2009 tagged posts

BMW X3 Automatic Transmission Service with Fluid and Filter Change for E83

automatic transmission

Here’s a walk thru of a BMW X3 automatic transmission service with fluid and filter change on a 2008 E83. The 2008 has a 6 speed GM 6L50 transmission that uses Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid. You’ll need 6-7 quarts of replacement fluid, the replacement filter, replacement pan gasket and a few other items I’ve listed below. I found it easiest to simply buy a 2008 BMW X3 transmission service kit which includes the replacement fluid, replacement filter, replacement pan gasket, hardware, O ring, and drain plug. I was paranoid about a fluid leak so I wanted to do everything right for this service. Some of the special tools I needed for this procedure were a torque wrench, and some sort of pump to get the fluid into the transmission...

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BMW X3 Coolant Expansion Tank Leak and Replacement Fix E83

coolant expansion tank

If your BMW X3 low coolant light comes on, it’s normal to have to top off the tank once or twice a year. But if you top off your tank and the low coolant light comes on again within a few days or a week, then you probably have coolant leaking from the system somewhere. First, check the back of the oil fill cap and make sure you see only brown oil as expected. If it’s foamy or creamy texture, you might have a head gasket leak. Most likely you don’t have a head gasket leak and it’s a coolant hose or coolant expansion tank leak. In the video below I explain how to diagnose a BMW X3 coolant expansion tank leak and how to replace the tank.

As you can see in my video, I had a small leak that didn’t even puddle water in the garage, at first...

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BMW X3 muffler rattle fix for no cost

BMW X3 E83 muffler

For about 6 months now I’ve been experiencing a BMW X3 muffler rattle. At first I ignored it but as it became more persistent and embarrassing, I decided to get under the car and troubleshoot it. All the connections under the car were firm and in good condition. What was causing the muffler rattle that sort of sounded like an aluminum can in my exhaust? I also noted, it only seemed to happen on start up, idle, and when the car was under no load decelerating.

I took a video and pasted it below with more details. Basically, there is a baffle in the right exhaust pipe that opens and closes based on a vacuum line. At idle and no load, the baffle closes and it opens once the engine starts winding up. It’s also closed when the car is off...

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Install the 7 pin trailer lights for BMW X3 E83

BMW X3 trailer hitch

The family and I recently purchased a 1999 Coleman pop up tent trailer, and I’ve been itching to do some trailering ever since. The BMW X3 can easily pull the trailer, I had no problem doing 65 MPH+ up the Altamont pass on the first trip out, but you definitely feel the extra weight when braking. Even though the trailer weighs less than 2,000 lbs., it comes with electric brakes that engage automatically when you depress the brake pedal in the car. To make those or any electric trailer brakes work, you need a brake controller as well as the 7 pin trailer harness connector. I had already installed the hitch and the 4 pin connector, now I needed to get the full 7 pin trailer lights for my BMW X3 and brake controller if I wanted the proper trailer solution.

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