[Jimmert]

When your car is jacked up such that the rear wheels can freely spin (but make sure car is level), you can go through the gears without problem, don’t hold the brake though. If it switches back it didn’t engage the next gear.

2000rpm at idle seems correct yes.

[Slick_FThirty]

Originally Posted by Jimmert

When your car is jacked up such that the rear wheels can freely spin (but make sure car is level), you can go through the gears without problem, don't hold the brake though. If it switches back it didn't engage the next gear.

2000rpm at idle seems correct yes.

Thanks.

I'm slightly confused because the FCP euro video says ""with the car on the ground and foot on the brake pedal, put the transmission in gear and go through all the gears""

And at gear 8, I would imagine the wheels would be spinning very fast.

I should leave this to a mechanic next time.

All these videos and instructions skip these items.

[Slick_FThirty]

This is what the writer of the FCPEuro Blog Post wrote:

""The second fill/level check can be done with or without the engine running (ideally the engine should be running) as long as the temp is within the specified range""

Looks like we were doing it right?

[Slick_FThirty]

Either way, ZF says keep the engine on, so I will be filling with the engine on.

[montr]

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

This is what the writer of the FCPEuro Blog Post wrote:

""The second fill/level check can be done with or without the engine running (ideally the engine should be running) as long as the temp is within the specified range""

Looks like we were doing it right?

This is wrong. It is essential that the engine must be running.

To fill the transmission, go to the hardware store, buy a funnel and about 5' of flexible vinyl tube to fit the funnel. That will allow you to fill the transmission from the top of the engine bay while the car is still running. When the transmission is full, you go under the car and put back the fill plug (engine still running)

[Slick_FThirty]

Originally Posted by montr

This is wrong. It is essential that the engine must be running.

Agreed.

[Slick_FThirty]

As for going through the gears, I've watched a Myle training video which stated that you need to only go through park, drive, reverse, and neutral, and you only have to switch to manual mode once. Just switch over, no need to cycle through gears. Foot on brake pedal and engine idling.

Source :

This makes sense to me.

I'd be curious to hear other's thoughts.

[Slick_FThirty]

Filled up the transmission with the engine running. Took an additional 2 litres.

Silky smooth and fast shifts, better fuel economy, and seems quieter too.

Thanks everyone.

[montr]

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

Filled up the transmission with the engine running. Took an additional 2 litres.

Silky smooth and fast shifts, better fuel economy, and seems quieter too.

Thanks everyone.

Great, that was fast.

In the E90 forums, the transmission oil filling has been discussed many times. Everyone that filled the transmission without the engine running ended up with an under filled transmission. You have to start filling without the engine running, after level reach the fill plug, then you start the engine.

[HassanM5]

Just went through this on my 2015 328i. Did a complete service then noticed I couldn't get the same amount of fluid in as I got out. Forgot to keep the car running during the initial refill. Tried again today with the car running and it took about 1 more quart. Such an annoying procedure, especially without a lift. Definitely would leave this to a shop next time. Also, why the hell there isn't a better way to check the level is beyond me. For something so critical and sensitive, there has to be a better way.

[Kadised]

How bad would it be to drive 200 miles after refilling? I didn’t do the second fill with the engine running, but did it within the temperature range and right after turning the engine off so I was able to get about 4.3 quarts / 4 Liters back in. Is this enough fluid to not cause any problems until I can get it in the air again? F30 LCI / ZF 8HP50 if that matters 😅

[Aleksandar97]

Slick_Fthirty, Can you give us un update whether you have had problems with the transmission now it’s been 3 and a bit years later? Thanks in advance.