If your transmission drain plug strips while trying to remove, go to the next step 9. Some model transmissions (most notably the A5S325Z) have a high torque value on their drain plugs, making them nearly impossible to remove without stripping the torx head. The transmission drain plug is notorious for stripping when attempting to remove.
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You will most likely need a breaker bar to initially loosen the plug. Using the modified 8mm hex socket, remove the fill plug from the top of the transmission.***Do not use a 1/2" drive hex will be too large even after modifying it. This will give you a custom low profile 8mm hex socket that will work with both a regular 3/8" drive socket and torque wrench. The solution is to simply cut an inexpensive 3/8" drive 8mm hex socket down with a Dremel tool as shown below. You will notice that there is very little clearance between the plug and the frame of the vehicle - it is impossible to get a regular length 8mm hex socket and wrench in the fill plug. Start by l Locating the transmission fill plug on rear left side of transmission.You do not want to find out after the transmission is serviced that the fill plug is stuck and fluid can't be added.
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Before draining the oil pan, always remove the fill plug first.Save time and stress and double check before you start the repair. We can’t tell you how frustrating it is to be sent the wrong gasket, only to find out after we have drained and removed the transmission oil pan. It is very important to verify your part numbers and the bolt count and pattern on your transmission gasket before beginning this repair.
04 330I ZHP VS E46 M3 SPECS SERIES
BMW used three different transmissions in the E46 3 series (see Table A above to identify yours).It is located behind the engine underneath the vehicle.
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04 330I ZHP VS E46 M3 SPECS HOW TO
Please click here to learn how to properly jack and support your vehicle for this repair.