How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

1. Turn the car on. Before checking the transmission fluid, the engine should be warmed up.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid.
4. Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick.
5. Use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to full.

Does BMW have a dipstick for transmission fluid?

While it sounds like the transmission cannot be accessed, what this really means is that the transmission does not feature a dipstick. The transmission fluid level can still be checked, but it is best to leave this up to a professional at the Perillo BMW service center.

Where is the transmission dipstick on a BMW?

In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, it’s located toward the back, behind the engine oil dipstick. In a front-wheel drive car, the transmission fluid dipstick is sticking out of the transaxle, toward the front.

Why is there no transmission dipstick?

Automatic transmissions which use World Standard (WS) fluid are sealed and do not consume fluid. This eliminates the need for periodic fluid checking using a dipstick. The transmission fluid does not need to be replaced unless an inspection shows it has become necessary.

Is there a dipstick on a BMW 3 Series?

BMW has eliminated the oil level dipstick from under the hood, replacing it with a sensor in the oil pan (the shaded part in the figure). BMW wants you to believe that you can drive your car 15,000 miles before you change the engine oil and you never have to change your transmission oil.

Is the transmission fluid dipstick?

Many modern vehicles use a sealed-for-life transmission that never requires checking or fluid replacement—so they don’t have a dipstick. (Refer to your owner’s manual for your model’s specific service schedule and to double-check whether it has a transmission dipstick.)

How do you check the transmission fluid on a BMW 650i?

In order to check the transmission fluid, your vehicle likely has check valve on the bottom of the transmission on the bottom of your car. Your car must be level when the fluid is checked and we therefore recommend having a mechanic with a hydraulic lift or underground bay check your transmission fluid.

What are the symptoms of low transmission fluid?

Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid

• Drips or puddles underneath the car.
• Difficulty shifting through gears and/or slipping.
• Shuddering or shaking.
• Lurching or sudden jerks.
• Transmission won’t engage.
• Humming or clunking noises.
• A burning smell.

How do you check the transmission fluid on a BMW e46?

It’s a sealed transmission. So the only way to check it is to jack up the car, take off the filler plug and sticker a finger inside. You should be able to fill fluid when you stick one finger inside.

Where is the transmission fluid dipstick on a BMW 328i?

Our research indicates that your vehicle does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. These types of transmissions are designed to be maintenance free. In order to check the transmission fluid, your vehicle likely has check valve on the bottom of the transmission on the bottom of your car.

What happens if you drive with low transmission fluid?

Low-quality transmission fluid – or driving without transmission fluid altogether – can cause a number of problems such as transmission failure, gear slipping, a hard time shifting, and a few more issues.

Do all cars have transmission fluid dipstick?

Many modern cars don’t have a transmission fluid dipstick, and automakers instead recommend a service center check the fluid level because it’s often done from underneath the car.

Can you drive without a transmission dipstick?

If the engine is in good condition (no oil coming out of the exhaust pipe) you should be able to run it without the dipstick for a while a least provided you are not over-revving the engine.