2000 BMW 328i (E46) Technical Service Bulletin # 240198 Date: 010901

2000 BMW 328i (E46) Technical Service Bulletin # 240198 Date: 010901

A/T - Fluid Level Checking Procedure

GROUP 24

Automatic Transmission

Bulletin Number

24 01 98

Woodcliff Lake, NJ

September 2001

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Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 24 01 98 dated January 1999.

SUBJECT:

Transmission Fluid Level Checking Procedure

MODEL:

All with the ZF and GM automatic transmission

SITUATION:

Checking the fluid level may be necessary if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint related to fluid level or in the event repairs are made to the

transmission.

NOTE:

USE ONLY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT IS APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION. ALL OTHER

FLUIDS WILL CAUSE NON WARRANTABLE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.

PROCEDURE

Fluid Level Checking Procedure for all Transmissions without a Dipstick:

1. The transmission temperature must be between 30锟斤拷C and 50锟斤拷C before checking can begin. Use the DIS or the MODIC to determine the

transmission temperature.

2. The vehicle must be level and without load. With the engine running, switch on the air conditioning. This will increase the idle speed and

ensure that all oil passages in the transmission are filled with oil.

3. Step on the brake firmly, apply parking brake fully and move the selector lever through each gear position, pausing briefly in each gear.

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4. With the engine running and the selector lever in Park position, remove the filler plug located on the transmission (see picture shown for

location). If a small stream of oil runs out, the fluid level is correct.

5. If no oil runs out when the filler plug is removed, the fluid level is too low. Add oil until it starts to overflow.

6. With the engine running, reinstall the oil filler plug and tighten to proper torque. (Refer to proper tightening torque as shown)

Fluid Level Checking Procedure for all Transmissions with a Dipstick (As of 02/91 the THM R1 transmissions are not equipped with a dipstick):

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1. The transmission temperature must be between 30锟斤拷C and 50锟斤拷C before checking can begin. Use the DIS or the MODIC to determine the

transmission temperature.

2. The vehicle must be level and without load. With the engine running, switch on the air conditioning. This will increase the idle speed and

ensure that all oil passages in the transmission are filled with oil.

3. Step on the brake firmly, apply parking brake fully and move the selector lever through each gear position, pausing briefly in each gear.

4. Pull out dipstick and wipe clean with a lint free cloth.

5. Reinsert dipstick completely. Pull out dipstick and place bottom tip on a level surface, measure level from bottom tip.

Compare measurement and oil temperature reading from MODiC or DIS with Table shown.

6. Add additional oil if needed.

Reinsert dipstick completely. Pull out dipstick and look at level. Level should be between MAX and MIN marks as shown.

On vehicles with a dipstick tube if transmission fluid is needed use only Dexron III.

Adding Oil after Transmission Repairs:

1. With the engine stopped, add oil to the transmission until it overflows.

2. Insert the filler plug and tighten by hand. Place the selector lever in Park position and start the engine.

3. Follow the fluid level checking procedure as described under step A or B.

Notes on fluid level checking and adding transmission oil:

-- Whenever all lifetime use oils (Shell LA 2634, Esso LT71141 or Texaco ETL 7045 or 8072B) are to be collected in a clean container and

reused.

-- It is preferred to check the transmission fluid level at 30锟斤拷C, this way the transmission will hold extra oil versus topping off at 50锟斤拷C.

-- If the transmission temperature rises above 50锟斤拷C during the fluid level checking procedure, the resulting oil level will be too low.

-- Have necessary equipment, oil pump and transmission fluid available before starting the fluid level checking procedure.

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PARTS INFORMATION

Transmission Fluids Application Charts which identify what type of transmission fluid is to be used with each model based on production date can

be ordered from Product Engineering.