Auto Gearbox Oil

[Renton500]

I'm going to do a gearbox oil change on my 325 touring auto and someone has told me that i should only use oil supplied by a dealer, otherwise i will encounter gearbox problems in future.

Can anyone else shed any light on this?

[stuartgallafant]

yes, it is true

give them your chassis number and/or vehicle details and they'll either supply the oil for you or tell you waht you should buy

[Renton500]

Great, thanks for the quick response!!

[stuartgallafant]

no worries!!

[Barnz]

Doesn't normal Dexron 3 do the trick? Not had problems with this before? About £16 for 5 litre?

[jcjdavis1]

Hi I will be doing the same on my 320i,if you don't mind post up the details and price the Dealer gives you.Will you be doing the filter and gasket as well? Will there be any difference between the 325 and the 320? Thanks Jim

[Renton500]

OK, i've spoken to my local Sytner's and after giving them my chassis number and then going away to look into it, I have been told that normal Dexron 3 ATF is fine. The guy assured me it wasn't until later engines that dealer supplied oil was needed.

Anyone else not convinced?

I think i might check with another dealer!!

[Renton500]

OK, have now checked with Sytner Coventry and they've said the same thing, although he did say he could supply me what they use at £24.64 for 3 litres.

Presumably all the dealers are going to be reading from the same computer system

Now i'm not sure what to do

[stuartgallafant]

renton, we use dexron III in my dealers, so if thats what they've said, then go ahead mate

also, to do it properly, you have 2 drain it all out, then run the box up for a short time, then drain it again. when putting it in, fill it up, run the box up then check the level again once its warm

at least thats what i remember

[Renton500]

OK, thanks mate. I'll pick some up from Halfords or GSF and have a go on Saturday. Wish me luck!!

jcjdavis1, I'll let you know how i get on.