BMW Z3, E36 (EU)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW Z3, E36 (EU) models utilize automatic transmission fluid with a capacity range of 3 to 4 liters. Service intervals consist of normal use. The data covers 9 configurations.

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

TypeSpecifications
Z3 2.2i (2000-2003)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 4 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: GM A5S 360R/390R 5/1
Z3 2.2i (2000-2003)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 4 liter
  • Code: ZF 5/1
Z3 3.0i (2000-2003)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 4 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: GM A5S 360R/390R 5/1
  • Z3 2.0i (1999-2000)
  • With black rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: GM THM-R1 (A4S270/310R) 4/1
  • Z3 2.0i (1999-2000)
  • With green rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: GM THM-R1 (A4S270/310R) 4/1
  • Z3 2.8i (1996-2000)
  • With black rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: GM THM-R1 (A4S270/310R) 4/1
  • Z3 2.8i (1996-2000)
  • With green rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: GM THM-R1 (A4S270/310R) 4/1
  • Z3 1.9i (1995-2000)
  • With black rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: GM THM-R1 (A4S270/310R) 4/1
  • Z3 1.9i (1995-2000)
  • With green rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: GM THM-R1 (A4S270/310R) 4/1

Additional Notes

  • The BMW Z3 E36 (EU) automatic transmission fluid capacity splits into two distinct values across the model range: 3 liters for the 1.9i, 2.0i, and 2.8i variants, and 4 liters for the 2.2i and 3.0i variants.
  • The 3-liter capacity figure applies uniformly to the Z3 1.9i (1995-2000), Z3 2.0i (1999-2000), and Z3 2.8i (1996-2000), regardless of whether the transmission carries a black or green rating plate.
  • The rating plate color distinction, black versus green, appears across the 1.9i, 2.0i, and 2.8i specifications, indicating different transmission variants within the same engine configuration, yet both plate variants share an identical 3-liter capacity in each case.
  • The Z3 2.2i (2000-2003) lists two separate 4-liter entries: one designated as a service fill and one without designation. A service fill capacity refers to the amount of fluid added during a routine fluid change without full disassembly, as opposed to a total system capacity following a complete overhaul or rebuild.
  • The Z3 3.0i (2000-2003) carries a 4-liter service fill capacity, placing the larger-displacement 3.0i in the same capacity class as the 2.2i rather than the earlier 3-liter group.
  • All specifications across the Z3 E36 (EU) automatic transmission entries are listed under normal use conditions, meaning the stated capacities and service parameters apply to standard operating environments rather than severe-duty cycles.
  • The shift from a 3-liter to a 4-liter capacity aligns with the transition from the earlier engine variants to the 2.2i and 3.0i models introduced from 2000 onward, suggesting a different transmission unit was fitted to the later configurations.

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