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Q. Dear Vince, Hi, Thank you very much for the detailed comments on my door lock problem. Although I had to go to the mechanic for the closed door and he fixed it for me, I replaced the other door's actuator (drivers side) myself as it was opening with the key. I also fixed the ABS sensor wire and its working fine now. I learned something new that the ABS sensor has polarity although there is only a solenoid coil.


Further, I have some new queries regarding my 1997 BMW 528i E39 running 225,000 kilometers (140,000 miles). The manual says that the automatic transmission oil is permanent filled. Is it true??? or do you suggest me to have the transmission oil and filter changed. I mean, will I invite some problem unnecessarily by touching this type of transmission?

Should I leave it untouched or should I go for a service of this type of transmission? While standing at a traffic light for a minute or so, should I shift the gear into neutral or leave it in drive whereby keeping the brake pedal pressed? What is advisable for the car?

I want to flush my brake system. My car has ABS installed on it. Can I do it myself with your guidance or should I go to some professional mechanic?

Recently I changed my engine oil and the service centre supervisor suggested that I must perform an engine flush. Is that really required? Should I do it or by doing so I might end up with some problem which I do not have now?

The service center changed the engine oil, Mobil1 synthetic, but were unable to do a service level indicator reset as they did not have that equipment. I read on the internet at one site UnofficialBMW.com about a simple procedure to reset the lights manually. Can you please go through this site and advise me that I should try the same? Thanks for your time Vince.

Regards
Rashid
Saudi Arabia

A. You can change the transmission fluid and transmission filter in your car easy enough. You have to determine if there is a transmission dipstick or not as the fill procedure is, naturally, different. With this mileage, I think you can do a transmission fluid and filter without any problem. Don't do a power flush, just drop the transmission pan, replace the filter and refill.

There is a transmission fluid drain plug. Just remove the plug and the fluid will drain right out. You should always use a new sealing ring around the drain plug when you change the fluid.

Transmission Drain Plug

Transmission Filter
To fill the version with a dipstick you need a funnel that will fit inside the dipstick tube. Transmission funnels are readily available at any place that sells automotive supplies. NAPA, Autozone, Wal-mart, etc.


Transmission Fill Dipstick Version
To fill the version without a dipstick locate the fill plug on the side of the pan and remove it. Fill the transmission until it just starts to overflow and reinstall the drain plug.


Transmission Fill No Dipstick Version
You can flush the brake fluid yourself fairly easily. You can use a pressure bleeder, vacuum bleeder or a guy pumping the brake pedal bleeder. If you have an assistant who can pump the brakes, just bleed each wheel until the fluid starts running clear. I siphon out the master cylinder reservoir and rinse it out with fresh brake fluid. Then I fill it up with the fresh fluid and start bleeding. Make sure you don't let the master cylinder run dry.

Fit a small hose over the bleeder screw. Take the other end and hold it in brake fluid in a bottle or jar. Then just bleed normally.


Brake Bleeding
I would NOT recommend an engine flush at this milage. It could be the kiss of death to your engine.

I can't tell you how well this home made Service Reminder works, but it seems to be a simple and effective tool. You might want to write to the person and ask him about his experience with the tool. I would not dismiss it's effectiveness simply because it's home made.