E36 ATF: Dexron II or III?

[Loom]

Hi all

I want/have to change gearbox oil for a manual '97 E36 323i. According to BMW I have to use a Dexron II (Castrol Transmax M) and not Dexron III fluid. From what I've gathered on the Internet it seems that most people opt for Dexron III. However, the BMW guy made it sound that I shouldn't use Dexron III.

I don't know what gearbox brand I have and can't find a label.

Has any of you used a Dexron III type fluid in a late model E36 or should I stick with Dexron II?

 

[zaleonardz]

If it specified Dexron II, then transmax M is your answer...

 

[Loom]

The upside of using Dexron II is I can use the same fluid for both the gearbox and power steering. I just thought Dexron III would be better.

 

[zaleonardz]

Nope,

Differant spec.

Transmax M is also soooo cheap, its not really of cocern.

 

[whattingh]

Dextron III is hard to find it seems. For my e39 they spec dextron III for powersteering and have not found yet in shops.

 

[zaleonardz]

Should not be an issue, also available in the Transmax range, if memory serves, its transmax Y or something, but plenty plenty Dexron III around.

May I also suggest looking at the Liqui Moly stuff.

Just go to their website, specify your car, and it will tell you what fluid you need for what component.