To change or not to change.

[Strider74]

Hi Guys,I'm in the final stages of acquiring an E46, 2004, 325i.The Mileage on the car is about 150k km, according to the previous owner the ATF oil has never been changed nor the GB serviced.I've tested the car with my mechanic, there is no jerking, shuddering when accelerating. Sports mode also shifts perfectly.The gear box also have no signs of leaking.I've read in this forum and some international forums saying that ATF needs to be changed at 50k km intervals, and i've also read that problems happen after you change the ATF.Any comments or experience is welcomed.thanks

 

[Iceduke]

well it all depends on luck...if you do a change after so long chances of debris dislodging and ending up elsewhere within the GB is a risk one have to take. But at 150k should be alright if the previous owner didn't treat the car roughly.

Best is to do change twice or 3 times over a span of a week between changes with new filters each change, as this will remove if not all debris. Many have advised against doing a flush as it can damage it further.

Try changing it 3 times over a span of few weeks and see. Should be fine IMHO.

Hope this helps.

 

[Strider74]

Hi , Need some info,
What brand/type of ATF oil should I use?

I think i have the ZF tranny, 5HP19,

Thanks

 

[Iceduke]

yeah the 6 potters all use ZF gearboxes. For e46 5 speeder ones its the ZF 5 gearoil. Should be around RM45 - 55 a litre. Remember to change the Auto filter too. Full change requires up to 9 litres depending if ur mech also drains oil from the torque converter.

If not then around 7 to 8 should be sufficient. Hope this helps

 

[Iceduke]

oh just to add...debris in this case is the metal fillings that comes off the gears due to normal wear and tear.