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Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Transmission fluid

Lift the vehicle on a lift and locate the automatic transmission oil pan. Position a drain pan underneath and remove the drain plug located at the edge of the pan. Next, unscrew all the bolts along the edge of the pan to remove it and replace the filter, which is rectangular and fitted inside the transmission: pull it out and insert the new one, also replacing the gasket. Clean the oil pan thoroughly, especially the metallic debris attached to the magnet at the bottom; apply the new gasket to the pan and reposition it under the transmission, tightening all the bolts along the edges. Then, fill the transmission with the specific oil through the fill plug located on the side (when the oil starts to overflow from the fill plug, the level is okay). Start the engine and let it idle; recheck the oil level.

Updated on 6 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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