Changing all the Fluids in the E30

[in_si1ence]

Ok so this weekend I am changing ALL the fluid in the 1990 325I 5 speed.

But what type of fluid should I use. Also Remember im here in Southern Cali, so it nvr get real hot or cold.

O and im going ALL synthetic

- Gear Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Engine Oil
- Transmision Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid

I need to know what weight and about how much i will need (more is btr)


Thanx guys a whole lot!!

[Axxe]

Check bavauto for reference to weights. Synthetic ATF for power steering and transmission, thicker gear oil for trans if you drive hard. Red line is your friend. 75W-90 for rear end, 15W50 Mobil 1 for oil, ATE SuperBlue for brake fluid.

I think that covers everything.

[browntown]

redline -- full product line, the water wetter wont hurt either. Red Line seems to be the favorite of many german car owners. Royal Purple for the domestic crowd. as mentioned ATE brake fluid (color only matters when flushing, cycle between amber and blue). Mobil 1 is a good choice for the motor oil as mentioned. for what weight, look at your manual or bentley, or if you're doing something more spirited, search.

[in_si1ence]

How much gear fluid, and tranny fluid should i buy?

[e30Matt]

How much gear fluid, and tranny fluid should i buy?

Manual transmission holds 1.7qt of fluid, so buy two quarts, or three if you like to have a spare around. Rear end holds around 1-1.5qt (if I remember correctly), so buy two to three for that as well. I run MTL in the transmission and 75W140 in the rear end for extra protection.

[asubimmer]

I have the redline MT-90...75W90 thats for the g240 though... I am pretty sure thats the right weight for a 260 also

[etxxz]

redline MT-90 and MTL are the shnizis...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...HIGHLY EXPENSIVE too!

you'll feel a difference immidiatly. i used the MT-90 in my last ae86 and it "fixed" any rough shifting and syncro probs that tranny ever had.

[KenC]

redline MT-90 and MTL are the shnizis...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...HIGHLY EXPENSIVE too!

It's less than $10 per quart... not exactly "HIGHLY EXPENSIVE" in my book, but whatev.


FWIW, I'm running Redline in the Tranny and Diff and it seems to work well.

[asubimmer]

if you don't have redline in your tranny you don't know what you are missing.

if you don't have redline in your tranny then just do it...you won't be dissapointed.

[in_si1ence]

ok so i changed the fluids and everything BUT!!! the oil drain plug doesnt tighten all the way and now it leaks a little bit. could it be the oil pan is cracked? or is it just the screw thread. i didnt over tighten at all... what do you think it could be?

[browntown]

new washer for the plug? i think the washer on these bmw's is metal vs a felt crush washer. 10 cents at napa, should change it out.

[wastedincome]

ok so i changed the fluids and everything BUT!!! the oil drain plug doesnt tighten all the way and now it leaks a little bit. could it be the oil pan is cracked? or is it just the screw thread. i didnt over tighten at all... what do you think it could be?

Check the threaded pert of the drain plug for stripped threads along w/ changing the washer as mentioned. You may need a new drain plug. Hopfully its not the thread in the pan. Good luck

[in_si1ence]

Could i use the same oil? or should i just replace it? its mobil one syn 15w-50 expensive shit

[in_si1ence]

o also what size is the washer?

[DaN]

A12x17