From digest.v6.n292 Fri Feb 28 00:04:47 1997
From: "Brett Anderson" <bretta_at_webspan.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997 19:16:44 -0500
Subject: Re: servicing 4 and 6 cylinder transmissions

> From: henri baccouche <henri_at_barepower.net>
> Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 15:52:36 +0000
> Subject: Re: Servicing 93 525 automatic trans (GM THM R1)
>
> Re: Servicing 93 525 automatic trans :
>
> With no dip stick or filler neck...... this trans is drained and the
> filter
> is changed as usual. A hard to see filler plug on the top of the
> pan/trans case is filled to the brim. The car is now driven until the
> trans is up to
> normal operating temp.
> (How long does this take......I say half an hour of spirited driving )
> The car must be lifted again and fluid added to the brim of the case
> plug.
> Very inefficient service procedure, and risky to the trans if it is not
> serviced with proper care. Any fluid leaks are potentially fatal with
> this
> trans as it is a PITA to add fluid.
> Dirt which accumulated around the hard to see fill plug is easily
> dislodged into the trans during the refilling procedure.
>
> FWIW
>
> Henri
> LA,CA
>
Who gave you this procedure ?

This trans should only be filled when the fluid is below 30 degrees Celsius and with the engine running at idle.
Attempting to check the level while the trans is hot will result in the loss of fluid and an underfilled transmission. It takes about 10 minutes at idle to get the trans to operating temp, which means the fluid change is best done when the car has not been run for quite a few hours. Drain it, then start the car, then fill it.

The fill plug is located on the side of the pan behind the shifter cable

Brett Anderson

BMW and ASE master technician

Bretta_at_webspan.net