Hi guys,

Is there a way to check the level of transmission fluid in our cars? Can someone knowledgeable shed some light?

Thanks in advance!

The transmission fluid cannot be checked. It doesn´t need to be changed either. It´s for life. Unless you have a leak or something. Then probably you will have to replace the seals and fluid (a lot of money each littler goes around $43 and the car uses 10 lt. if not mistaken).

Keep in mind, "life" in BMW terms is probably 75,000 - 100,000 miles (this has been mentioned on this board before), so you will need to eventually change your fluids.

there is no dipstick or way to do it through idrive. there is some kind of specific procedure that can be done with the car on a lift though (tranny has to be at certain temp, then they open it up and somehow check it). seems like a dumb design. replacing a automatic tranny these days probably costs as much as replacing an engine, and you can't check the fluid lever?

Yeah my Mercedes is the same way. I had it changed at 50,000 miles anyway. If I didnt have the fluid changed when they swapped my mechatronics in the BMW, I would have had a drain and fill. It's much cheaper than a new trany, if you plan on keeping the car for a while.

Yeah my Mercedes is the same way. I had it changed at 50,000 miles anyway. If I didnt have the fluid changed when they swapped my mechatronics in the BMW, I would have had a drain and fill. It's much cheaper than a new trany, if you plan on keeping the car for a while.

To check transmission fluid level:
1. Vehicle must be on level surface (or raised in air level).
2. Transmission must be at proper specified temperature (I believe the temp range is between 35 and 45 degress celcius. Monitored via INPA or other similiar program).
3. Shift transmission through gears pausing at each gear (including reverse).
3. Fill plug removed. Fluid is at proper level when fluid is at bottom of fill plug hole and transmission within proper temp range and in park.

Lifetime fluid does not exist unless you consider the failure point lifetime...which will happen sooner than it needs to if you dont change the fluid. Change fluid every 80k miles or more often.

Thank you for all the replies. It does not seem that easy :) Especially to monitor the temp...

Can anyone recommend a good indy shop in Chicagoland? I bet stealer will charge a lot of $$ for flush/pan gasket change.