How do i top up the automatic transmision fluid on my 1999 318i e46 bmw?

SOURCE: 1997 chevy cavalier Z24 2.4l autotrans. fluid level

Hi losflip,
There is a plug located where the right side axle shaft enters the transmission it is above the pan. To check the fluid level of the transmission the engine must be at operating temp and the vehicle must be level. The must be running and the transmission in park, the plug is then removed and if transmission fluid starts dripping/leaking out it is full. If not transmission fluid should be added till fluid starts leaking from the plug hole, then just reinsert the plug and tighten. Generally this is done with the vehicle on a lift in order to access the plug, you might be able to do this if you have enough room to access the plug remember the vehicle must be level.

Johnny Massengill

• 345 Answers
• Posted on Nov 28, 2008

SOURCE: 2001 vw beetle, transmission fluid

This page explains how to change the transmission fluid but about half way down the page it tells how to check for the proper amount of fluid:
http://www.newbeetle.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1036

There isn't a transmission dipstick for this car.

SOURCE: transmission fluid level check 02 jetta tdi auto

VW didn't put a "dipstick" on the trans for whatever reason. You technically have to use the VW Vag-Com scanner to properly check the trans fluid level as VW says it has to be checked at a specific temperature. But there is a "shade-tree" workaround. Start the car and leave the engine running the throughout the entire procedure. You have to get the trans fluid warm-a little under normal operating temp. 95F-104F is what you want-you can attain this after letting the car idle for 8 or so minutes. Continuing, leave the trans in park, and make sure you are on as level of a surface as possible. Then loosen the allen plug on the bottom of the trans pan. You will then see another plug. Remove this plug. Fluid should just trickle out of the hole if it is at the proper level. If it trickles out, you are good. If it doesn't you need to add fluid. Add VW spec ATF through the fill port.The fill port on the top front of the trans is capped off by a red cap and is very visible. Very carefully pry the cap off and then wiggle the plug out. I'd highly suggest having a spare red cap on hand-VW dealer has them. Then you can pour fluid into the trans. Add a little bit at at time, and all the while watching for the fluid to tricke out of the trans plug hole. When it trickles out, replace the inner plug and then the outer plug. That's it. Recheck after driving the car for a few miles. FYI- A flud and filter swap on the the VW auto trans takes 3 liters, so keep that in perspective. I hope this helps you out.

Ed

• 479 Answers
• Posted on Apr 16, 2009

SOURCE: transmission fluid level

It is usually printed on the Transmission dipstick.
Engine warm, engine running, on level ground. Check level on dipstick, shoud be somewhere between add and full. Do not add oil if it is not below the add line.

SOURCE: how to check fluid level transmision

If it is an automatic transmission, you have to check it underneath the car at the transmission pan. There are two transmission pan on this car, it's the bigger pan. With engine and trans in normal operating temperature, and car on level ground, take off the transmission oil level plug (it's the bolt that is higher up on the pan). I thinks it uses a 17mm socket to remove it. Both the 'fill' bolt and 'drain' bolt looks similar. Double check to be sure. Remove the higher bolt and if alittle bit of fluid comes out, it is at the normal range. If nothing comes out, you need to add some more fluid... I think it is just dextron II fluid. Now to fill it..... You will need a pump... There are many types sizes and shapes, just go to the local auto supply shop and you can pick one up. Use your best judgement. Now with the pump, one end goes into the fill hole and the other end into the fluid. Pump till fluid flows out of the fill hole... Then screw the bolt back in hole.. It's messy, time consuming and confusing... I would suggest bringing it to a autoshop. By the time you get all the supplies, its probably cheaper to go to an autoshop