just purchased a 97 540i 6speed

[Bimmer540i6]

Hello peoples just wana say im new to the forum and i recently got my hands on a nice 540I and im just wondering if anyone knows how to check the tranny fluid. I opened what looked like the fill hole at the tranny and i didnt really feel any fluid when reaching in.

p.s. no thats not my bimmer in the pic lol

[drz]

Welcome to bimmerwerkz!

As fas as I know, checking through the fill hole is the only way to check the fluid level, which would scare me a little if you weren't able to feel any fluid in there. That is the extent of my knowledge, however. Check back, as someone who'll be able to tell you more shall swing by sometime soon.

Good luck and welcome again

[Torque]

Welcome and congrats on the purchase.

The way to check the fluid is: raise the car up so it's level (put it on 4 jackstands on a level surface), and open the fill hole bolt (the one from the side -- horizontally, not the one on the bottom). The fluid should be right to the bottom of the hole (meaning if you add any more in, it starts dripping out the hole).

The procedure for changing the fluid is simple too: open the drain plug on the bottom, let it all drip out, reinstall the bolt, remove the fill bolt on the side, and keep adding until no more can go in. Then put the plug back in.

edit: If you don't have 4 jackstands, it's probably cheaper to swing by any shop and have them change your fluid. Don't go to the dealer ... anyone can do it, but do get the proper spec fluid.

[Bimmer540i6]

thanks torque and drz, thats what i thought i should be able to see the fluid right at the top, i think it is leaking, when i did the oil change i did see a little wetness around the tranny seal, looks like its time for a new seal, ah crap lol...and am i right it says ATF on the tranny and not gear oil?
Also, if someone could tell me how to reset the maint. light, i know you gota jump that big connector under the hood somehow.

thanks alot!

[Torque]

If it has the ATF sticker on the side of the tranny, use that. My car also uses it.

As for the service light reset on the e39 ... I think you need a reset tool; not 100 percent on that though.

[solanog]

There is a procedure for resetting the light without the tool, you shortcut one of the pins but I don't remember which. You can search something like "resetting the SIL" or something similar.

[Teh Prof]

Welcome to the joys of the E39. I see you're in New York too. Whereabouts?

[RoadsterMadness]

Yes greetings and welcome to Teh WERKZ!

[solanog]

This should help

Reset The SIL

[dannyb]

welcome