But there is so much more happening below the surface that we can toss out the viscosity and recommend an oil that is simply better in all respects.
E46 m3 transmission oil capacity.
Just found this in total bmw magazine page 21 sept 2012 on manual gearbox cars the gearbox and final drive oil used to be changed every 30 000 and this was changed again to a lifetime fill oil by the time the e46 was launched you need to look at the gearbox for the orange sticker but the m3 is certainly not a lifetime oil.
However the e46.
1990s 2000s 5 speed and 6 speed atf excluding e46 m3 e9x m3 z4m from the mid 1990s nearly all bmw manual transmissions except 6 speed m models use a dexron iii atf oil indicated by an atf label on the transmission.
Per page 104 of the bmw e36 m3 owner s manual oil sae viscosity rating is based off the average seasonal air temperature of the climate in which the vehicle is driven.
Even though we used a 2004 325ci to perform this repair this article can be applied to any 1998 2006 3 series vehicle with minor modifications to the repair steps.
A bmw branded 10w60 is not a bad oil and we won t discourage you from using it.
Getting started under the car.
20 30 minutes of free time.
Bmw e46 m3 s54 3 2l fluid febi febi manual transmission fluid 75w 80 1 liter fully synthetic high performance gl 5 gear oil excellent lubricating properties high ageing resistance and high wetting and adhesion properties.
Drive the car around enough to warm things up don t just let it sit and idle.
You should warm up the transmission fluid before draining it.
The m3 was introduced in late 2000 and was produced in coupé and convertible body styles only.
Gear oil or siphon pump drain pan oil drain pan works great a bmw m3 e46.
This also applies to the manual and automatic transmission the differential and power steering system.
Repair summary this article gives detailed instructions on servicing the transmission in a bmw e46 3 series vehicle.
What viscosity oil should i use in my bmw e36 m3.