Trans replacement question. Fluid?

[87e30]

Update at bottom.

So I'm changing the output shaft on a trans I bought. I need to make sure there is no fluid in it first (I'm assuming) and then I need to put it together and fill it up with fluid.

My biggest question right now is what fluid to use? OEM BMW or can I save $ elsewhere?

[nando]

redline

[isamemon]

redline mtl I beleive

[87e30]

How can I find out how much fluid to put in?

Sorry, went about a trans replacement with no idea what I was doing and I want to finish it up by today or tomorrow.

[KenC]

More than one bottle, but less than two. Pump it in until it fills up and starts leaking out.

[87e30]

Hmm... looks like I need to figure out what I'm doing. I thought I'd just be pouring and such. Uh oh...

[87e30]

Alright, so redline MT-90 for the trans. Is that all I need to know?

Can I pour it right in and dump the old right out? Which is the drain plug which is the fill?

[KenC]

Make sure you remove the fill plug before draining the old fluid. Also, you'll need to get a pump to get the fluid into the tranny as it's too tight for a bottle. They're like $5 at a local autoparts store. Looks like a big liquid soap pump with a hose on the end of it. You can use it for diff fluid too.

[norcalE30]

i think his trans is out of the car tho? right?

[87e30]

Yes, yes it is.

So that means I could just tip it up to get it in there? No harm in doing that?

So tip the trans up on the bellhousing and pour in the fluid until it starts spilling out?

Just picked up some Redline MTL so trying to sort things out. Thanks guys.

[nando]

nonono!

you want to fill it up as if the transmission was installed in the car -that means it must be laying flat. if you fill it up standing on end you're going to overfill it..

[asubimmer]

nonono!

you want to fill it up as if the transmission was installed in the car -that means it must be laying flat. if you fill it up standing on end you're going to overfill it..

If there is too much it will just come out the vent in the top. Not sure if it would come out fast enough though?

[87e30]

Hmm. so I need a pump afterall?

In the process of putting the smaller output shaft on now. I still can't seem to find the place where you put the fluid in.

Assuming drain bolt is on the bottom, and yes... that little vent spilled on my feet. haha. old trans though, so no worries.

[87e30]

I'm just going to get it back in the car. And buy a pump. And make sure I don't overfill the trans.

[87e30]

I can't get the damn thing. I'll say, I'm not a big guy. Not very strong. But I'm still capable of lifting the damn trans. I get it in place and lift it up and I can't get the spline/spindle anywhere near the hole. I tried jacks, trying using my body as a lift, and tried lifting up just the bellhousing. Can't find the right angle. Are there any tricks?