e32 auto oil change, which oil?

[nicey]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to change the auto gearbox oil in my 1989 730i and I am struggling to find out the correct oil to use. I have got from cotswold the mesh filter and "o" ring and gasket to do the job, but when I went to my local motor spares shop they had a look in the book and said the was two types of oil, dependent on wether it had a black or green back plate(?).
I have been under the car to have a look and cant see any coloured plate.
Got to do this job this weekend as the car is towing my caravan on holiday next week!!

Does anyone know which oil I should be using or what they are meaning by green / black plate?

Many thanks in anticipation !

[darkchild]

I assume its the old 4 speed auto box? If so, its standard Dexron II ATF as far as I'm aware.

The later V8 E32s have the fully synthetic (and very expensive) auto fluid.

[Jhonno]

There is a coloured sticker on the side of the box which will tell you which fluid you need.. Better to leave it than use the wrong stuff

[nicey]

Thanks for replies, yes its the old 4 speed switchable gearbox, could n't find any stickers on the gear box when under the car though, in the hand book all its says is that it needs 3 ltrs and my BMW dealer knows which grade I need. Really need to know, anyone got any ideas how to find out?

[nicey]

Quick update for those who are interested.

Just spoke to Brett at cotswold BMW. After a bit of research using my vin number it turns out to be good old dextron ll as the other type is sealed for life stuff.

Brett really is a star.