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BMW 3 (E46). Manual - part 103

Selector seal drift BMW 23 0 22

Output seal drift BMW 23 2 300

Manual transmissions used are based
on engine application. Consult

200

Transmission–General

for transmission

application information.

Table a.

Manual transmission gear ratios

lists

gear ratio specifications.

Note:

Do not rely on forged casting numbers
for transmission code identification.

Table a. Manual transmission gear ratios

Transmission

Getrag S5D 250G

ZF S5D 280Z

ZF S5D 320Z

Gear Ratios:

1st

4.23

4.21

2nd

2.52

2.49

3rd

1.66

4th

1.22

1.24

5th

1.00

reverse

4.04

3.85

230-2

Transmission Fluid
Service

Manual transmissions installed in the 3
Series are normally filled with a
"Lifetime" manual transmission fluid
(BMW MTF LT-1) and do not require
periodic fluid changes. Transmissions
filled with MTF LT-1 lifetime oil are
identified with a yellow label near the
transmission fill plug labeled "Lifetime
Oil MTF-LT-1".

Transmission fluid level,
checking

Checking the transmission fluid level
involves simply removing the side fill
plug and inserting a finger into the hole
to check the fluid level. If the fluid level
is up to the bottom of the fill hole
(finger is wetted by transmission fluid),
the level is correct.

Transmission fluid, replacing

Drive vehicle for a few miles to
warm transmission.

Raise and safely support vehicle
to access drain plug.

CAUTION!

Make sure the car is stable and well
supported at all times. Use a
professional automotive lift or jack
stands designed for the purpose. A
floor jack is not adequate support.

Place a drain pan under transmission
and remove drain plug (A) at bottom of
transmission.

Install and torque drain plug.

Remove fill plug (B) from side of
transmission.

Slowly fill transmission with fluid
until fluid overflows fill hole.

Install and torque fluid fill
plug.nothing

Fluid capacity

Getrag
transmission

1.0 liter (1.1 US

qts)

ZF transmission

1.2 liters (1.3

US qts)

Tightening torque

Transmission drain
or fill plug

50 Nm (37 ft-lb)

230-3

Transmission Service

Back-up light switch, replacing

Raise and safely support vehicle to
access back-up light switch. Unscrew
switch from transmission.

Note:

The back-up light switch (arrow)
on Getrag transmissions is in the
left side of the transmission.

The back-up light switch on ZF
transmission is in the right front of
the transmission.

Install new switch.

Tightening torque

Back-up light
switch to
transmission

20 Nm (15 ft-lb)

Check transmission fluid level
before lowering vehicle.

Selector shaft seal, replacing
(transmission installed)

Raise and safely support vehicle.

Support transmission with
transmission jack.

On rear wheel drive cars:

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