Dexron 11D1998

RR 1998 2.5 BMW diesel.
Greetings...my first post.
So about six months ago I bought this low mileage P38 which in pretty mint with about 27000 on the clock. I intend to do my own maintenance as much as possible and have just changed the oil and filter.
When I checked the transmission fluid it was low so I have bought some dexron11d to top it up according to the book but it's red whilst the fluid in the transmission is as clear as water .
Did they change this? If so should I drain and refill with the red stuff or just carry on topping up?
I don't know if this is supposed to be changed regularly. Any advice appreciated.

Dexteon II/III is red. I've never come across any kind of clear fluid. Even dot4 brake fluid has a colour!
Maybe there is some water in the bottom of the sump?
My advice, drain and flush completely.
That doesn't come without risks though, but I'm sure outweighed by the risk of contaminated oil

Should be red. never seen clear, what does it feel like if you get a sample?
Drain the whole lot and refill, get enough to do it twice (12L) then do again in a week depends how much driving you do as you never get it all out. Also not a bad idea to do the filter on the second change.
Make sure you follow the correct fill procedure if you don't have a gearbox dipstick for that year? not sure when they changed.

Oh and welcome you have come to the right place for advice . Can we see pics?

J

marjon said:

Should be red. never seen clear, what does it feel like if you get a sample?
Drain the whole lot and refill, get enough to do it twice (12L) then do again in a week depends how much driving you do as you never get it all out. Also not a bad idea to do the filter on the second change.
Make sure you follow the correct fill procedure if you don't have a gearbox dipstick for that year? not sure when they changed.

Oh and welcome you have come to the right place for advice . Can we see pics?

Click to expand...

I just wondered if it was the original fluid from 1998 and perhaps it was clear then...it feels oily and has given no problems.
Thanks for the feedback anyways

Wayzgoose said:

I just wondered if it was the original fluid from 1998 and perhaps it was clear then...it feels oily and has given no problems.
Thanks for the feedback anyways

Click to expand...

As others have said, should be red. Use Dex III for preference. Follow the correct filling procedure. Engine and gearbox cold, fill until oil dribbles out of the filler hole, start the engine, move slowly through all the gears then back to P continue filling with engine idling until oil dribbles out of the fuller hole, refit filler plug.
The above assumes yours does not have a dipstick.
Always slacken the filler plug before undoing the drain plug, it's very embarrassing to drain the oil only to find the filler plug cannot be undone.

I'd have thought if the oil was original in the gearbox it would a near brown/red colour ..
It does sound like the wrong oil

So I've made a start on the oils...did the diffs first ...oil was pretty dirty.
I did the transfer box this morning with Dex 3..if the oil I took out was ever red it was so dark it's impossible to tell...might be why I was seeing no colour on my transmission dipstick if it's in the same condition. Seems I have to remove plastic covers to get at it which is a pain... I'll get on with it tomorrow. Thanks for all the replies.