Gearbox fluid change

[cn123_123]

Has anyone changed the fluid on their gearbox auto 6 speed Z4 3.0si?
There is a lot of talk about the temperature of the oil when filling I have tried downloading ISTA but no luck
Will the oil not be at the right temperature when the engine is at normal operating temperature?
If anyone has any suggestions on how to get the level right without access to the ECU it would be appreciated

 

[Rockhopper]

I'd expect it to take quite a bit longer to get the gearbox fluid up to temp, it might not ever get there just by idling it on the driveway. Temp gauge on the dash just reads water temp as it leaves the cylinder head so it gets hot there quite quickly.

 

[PAC_Z4_F31_110Puma]

Not done a 6speed but quite a few 8-speeds, believe the 6speeed temp for measuring is only 40C so well below the operating temp - think the thermostat only opens from ~75C ( correct me if wrong! ). On the other half's x3 I last changed it after a 2 or so mile drive to slightly warm up before draining, then to refill and get back to the 30-40C window from OBDII scanner was only a couple mins idle after doing the shifting through gears etc. All I'm saying really is that from my experience you don't need to wait for an age if you're doing it from slightly warm and far faster than you might imagine - couple mins tops.

 

[cn123_123]

Thanks for the replies
I have solved my issue after a lot of googling it was Google that sent me down the wrong route thinking ISTA was needed
I installed BMW tools INPA, but my Transmission ECU is GS19 but INPA wanted GS30 after a lot of renaming files to trick INPA into using GS19 it finally gave me the analogue live data
So for anyone with INPA on a PC and an OBD2 connector you can in fact get the transmission temp Live

The BMW toolset INPA is easyish to install and no need for ITSA. Took me a few hours to figure out but worth it.

INPA is free cable cost £20

@ PAC_Z4_F31_110Puma
Good shout to warm it up before dropping the oil

Would like to get ISTA working but the files are hard to come by as is the key I suspect. But if anyone has them and willing to share please PM me