BMW 1500, 1502, 1600, 1602, 1802, 2002, E10/E20 (USA)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 1500, 1502, 1600, 1602, 1802, 2002, E10/E20 (USA) models require automatic transmission fluid with a capacity range of 1,6 to 5,2 liters. Service intervals include checking every 4000 miles or 6 months and changing every 20000 miles. The data covers 2 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
1802 (1971-1975)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,2 liter (+ oil cooler)
  • Capacity 4,65 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Refill)
  • Check 4000 miles/ 6 months
  • Change 20000 miles
  • Code: ZF 3HP12 3/1
2002/2002A (1968-1975)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,2 liter (+ oil cooler)
  • Capacity 4,65 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Refill)
  • Check 4000 miles/ 6 months
  • Change 20000 miles
  • Code: ZF 3HP12 3/1

Additional Notes

  • The BMW 1802 and 2002/2002A share identical automatic transmission fluid capacities across all three fill categories: 5.2 liters when the oil cooler circuit is included, 4.65 liters for the initial fill, and 1.6 liters for a refill.
  • The 5.2-liter figure represents the total system volume, accounting for fluid held within the oil cooler and its connecting lines in addition to the transmission itself.
  • The 4.65-liter initial fill capacity reflects the amount of fluid introduced into a dry transmission during assembly or after a complete overhaul, before the cooler circuit is primed.
  • The 1.6-liter refill value is notably lower than the initial fill, indicating the volume displaced during a routine drain where residual fluid remains in the torque converter and cooler passages.
  • Both the 1802 (1971-1975) and the 2002/2002A (1968-1975) carry a fluid level check interval of every 4,000 miles or 6 months under normal use conditions, whichever comes first.
  • The change interval for both configurations is set at 20,000 miles under normal use, applying to the 1.6-liter refill quantity rather than the full system volume.

Other Systems