?dsb=62 Please be careful. If you use the wrong ATF you can cause serious damage. Its just not wirth the risk! I hope this helps. Cheers

Thanks guys, Sorry havent checked in for a few days. I will be in touch shortly. Cheers

I dont know how much, but I was in Shelly BMW yesterday and they said they dont know exactly how much oil my car takes (I'm sure they do approximately)! They said its not very exact and just top it up till its right. I had made the mistake of not letting the engine sit (off) long enough before checking the level. After I had spent $25 at the dealer for a litre of oil I went back to work. After the car had been sitting a couple of hours I rechecked the level. It was spot on. So, two things came out of it for me. 1 - The books say 4.3 litres for my car. It takes 5 exactly. 2 - I need to let the car sit for a long time before checking the level. I dont know why, but in this car it just takes a long time to drain down. Probably a good thing actually. I am starting to suspect that the figure they give, in this case 4.3 litres, is the safe minimum. In other words, to the bottom mark on the dipstick. On the plus side, exactly 5 litres is a very handy amount of oil! Good luck .

This doesnt sit very comfortably with me. Am I weird? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...on-64866133.htm

My suggestion is to top it up, although the earlier post suggesting a drain and refill is a good idea. If its not leaking, its not burning and its not in your coolant where else can it be? Cheers.

This similar to a question I had a little while ago. I changed the oil on my e28 525e. 5 litres took it to half way up the dip stick, yet all publications I've seen say the capacity with new filter is about 4.3 litres. So why does mine appear to take about 5.5 litres? When they say '4.3', do they mean to the bottom of the dipstick. The most sensible explanation so far came from my girlfriend who suggested I had the wrong dipstick! It doesn't leak an drop, doesn't burn any (more then normal) and theres no oil in the coolant. I'll a little perplexed and frustrated since I put a synthetic in it that only comes in 5 litre amounts. Any other suggestions?

Actually wanting one for free. Hoping someone in the Wellington area has an old air filter to suit a 525e (or e28 520i, poss e30's too but im not sure). So if anybodies doing a service and would otherwise be throwing it away, I'd like it. Cheers, Rohan

I too think you should leave it in. The SA 745i's are rare and I'd hate to see one torn apart. Besides, you could turn an E23 like that into a really great car! Cheers.

Please forgive me if this has already been posted. Found this on Trade Me, might be of interest to some of you. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=64878699 Cheers, Rohan

But aren't the M30's designed to take about 5.8 litres?

Ive just done an oil change on my E28 525ee. All the publictions I've read say the capacity, with filter change is 4.2 to 4.3 litres. I've poured 5 litres into it and its still not to the top mark! There are no leaks and the level is not dropping. Any one else experienced this? Cheers

Ive just done an oil change on my E28 525ee. All the publictions I've read say he capacity, with filter change is 4.2 to 4.3 litres. I've poured 5 litres into it and its still not to the top mark! There are no leaks and the level is not dropping. Any one else experienced this? Cheers

Thanks guys, I would love to do the E32/34 upgrade, but that means bigger wheels (currently running stock 14 inch) and the whole thing starts to get too expensive. Any recommendation on pads? I'm intending to go for fast/hard street pads. Anyone have any brand preference or experience? Cheers for all the help.

Does anybody know of any E28's being wrecked in (or around) the Wellington area? I need some front brake discs. Does anyone know the best place (either shop or online) to buy new discs? Any help appreciated. Cheers.

Hi Can anyone help me by telling what size Allen key I need to removed the disc brake retaining bolt on a E28? Would this bolt normally require an impact driver? Cheers

DNZ, have you tried this stuff, or are you just making an assumption?

Hi, Has anybody used a wheel cleaner that actually does what they claim they can do? I've tried many and have yet to find a single one that removes brake dust without alot of wheel scrubbing. Any suggestions? Cheers.

Just in case no one else has discovered this yet, Eagle 1 Wax as-you-dry. This is the best new product I have tried in years. It really is good! Highly recommended if you are a little bit lazy like me and I have had so many people comment on how good the car looks. Its available from Super cheap Auto. Cheers.

Thanks everyone. Cars fixed now - about $500 later! Turned out to be a dead relay. What the Haynes manual doesnt tell you is that the Bosch relays (according to the auto electrician I ended up using) have a different pin layout. I just replaced it with a normal relay. It took (allegedly) the electrician 6 hours to diagnose the fault - and they are the Bosch specialists! I dont think I'll go back there, maybe straight to BMW next time. $500 to finally diagnose a $30 relay! I had assumed that because they were the specialist that they would be familiar with the cars layout. It appears I was wrong. Cheers for all the help anyway.

Does anyone know where in Wellington to get parts for a late 525ee? I may need another ECU. Can these be rebuilt or upgraded? Also need an ehaust bracket. Cheers

Its a 1988 525ee. Id really appriciate it if you had one. Cheers