Scanner to read auto gearbox oil temp - Advice please?

[Scooba_Steve]

Can anyone suggest the best thing to use

I don't have an auto E85/6 so can't check to see if this does read the transmission temp. But I do have this code reader and it's a good all in one: Autophix 7910. It displayed transmission oil temp for my F10.

Using my VIN but opening up the automatic transmission section there isn't anything listed about checking the temp on the 6HP, but it may be part of the DIS workflow:

Topping up transmission oil after a repair:

Stand vehicle on a level surface and secure against rolling off.
Undo oil filler plug (1).

Installation note:
Replace the sealing ring.

Top up automatic transmission fluid until it emerges from oil filler opening.
Start engine.
Top up automatic transmission fluid until it emerges from oil filler opening.
Screw in oil filler plug (1).
Tightening torque: 24 11 7AZ.
Press brake pedal to floor and shift through gears 1 to 6 several times at idle speed. Then shift to selector lever position "Park".
Then check oil level.

Checking oil level: Note:
Start the engine before checking the oil level or opening the oil filler plug.

Connect BMW Diagnosis and Information System at vehicle.
Call up Service functions (drive).
Carry out oil level check in accordance with instructions.

The general description of the 6HP includes this:

Up to a transmission oil temperature of approximately 35 C, the converter lockup clutch is neither controlled nor closed.

Which clearly means there is a method for the car and/or box to measure the oil temp.
Why use something indirect, potentially incorrect, to read the temp if there is already a sensor to do it for you?

[Scooba_Steve]

My guess is you’ve never serviced an auto gearbox before.
Going by your “logical” statement certainly shows no expertise. But you’re happy to advise people should do it themselves as using a thermal gun isn’t accurate enough
Have a day off eh.

Again, you've not rebutted the point.

[Scooba_Steve]

Andy.

If you're actually in Somerset I'll be down that way this weekend. Drop me a PM and you can try the Autophix.

[j3nks79]

My guess is you’ve never serviced an auto gearbox before.
Going by your “logical” statement certainly shows no expertise. But you’re happy to advise people should do it themselves as using a thermal gun isn’t accurate enough
Have a day off eh.

Again, you've not rebutted the point.

You are clearly on the spectrum. Please just crack on with your £60 code reader and what ever you believe is correct.

[Scooba_Steve]

Please just crack on with your £60 code reader

What relevance does the cost of a code reader have if it reads the reported temperature required.

what ever you believe is correct

Ironic; the workflow is what is correct, using a different method isn't.

And you've still failed to explain exactly why what I originally said is incorrect. It isn't a question of tool accuracy but indirect measurement.

[Zedebee]

Guys, put your dicks away.

A quick Google found this:
The transmission oil sump temperature is sensed by a temperature-dependent resistor which is soldered in the transmission wiring harness. Among other things, engagement of the torque converter lockup clutch is controlled dependent on the transmission oil temperature.

So there is a temperature sensor, which means it can probably be read by a decent code reader. I just don’t recall seeing it in the menu (and I have a 5HP in any case).

[Scooba_Steve]

I just don’t recall seeing it in the menu

It was buried in the live data menu for the F10 for me.

[Hassan Mk]

For checking the gearbox oil temp on your E86, you'll want a diagnostic scanner that can handle live data. Carista is a budget-friendly option that supports many BMWs and provides real-time temperature readings. OBD2 scanners with advanced features, like the Launch X431, can also work if you want something more robust.

You can find Carista on Amazon or eBay, and it’s pretty easy to use. Just make sure it’s compatible with your model and year.

[Zummerset]

Hi,
Thanks for that. I did have a look at Carista's website but it seems to only be for E89 and newer. The Autophix mentioned does have real time readings and according to the info, it can measure gearbox temps.
As a decent code reader is probably a good investment, I may go for the Autophix.

[Zummerset]

Just to follow this up.....
I bought the Autophix 7910 and can confirm it does read live auto gearbox oil temp. Along with lots of other stuff I don't understand

For interests sake I'll use the infrared gun on the gearbox sump as well as the scanner and then compare temps, when I do the oil change.
Cheers.

[Scooba_Steve]

Cheers