Z3 1.9L manual transmission fluid change when & how?

[98z3]

I have a 98 Z3 1.9L with 5 speed manual and I am wondering when to change the trans fluid and if anyone has instructional information on when it is recommended, how to do the change and fluids to use. Mine has about 49,000 miles (79,000 KM aprx) So I am thinking it is time to look into this maintenance as I have no idea if it has ever been done on the car. I am thinking I will just change it as a precaution.

Any help/info is appreciated!

 

[Faheem]

Mine is a 97 Z3 I changed my transmission fluid very recently. My zed had 70000 miles when I did. I changed the fluid with redline d4.

It took about 1.3 litres. Noticed minimal difference after changing the fluid. The old fluid didn't look too bad, consistency was good and so was the colour.

Having said that I don't know when the fluid was replaced - could have been three years ago or 20. Now I have peace of mind

 

[colb]

Check for a yellow label on the side of the gearbox to see what fluid yours requires, label may have long gone by now.
BMW filled the gearbox with fill for life oils/Atf. Best you change it just for peace of mind, drain it then refill with 1.3 litres as Faheem says in his post. Filling is done using a syringe by a lot of people, I ran a tube down into the filler hole from under the hood and decanted my ATF down that using a funnel.

 

[t-tony]

The boxes are supposedly "filled for life" whatever that means. Personally I would use a syringe, but don't try sucking the oil into the syringe, simply screw the output end cap off athen pull the piston right out. You can pour the oil into the syringe and replace the cap. That way you'll get a full charge each time.

Tony.