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Transmission Fluid Application

There are numerous types of transmission fluid used in BMW transmissions. With the exception of the early transmissions (4HP22/24, A4S310/270R and the A5S310Z in the E34) all current BMW transmissions use "Lifetime Fill" transmission fluid. There is no maintenance required for these transmissions. It is important to use the correct fluid. Incorrect use of the transmission fluid can cause non-warrantable transmission damage.

When performing repairs on transmissions with lifetime fluid, it is important to drain the transmission fluid in to a clean container for re-use. New fluid should only be used for transmission replacement and for topping off after repairs.

Also, transmission fluid level is vital to the proper operation of the transmission.

When servicing or repairing BMW automatic transmissions, refer to TIS for fluid capacities.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Transmission Fluid Type BMW Part # Container SIB Ref.
4HP22 
4HP24 
Dexron III
Mercon
Available
Commercially
(Castrol or Texaco)
N/A  
A5S310Z 
530i/iT (E34)
Dexron III Available
Commercially
(Castrol or Texaco)
N/A  
M3 (E36) ESSO LT 71141 83 22 9 407 807 20 liter container B 24 03 95
A5S325Z  ESSO LT 71141 83 22 9 407 807 20 liter container  
A5S440Z  ESSO LT 71141 83 22 9 407 807 20 liter container  
A5S560Z 
740 (E32), 540 (E34)
840Ci (E31- 6/93-12/94)
740i/iL-750iL (E38)
Shell LA2634 83 22 9 407 765 5 liter container B 24 11 92
540i (3/96-12/96)
850Ci (10/94-6/97)
ESSO LT 71141 83 22 9 407 807 20 liter container B 24 02 94
A4S310R 
A4S270R 
(THM-R1) 
Dexron III Mercon Available Commercially (Castrol or Texaco) N/A  
A5S360R 
A5S390R 
Texaco ETL 7045E
Texaco ETL 8072B
83 22 0 026 922
83 22 0 024 359
25 liter container
25 liter container
 
GA6HP26Z GA6HP32Z  Shell M-1375.4 83 22 0 142 516 20 liter container