bmwdinan5

Can anyone point me to any DIY on how to change the transmission fluid in a e60 (550i '08)?

I've posted before, but never heard back.

newbie2

Never try

bmwdinan5

Like you've never tried or don't do it?

545felix

it's not that hard, but the underbody panels have to come off. undo the fill bolt on the side of the transmission with a 6-sided 1/2"drive socket (you'll need the torque, it's tightened to over 100 ft/lbs!) and then open the drain plug. fill qty is just under 2 quarts. you'll need a pump to get the oil from the bottles to the transmission, do not use anything on the end of the plastic tube they come with.

learned the valuable nuggets of information above on my E39 by first stripping the fill bolt by trying to undo it with a regular open-ended wrench and subsequently losing the plastic nozzle from my fluid pump inside the transmission. all sorts of fun to get that POS out of there.

bmwdinan5

Thanks for the info, but what do you mean regarding the plastic nozzle? I plan to just use a handpump similar to the way I've changed my differential oil; fill bolt out and stick part of the plastic hose into the filler hole.

In terms of replacement fluid what did you use? BMW or something like Redline or Royal Purple? If you used BMW fluid is it LT1, 2, or 3?

Thanks in advance!

salaki

I haven't changed mine but I will go w/ Redline.
From what I research, if you don't want to spend $$$ on BMW oil, use the Red Line.

I checked w/ Bavauto, BMWCCA, some other vendors, E39 forum, etc.
Looks like everyone is happy w/ Redline w/ no grinds, hard shifting, etc.

zenithdeluca

I used Red Line MTL and I bought it locally. It came out cheaper than buying online.

lospice1

Usually the hand pumps come with a plastic nozzle at the end of the tube.


I would recommend Redline...good stuff!

Will

cmoore_

I was told by a bmw SA that it is lifetime fluid lol. Cant beleive they still swear by that. I remember changing the fluid in the auto tranny in my 99 540i sport, it had about 100k on the fluid and talk about broken down and absolutely disgusting. After the flush I instantly noticed much smoother shifts and I actually gained almost one full mpg as well. Keep us posted on your results.

545felix

I was partial to Royal Purple Synchromax in the E39 Getrag, not sure yet as to what fluid I'd put in the E60's ZF unit. Mobil1 ATF works great and is readily available at just about any parts store or Mobil gas station. Royal Purple Synchromax runs a little thin.

I had cold shifting issues with Redline MTL in the E39 Getrag- and Miami doesn't exactly get cold. Since then I've not been a big fan of it.

I meant a hand pump, just don't use that stupid little nozzle they pack with them on the end of the rubber hose.