ATF Change--3/2001+ 530i (A5S 325Z Tranny) by Bearcat

6 minute read

ATF Change--3/2001+ 530i (A5S 325Z Tranny)

Compliments of Bearcat @ www.bimmerfest.com

There may have been other posts but since there are many AT model variation, I thought I post my experience. My car is a 7/2001 built 530i with A5S 325Z tranny which applies to 3/01+. Milage: 93K 85% local.

Special tools/parts needed:

* Fluid: Esso 71141 LT or equivalent (I got the Pentosin ATF1) 6L

* Gasket: #24-10-1-423-380

* Filter: I bought the Febi brand (OE maker for MB) it looked identical except the branding & part#

* Sockets: 6 & 8mm hex, T27(star). My drain had plenty of clearance unlike other posters, I bought the whole set from Harbor Freight including the 17mm for the differential plugs

* Torque Wrench

* Infrared thermometer (if available)

* Floor jacks

* Fluid pump

Procedure:

1) Put level on roof of car. Find the location where the bubble is at center. I got the small one with magnet.

2) Raise car. Back up to ramps then jack up front to level height & support by jacks. Shake car to check stability.

3) Loosen but not remove fill hole (8mm hex socket, do not use L wrench cause you need the power & later torque wrench)

4) Drain (6mm hex socket) ATF to large open pan. Collect ATF & measure(appx 3.8L). Tighten drain plug to 30Nm/23 lb

5) Drop pan(22 screws) using T-27 torque bit & remove filter(2 screws). (another 1.5L came out, total 5.3L). Replace filter. I used 2 old 5L oil containers that has markings for measuring.

6) Clean pan & magnets(8) filled with muddy, dark gray looking material which is the tranny debris mixed with ATF, clean it well with paper towels. Set pan vertical on oil change container to drain off excess oil 1st.

7) Re-install pan with new gasket (BMW part# 24-10-1-423-380). Use 2-3 clips to secure gasket. Install the front side center first duck under muffler mounts. Barely screw in bolts to allow re-alignment of gasket.

8) Pump in ATF til overfill(4L).

I did it individually and it was very cumbersome esp when you were under the car with minimal space and you need to be extra careful not to knock down the tall bottles. If I were to do it again, I would pour 6L of ATF into a clean pan(can get one from 99 cents store).

9) Start car with AC on & let idle 3 minutes then shift from P-N-D-S-1-2-3 (pause in between). Keep the engine on and fill & Check fluid temperature to be around 100F (pan 90F) using infrared thermometer. Fill till overflow (appx 5.5L). Close drain @ 35Nm/26 lb.

*Note: If your car is being changed the first time and there is no sign of leak, I would put in the same amount of fluid to start with, because tranny fluid does not burn off like engine oil. The factory had a very accurate fill to start, so if your drain & fill is very different check carefully. My total drain was around 5.3L (inc filter) and fill was around 5.5L.

Dealer wanted $31/L on ATF but I got the Pentosin ATF1 @ $15 shipped which claims to be 100% synthetic & compatible with the factory Esso oil. The color is golden brown just like Esso.

The level has a magnet on the underside which is ideal in this situation because it didn't move when I backed up to the ramp:

I just bought this Low Profile 2-Ton Jack few hours before doing the ATF from Harbor Freight for $79.99 on sale. It worked like a charm.

Factory Label indicating the part# for oil which matches the Pentosin's

It's a very dirty job, but you'll like it when it's done.

I used these paper clips to secure the gasket before mounting them

"Dirty Old" filter. Note the place where the 2 screws go in (T-27 bit socket)

I was curious to see the inside of the old filter so this is the dissected view. A lot of particles in gray color were trapped inside this well designed filter. Good thing there is no larger metal debris, only a few tiny ones. It seems that this filter is well designed so I plan to change it just every other time. I really wish that there was a fill hole with a dipstick on the top that I could just pour the ATF down thru a funnel with the exact quantity that came out without all that messy spill from overflow and pumping x%@#$%@, but hey these European car makers really know the ways to charge the consumers for horrendous amount of money on such simple fluid change job. Please share your thoughts & experience that might help others in the forum.

Best Regards,

Shawn