FULL FLUID CHANGE

I do hope i have this in the right section...

Edited by BrianMarkWilson - 31 Mar 2016 at 5:45pm

You may also want to change the air (micro) filters depending upon model of car, etc.  And if it's been stood around for a long time, perhaps worth changing the windscreen washer fluid.  Also, fuel filter?

If your car has a limited slip diff (Sperredifferential 25% in the car's options list - available free from any dealer) you need Castrol SAF-XJ or whatever it is called these days - otherwise SAF-XO.  There is a variety of suitable synthetic gearbox oils - look at the Opie Oils.com site for details and delivery.   Suitable oils are  Fuchs Titan Sintofluid SAE 75w-80  (as per original factory fill)  Amsoil MTF SAE 5-30 (SAE 75w-90 on gear oil viscosity scale)  and others by Castrol and Redline etc.

Getting oil into the side-mounted filler.level hole of the gearbox can be difficult, and remember to keep the car level.

I allow a litre of brake fluid for a full change, bleeding it through the caliper and clutch bleed nipples.  I use ATE from GSF, and alternate between standard yellow and 'Racing' blue to indicate when all the old fluid has been expelled. 

You will need a power bleeder, such as a Gunsons Ezi-Bleed, and suitable-sized small ring spanners.  It may be worth buying a set of stainless steel bleed nipples, and a new set of rubber dust caps for them.

See my bit on brake bleeding in the 'How To' forum.

To drain the power steering system you need to remove the pipe between the reservoir and pump at the pump, after cutting off the crimped clip.  Replace it with a suitable worm-drive clip. After refilling lift both front wheels off the ground, and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock a few times.  Repeat when the engine is idling, until the rumble of air noise stops, then switch off and check the fluid level.  Shell Dextron-standard oils are common enough - Dextron 4 is the current type.

It may also be worth changing the spark plugs, and don't forget to check the battery cell levels, topping up with de-mineralised water.  A strip of 'BMW' tape across the cell plugs does not constitute a sealed battery!


Edited by Mike Fishwick - 08 Apr 2016 at 1:30pm