Automatic Transmission Fluid
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MMercury
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"The book" says approximately 1.8 liters.
http://www.e9-driven.com/Public/Library/BMW-E9-Manual/pages/en/2400000b.html#refertoc
http://www.e9coupe.com/tech/handbook/at_a_glance.htm
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Trans Fluid
Use Dextron/Mercon fluid approx 3 quarts, you're only draining the pan most so of the fluid is in the torque converter. If it's been along time since it's last change you might want to change the fluid, drive the car a few miles and change it again. You'll more completely renew the fluid by doing that, there is a screen removable screen in there.
Doug
Use Dextron/Mercon fluid approx 3 quarts, you're only draining the pan most so of the fluid is in the torque converter. If it's been along time since it's last change you might want to change the fluid, drive the car a few miles and change it again. You'll more completely renew the fluid by doing that, there is a screen removable screen in there.
Doug
The Borg Warner 65 has 7.63 liters total, including the converter, so it will take more than just two oil changes to renew most of the oil in there, particularly when you consider the 3 quarts or so you put in just got mixed with the rest of the aged oil. Keep doing that and you get diminished returns each time. One way to get out more of the oil out of the tranny is to remove the oil line leading to the radiator, place it in a large container and start the engine. Measure what comes out so you know how much to put in.
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MMercury
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A few possibilities come to mind. First, it has been many years since I dealt with an BW auto unit in either an E3 or E9. But as I once indicated, I recalled needing to add additional fluid to satisfy the dipstick measurement. As I recall, the dipstick did not have any legible marks by which to measure the level per the manual. I also later discovered that the dipstick housing actually had a malformed base causing a chronic leak - especially when the vehicle was not parked on level ground. So, we were used to periodically topping up the fluid. We ultimately replaced that transmission with a four speed; however, the auto unit was used in another vehicle and the new owner later commented that the transmission pan must have had a larger-than-stock capacity as indicated in the manual. How or why was never made clear, although I seem to recall paperwork indicating that the transmission had been serviced and replaced under the warranty. I suspected that the transmission had come from a different model, but never investigated.
The most obvious possibility for your additional fluid is that the transmission had been overfilled. This would not necessarily be the case if the transmission is modified (different pan, auxiliary cooler, etc.). On the other hand, overfilling could be explained if the dipstick is the wrong length or improperly marked OR if the dipstick is not completely seated before checking fluid level. Checking the fluid level when cold versus hot will yield different results too. Also, considering that some of that fluid is also contained in the torque converter, the trans housing and the coolant lines to the radiator, draining the pan with the vehicle at a steep angle might also account for more fluid.
An extra three quarts seems unusual. Curiously, the manual also recommends overfilling the transmission by 3 liters if the vehicle is being towed greater than 50km. As a longshot, was your vehicle towed or is it possible someone misread this and/or forgot to remove the additional fluid?
"Add a further 3 litres of ATF to the specified amount (always bring oil level back down to specifications after completing repairs) or disconnect the propeller shaft at the final drive and tie it up."
hth
