E30 Zone

I'm going to be servicing my 1988 (m20b25) 325i Auto touring tomorrow (weather permitting).

I remember reading on here that you can use DIESEL engine oil to clean the engine out (sort of like an engine flush). Was wondering whether you just pour it through or whether you can run it in the engine for a little while? Also how much should i use?

I don't mind changing the oil twice if the diesel engine oil needs to be run to work.

I'm think it was something to do with the diesel oil having more detergents in it to keep the sutt that diesel engines produce from sticking to the engine.

Also, does the gearbox oil need to be changed/toppped up, and if so how do i do it? (1st time i've owned an auto! ).

not sure on the diesel oil, i tend to use the non-corrosive flushes, just add to the oil and leave running for about 30 mins, seems to do a good job..
autobox oil does need changing, there should be a drain plug, and a filling point, autodata will help if you have access.

What's autodata?

Is the filling point on the gearbox?

Having said that, the gearbox oil does look very clean. Should i change it anyway (just ot be on the safe side?)

autodata is the software most garages use for technical info on all/most models of cars, its available to anyone.

yes the filling point is on the box, although possibly (from memory) it might be filled from the dipstick.

aceraf wrote:Having said that, the gearbox oil does look very clean. Should i change it anyway (just ot be on the safe side?)

yes, colour and texture has nothing to do with condition.

stevotheevo wrote:autodata is the software most garages use for technical info on all/most models of cars, its available to anyone.

yes the filling point is on the box, although possibly (from memory) it might be filled from the dipstick.

Don't have autodata i'm afraid.

How much oil does it take?

Would take all day through the dipstick

The Auto Gearbox Oil is filled through the dipstick.

I changed mine for the first time last year, followed the Haynes Manual and it went ok, apart from breaking one of the Torx bolts.

I do seem to get covered in whatever fluid i'm changing though

aceraf wrote:

stevotheevo wrote:autodata is the software most garages use for technical info on all/most models of cars, its available to anyone.

yes the filling point is on the box, although possibly (from memory) it might be filled from the dipstick.

Don't have autodata i'm afraid.

How much oil does it take?

Would take all day through the dipstick

how much oil ? i cant remember.

but it doesnt take too long to fill, just need a really small tipped funnel.

well worth doing my friend, the correct amount of oil is vital mate, phone BMW they will tell you how much is needed.
also be sure to ask if the amount they state is inclusive of whats still in the torque converter as this does not drain out,

Renton500 wrote:The Auto Gearbox Oil is filled through the dipstick.

I changed mine for the first time last year, followed the Haynes Manual and it went ok, apart from breaking one of the Torx bolts.

I do seem to get covered in whatever fluid i'm changing though

Where are the torx bolts?

How much oil did you need?

the torx bolts are what hold the pan in place that contains the filter i seem to remember.

Sorry, i can't remember how much oil i needed, i bought whatever amount was in the haynes manual (it's at home). I do remember having trouble trying to work out which oil to buy though. Someone told me i needed to buy it from a dealer, so I phoned 2 BMW dealerships local to me and neither of them had a clue!! Think i got it from Halfrauds in the end.

According to Bentley you require 3 litres of (belive it or not) Automatic Transmission Fluid....ATF..... Benley says you can drain from the gearbox sump pan and suggests removing pan to clean the strainer as already mentioned. Sounds like a real fun job to me,good luck!!

Always been told not to do engine flushes and my dad also refuses to do them even on some customer cars unless the engine has been very well maintained other could cause more issues then it is worth.

mattyb240 wrote:Always been told not to do engine flushes and my dad also refuses to do them even on some customer cars unless the engine has been very well maintained other could cause more issues then it is worth.

I've been told that aswell, but surely a cleaner engine will be a more efficient one.

I used a engine flush on my old 316i (yes i know ), and after the service it made a massive difference, but that doesn't remove all the muck off the engine, and it was mentioned somewhere on here that diesel engine oil is very good at cleaning the engine out.

As daimlerman says the capacity is 3 ltrs of ATF Dexron II.

The original BMW directive was to only drain and refill the gearbox by means of the hex bolt drain, on the bottom of the gearbox sump and refill via the dipstick.

If you think the current oil looks a dark or dirty red, or smells burnt, then it may be advisable to remove the sump and the filter and replace the filter component. You would also need the small O ring that sits on the upper side of the filter housing, as well as replacing the sump gasket.

The torx screws the guys are referring to, attach the filter housing to the lower side of the gearbox and are accessible after removing the sump.

However, if the oil appears cherry red, there is no necessity to replace the filter at all. My car has a good service history and I only replace the oil at the specific inspection periods.

If you do decide to remove the sump and filter, also make sure to clean up the magnets that sit in the sump and remove any debris before refitting.

Both options are fairly straight forward and the most difficult aspect of the job is manipulating the filler/dispstick back into position on the sump if teh sump is removed.

The gearbox oil is very cherry red, not dark, so i'll do just a fluid change. I plan on doing some other jobs in the summer so may do the job lot then if need be.

Thanks all

Lol if it re assures you my dad is a BMW specialist who has been doing it for over 20 years

But i agree with you on what your saying about it being more efficient, but it could always uncover something nasty that the oil has bunged up an kept it running nice, once you remove it i guess it would be like removing a plug whole. That would be worst case scenario. But as i said if you know your engine and if it has been maintained you will probably be fine. I'd like to here the results to be honest!

mattyb240 wrote:Lol if it re assures you my dad is a BMW specialist who has been doing it for over 20 years

But i agree with you on what your saying about it being more efficient, but it could always uncover something nasty that the oil has bunged up an kept it running nice, once you remove it i guess it would be like removing a plug whole. That would be worst case scenario. But as i said if you know your engine and if it has been maintained you will probably be fine. I'd like to here the results to be honest!

erm...not too sure on how its been maintained (only owned it for about 6 months), but with the car giving about 20mpg i need it running better

It was alot better when i bought it, and i have covered a fair few miles so i'm hoping the service will get it back to how it was.

Let us know the results dude be keen to hear what kind of an improvement you get on it all fuel and general running

Use diesel oil and give it a full tank of premium unleaded after to clean the fuel lines/tank out and you should see an increase in mpg