Wiki. Not very helpful

Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:28 am

I just want to know the correct fluid to put in my auto gearbox it would be nice if there was a blue link that said oils and amounts for your auto gearbox on the wiki drivetrain page.
Anyway It says dextron 111. Everywhere and everyone else says dex11.

Amounts
Do I fill to max with engine running or fill to max with engine off.
Do I put in gear on the ramp do I put in all the gears on the ramp or Do I leave it all off.

Sorry if it sound like a rant but having issues and would like a bit more detail.
I think it's more important to have the right oils and the right amount in your gearbox before you know what the ratios are. Whatever ratio you use you will need oil and enough of it to make them ratios last.

My problem if anyone can help Is I'm have trouble getting into fourth I've change the fluid and it works a lot better but still has a problem after 30 mins of driving.
Could it be the dextron11 that's the problem.
There's no dodgy sounds or smells so I assume its electrical or the fluid is getting to thin when it's hot and not letting it slip into fourth. But that's me just thinking.
Any help other than stick it to manual would help.
Tar

Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:29 am

The gearbox works fine for the first half hour

Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:38 am

Fill to max then run the engine in neutral and again fill to max, let the engine run until the gear oil is up to temp and check again.

Dexron 3 is an upgrade/replacement for dexron 2

Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:52 am

Never owned an auto E30,but my dad had a couple when they were reasonably new...

His grumble with the auto 'box was that it would not 'lock up' into 4th until a fairish road speed was reached,something like 60/65mph was needed,is this the general experience of others with these 'boxes?

Sat Aug 22, 2015 11:21 am

They should change into fourth at quite low speeds if the load is low.

The lock up (not change into fourth) on mine is at 52 mph.

This is the non switchable auto box on a 1990 325i.

Ben

Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:27 pm

Mine locks into fourth when cold at a reasonable speed and revs and goes lovely on the motorway but a certain distance in and it drops a gear and never wants go back up until rested for a half hour but then it happens sooner than last time.
The last change I done in the week was dex11 aqm mineral and now I'm doing another change with a new filter and atf dex111. The filter had sludge not much a little so hopefully I've gave it a good flush and in 45mins I should know results.
Thanks for advice and help I'll let you know results. Cheers lads

Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:28 pm

Oh yer mines is switchable if that helps

Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:33 pm

DanThe wrote:Fill to max then run the engine in neutral and again fill to max, let the engine run until the gear oil is up to temp and check again.

Dexron 3 is an upgrade/replacement for dexron 2

Do I check when engine is running.
Sorry but double checking. Lol.
Thanks.

Sat Aug 22, 2015 10:39 pm

Cheers.
I've done filter and fluid and made no change, still does the same thing when it has a bit of round town driving but when I go straight to the motorway it does 40 miles then when get back in town for 20 or more minutes then it goes back to shit mode.
I can feel it getting some sort of signal as it quivers a bit when it should change then thinks can't be arsed and stays in 3rd b
My mate has a couple Containers full of old ecu's, gearbox ecu's and loads of old bm bits and he said I could have a dig round till I find another with matching numbers.
So I'm gonna have a try and if that don't work....

Thanks for help.