check transmission fluid BMW 525i 1998 E39 User Guide

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230 Manual Transmission
General ........................... .23 0.2 Output shaft
seal. replacing (5-speed
.... Special tools ........................ .23 0.2 transmission) (transmission installed) 230-10
Manual transmission aoolications ....... .23 0.5 Output shaft seal. replacing (6-speed . . .... transmission) (transmission installed) 230-12 ........ Transmission Fluid Service .23 0.6 put shaft seal. replacing
Transmission fluid level. checking ....... .23 0.6 (transmission ............... 230-15
........... Transmission fluid, replacing .23 0.6
Transmission Removal ................... ..... Transmission External Service .23 0-7 and installation 230-1
Back-up light switch, replacing .......... .23 0-' Transmission, removing and installing 230-16 ...
Selector shaft seal. reolacina .
(transmission installed) ................ .23 0.8

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230-6
Manual Transmission
Manual transmissions installed in the 5 Series are normally
filled with a "Lifetime" manual transmission fluid
(BMW MTF
LT-I) and do not require periodic fluid changes. Transmis-
sions filled with MTF LT-I lifetime oil are identified with a yel-
low label near the transmission fill plug labeled "Lifetime Oil
MTF-LT-1".
Transmission fluid level, checking
- Drive vehicle for a few miles to warm transmission.
- Raise and safely support vehicle to access transmission
filler plug.
CAUTION-
Make sure the car is stable and well supporfedat all times.
4 Remove side filler plug (B). Insert finger into hole to check
fluid level. If fluid level is up to bottom of filler hole (finger is
wetted by transmission fluid), level is correct.
NOTE-
* Check and fill transmission with car on level surface.
5-speed transmission shown in illustration. 6-speed trans-
mission is similar.
- Install and torque filler plug.
Tightening torque
Transmission drain or fill
plug
to transmission case SO Nm (37 it-lb)
Transmission fluid, replacing
- Drive vehicle for a few miles to warm transmission.
- Raise and safely support vehicle to access drain plug.
CAUTION-
Make sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed
for the purpose.
A floor jack is not adequate support.
Check that the
fill plug is not seizedprior to draining
transmission fluid.

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230-9
Manual ~ransmissionl
Carefully pry out selector shaft oil seal with BMW special tool
23
0 210, or with a narrow seal remover or small screwdriver.
Coat new selector shaft seal with transmission fluid. Drive
new seal in flush with housing. Use
BMW special seal instal-
lation tool
23 0 220 or equivalent and a soft-faced (plastic)
hammer.
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal, noting the fol-
lowing:
Install driveshaft using new
loclc nuts.
Check transmission oil level, topping up as necessary.
Tightening torques Aluminum driveshaft to flex-disc
. MI2 (use Dacromet-coated washers) 90 Nm (66 ft-lb)
Driveshaft CV joint to final drive flange
MI 0 (Torx bolt) 70
Nm (51 ft-lb)
M8 (compression nut) 32
Nm (24 ft-lb)
Flex-disc to transmission flange or driveshaft
MI0 (8.8 grade) 48 Nm (35 ft-lb)
MI0 (10.9 grade) 60
Nm (44 it-lb)
MI2 (8.8 grade) 81
Nm (60 ft-lb)
MI2 (10.9 grade) lo0 Nm (74 ft-lb)
- MI4 140 Nm (103 ft-lb)
Transmission crossmember
to transmission (ME) 21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
. to chassis (M10) 42 Nm (30 ft-lb)

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230-1 1
Manual ~ransmissionl
Coat new seal with transmission fluid. Use seal installation
drift (see table below) to drive seal into position until it is flush
with housing.
Output seal drives
Transmission
BMW special tool
Getrag S5D 250G 240110
ZF S5D 3202 23 2 300
inspect sealing surface on output flange. Replace if flange
surface is worn or damaged.
Heat output flange to about 176"
F (80" C) to aid in installa-
tion. This can be done by placing flange in hot water. Rein-
stall output flange to output shaft.
- Coat flange nut with LoctiteB243 and reinstall. Torque in two
stages.
Tightening torques Output flange to output shaft
Stage I 190 Nm (140 ft-lb)
Stage II (after loosening) 120
Nm (89 ft-lb)
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal, noting the fol-
lowing:
Install driveshaft using new nuts. See
260 Driveshaft.
Check transmission fluid level, topping up as necessary
Tightening torques Aluminum driveshaft to flex-disc
- MI2 (use Dacromet-coated washers) 90 Nm (66 ft-lb)
Driveshaft
CV joint to final drive flange
. MI0 (Torx bolt) 70
Nm (51 ft-lb)
. M8 (compression nut) 32
Nm (24 ft-lb)
Flex-disc to transmission flange or driveshaft
- MI0 (8.8 grade) 48
Nm (35 ft-lb)
- MI0 (10.9 grade) 60
Nm (44 It-lb)
. MI2 (8.8 grade) 81 Nm (60 ft-lb)
. MI2 (10.9 grade) I00 Nm (74 It-lb)
M14 140 Nm (103 It-lb)
Transmission crossmember
- to transmission (ME) 21 Nm (15 It-lb)
- to chassis (M10) 42 Nm (30 It-lb)

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240 Automatic Transmission
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission applications
. . . . . ,240-2 ATF, draining and filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-7
. . . . . ,240-2 Automatic transmission fluid
. . . . . ,240-4 pan and strainer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-9
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240-4 Transmission Removal
and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240-10 Automatic Transmission Fluid Transmission, removing and installing . . . 240-10 (ATF) Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,240-6
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . . . . . ,240-6
ATF level, checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,240-6

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- .- -
Automatic Transmission
Electronics are used to control the operation of these auto-
matic transmissions. Steptronic transmission functions are
also programmed into the transmission control module
(TCM). The TCM monitors transmission operation for faults
and alerts the driver by illuminating the transmission fault indi-
cator on the instrument panel. Diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) stored in the TCM may be downloaded and interpret-
ed by trained technicians using special BMW diagnostic
equipment.
Some minor automatic transmission problems can be cor-
rected by changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
and filter. Begin by checking ATF level and condition.
Checlc
to see if the fluid is dirty or has a burned odor indicating over-
heated fluid. The burned odor may be the results of burned
discs in theclutch paclts. The friction material from the burned
disc can clog valve body passages.
NOTE-
The E39 automatic transmission is not equipped with a dip-
stick.
Checking the ATF level must be done while monitoring
the ATF temperature with the engine idling. The
BMW dealer
is equipped with the special equipment to make this check.

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240-6
I Automatic Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
The E39 automatic transmission is filled with either Dexron Ill
ATF or Texaco 80728, a life time oil.
CA UTIOI\C
Use only the transmission fluid that is approved for use by
BMW All other fluids will cause non warrantable transmis-
I sion damage.
Mixing different types of transmission fluids will lead to
transmission failure.
NOTE-
The type of transmission lubricant used can be found on a
stickeron the transmission pan. Dexron
111ATF (blacksticker)
reads "ATF-Oil': Special life time oil (green sticker) reads
'Life-Time Oil': If in doubt, consult an authorized
BMW dealer
for alternate fluid use and current information regarding
transmission operating fluids.
ATF level, checking
Check ATF level if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint re-
lated to fluid level or afler transmission repairs.
The automatic transmission is not equipped with a dipstick.
Checking the ATF level requires that the transmission be at
operating temperature during the checking procedure.
NOTE-
Vehicle must be level throughout tests
- Drive vehicle to warm up ATF to operating temperature.
- Connect BMW diagnostic scan tool DiSplus, MoDiC, GTI or
equivalent to determine transmission oil temperature.
ATF level checking
Fluid temperature
30' - 50°C (85' - 120" F)
- With engine running, switch on air conditioning to increase
engine idle speed.
- Apply parking brake.
- While applying foot brake firmly move gear shift selector
lever through
all gear positions, pausing in each gear briefly.

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Automatic Transmission
- Raise and safely support vehicle.
CA U JIOG
Male sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose. A floorjack is not adequate support
4 With engine running and selector lever in PARK, remove filler
plug (arrow)
(A5S 360R transmission shown, refer to other
illustrations for location of filler and drain plugs on other
transmissions).
If a small stream of fluid runs out of the filler hole the level
is correct.
If no fluid
leaks out when plug is removed, fluid level is to
low. Add ATF fluid until it starts to overflow.
Install filler plug using a new sealing ring.
Hot ATF can scald. Wear eye protection and protective cloth-
ing andgloves during
the check. If the tmnsmission was over-
filled, hot ATF will spill from the filler hole when the
fill plug is
removed.
ATF, draining and filling
The procedure given here includes removal and installation of
the fluid strainer (filter). Refer to illustrations in Automatic
transmission fluid
pan and strainer.
Remove ATF drain plug
(1) and drain fluid into container.
WARNING-
ATFshould be warm when draining. Hot ATFcan scald. Wear
eye protection, protective clothing and gloves.
Remove transmission pan mounting bolts and remove pan.
Remove pan gasket and clean
gasket sealing surface.
- Pull ATF strainer from transmission pump housing. If strainer
sealing ring remains in pump housing remove using a seal
puller.
- Installation is reverse of removal.
Always replace seal for drain plug and all
gasket(s)
and O-rings.
Clean sump and sump
magnet(s) using a lint-free cloth.
Tighten transmission pan bolts in sequential order.
Using filler plug
(2), fill transmission with approved ATF.
Check fluid level as described earlier.

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240-1 3
Automatic ~ransmissionl
- Blow out oil cooler lines with low-pressure compressed air
and flush cooler with clean ATF twice before reattaching lines
to transmission.
CA UTIOG
Wear safety glasses when worling with compressed air:
@ Do not reuse ATF used for flushing.
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal, noting the fol-
lowing:
Reinstall driveshafl using new nuts.
Install new sealing washers on transmission cooling line
banjo bolts.
Install new O-rings on transmission cooler lines, where
applicable.
Inspect engine drive plate (flywheel) for cracks or elongat-
ed holes. Replace
if necessary.
Be sure bellhousing alignment dowel sleeves are located
correctly. Replace damaged sleeves.
Checlc to be sure torque converter is seated correctly in
transmission during final installation.
Use
BMW special tool 24 2 300 to align three mounting
tabs on torque converter with indentations on drive plate
(flywheel).
Fill transmission with clean ATF until oil level is even with
fill hole. Then check fluid level as described earlier.
Adjust gearshift mechanism. See
250 Gearshift Linkage.
NOTE-
In order to avoid difficulties in transmission removal at a fu-
ture time, use washers with Torx-head mounting bolts.

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INDEX 'tl
WARNING
Your common sense, good
judgemenl, and general alertness are
crucial to sale and successiul service
worlr. Belore attempting any work on
your
BMM be sure lo read 001
General Warnings and Cautions
and the
copyriglll page at the front 01
the manual. Review these warnings
and
caulions each lime you prepare
lo work on your BMW. Please also
read any warnings and cautions that
accompany
tile procedures in the
manual.
312-way valve (running losses)
see Fuel tank
Abbreviations, commonly used 600-14
ABS (antilock brake system)
see
Bral(es
A/C air distribution motors
see stepper motors (below)
blower final stage (resistor pack),
replacing
640-16
blower, removinglinslalling
640-1 5
compressor, replacing
640-24 condenser, replacing 64045
control panellmodule, removing1
installing
640-1 1
evaporakr, removinglinstalling 640-29
evaporator temperature sensor
640-12 expansion valve, removinglinstailing
640-27
IHKA/ IHKR system description 640-5
receiveridrier, replacing 640-26
stepper motors 640-1 3 ventilation microiilter, replacing
020-22. 640-17
see also Heating
Accelerator
iinlcage
see Maintenance
Activated carbon canister
see Fuel tank
ADS (auxiliary throttle valve)
130-57
Air compressor
330-44
Air conditioning
see
AIC
Air distribution (flap) motors
seeNC, stepper motors
Air filter see Maintenance
Air spring
300-6, 330-12
Airbag system (SRS)
2-stage
airbag 721-4
control module, replacing 721-7 driver airbag, removinglinstalling
721-8
iiead protection airbag 721-12 components 721-1 1
indicator
lighl721-4
passenger airbag, removinglinstalling
721-9 side-impact airbags crash sensor,
replacing
721-7
Airflow sensor see 130 under appropriate
fuel
injection system
Air pump
see 130 under appropriate fuel
injection system, secondary air
injection system
Air suspension
see Electronic height control
(EHC)
Alarm
see Anti-theft alarm
Alignment see
Wheei alignment
Aluminum suspension components
300-2
Antenna 650-6
Alternator see Battery, starter, alte rnator
Amplifier
650-4
Anti-theft alarm (DWA)
515-24 emergency disarming 515-31
Antifreeze (engine coolant)
see Maintenance
see also Cooling system
Antilock brake system (ABS) see Brakes
ASC see Brakes
ATF (automatic transmission fluid)
see Automatic transmission
see also Cooling systern
Automatic headlight adjustmenl
(LWR) see Lights
Automatic seat belt tensioner
720-4
Automatic shiftloclc
see
Gearshift
Automatic transmission
applications
200-3, 240-4
ATF 020-10, 200-4
capacity 240-8 checking 240-6
drainingifilling 240-7
heat exchanger 170-5
fluid pan and strainer 240-9 gearshift
see Gearshift
ID tag
200-3 range switch 610-6
removaliinstallation 240-10
steptronic see Gearshift
Auxiliary cooling fan
see
Coollng system, electric Ian
Auxiliary throttle valve (ADS)
130-57
Axle joint
see Drive axle
Back-up light switch
automatic transmission see Automatic transmission. range switch
- .~.~~~
manual transmission 230-8 -
- I