Could someone please help repost the pictures?

 

Buy the way did anyone mentioned that, if you purchased from BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport
you also need to purchase bolts? (see attached)

Purchase the parts: (x6)ATF-oil, (x1)pan/integrated filter, (x24) pan BOLTS (search engine: "ZF transmission" & "Transmission pan bolts"), and just have a bmw specialist/mechanic do the labor. print out the DIY on page 1 of this thread and hand it to them advising them they should follow those guidelines. (**NOTE** i get real headaches with the dang tools & jacks, and temperature gauging, and starting, and shifting gears, and screwing, and unscewing and BMW just gives me a headache when it comes to maintenance/service, and that's just me. I LOVE the car, HATE the service. I wish i was more patient & tolerant.) Kudos to all you fine folks out there.

As of now (03/29/13) the price i checked at BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport is listed as follows:

Bolt - For transmission pan - Genuine BMW = $2.95 / each
Automatic Transmission Filter - ZF = $124.95
ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid - for 6-speed automatic transmissions = $22.95 / each

Total price: $333.45

by the way anyone around the southern california area such as , South Los Angeles, Central Los Angeles, Arcadia, Brea, Ontario, or Chino Hills area that would like to get paid to do this?

Just spoke with Trish (03/29/13 @ 8:15AM) from BMW stealership (877)-269-9621, according to Trish: the E60 BMW transmission fluid service shouldn't be done until approx 100,000 miles, unless there was a comprise with the transmission (collision, damage/service indicator etc...) Unless there is a special requirement, She stated that if they had to remove the transmission fluid for what ever reason, their mechanics would collect the fluid and put it straight back in anyways, and maybe top it off if its low.

"Lifetime Fill" (because it's made to last) Shell M-1375.4 ATF = $30.24 / each liter
Transmission complete Kit (pan/integrated filter, gasket,etc...) // "Value-line kit" /// = $206.93+tax ($225)
Total Price: $406.44

 

I am really having trouble getting the mechtronic coupler into the area where I can manipulate it into the space. I had to force the old one out of the tight space allotted and I just broke the new one trying to squeeze it into the small space. Am I missing something? Is there something else I need to remove beyond the pan?

Thanks!

Mike

 

I got mine from here Kits: The CTSC - ZF Parts and ill be putting it on soon.

 

Are you referring to the mechatronics sealing sleeve? Do you have pics of the item you are referring to? If it's the mech sealing sleeve, you need to pull down on the sealing sleeve release arm located to the right rear of the transmission. This will allow you to pull out and replace the sleeve rather easily.

 

jerk off, spam bot, go away!

 

Next to the transmission oil pan, there is a thing that I believe I need to remove it in order to access the fill bolt. Does anyone know what that is?

 

If you have an X drive, you must remove your front driveshaft (or at least disconnect it from the transfer case) to access the fill hole.

 

I didn't have to do that. You do need to remove the exhaust bracket that is bolted to the transfer case and then use a long L shape allen wrench to reach up and get to the fill plug. It wasn't difficult at all.

This is the allen wrench that I've used, it should work for all cars and make it easier to reach the drain plug :

 

Well, after my oil change 40K miles ago finally had a leak in the drain hole o-ring. I used the Pentosin ATF+1 and my oil is still CLEAR. hopefully this thing just came loose and is not tightened enough.