Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Fluids
Quick Lookups: Fluids — 1988 BMW 735iL Automatic Service Manual : Fluids FLUID CAPACITIES Fluid Type Application Standard Metric Fluid Spec Note S/H Automatic Transmission Fluid 3.4L Eng 3.20 QTS. 3.02 L Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRON II S Brake Fluid N/A N/A DOT 4 Brake Fluid S Differential Gear Oil 3.4L Eng 2.00 QTS. 1.89 L API - GL-5, SAE 90W Hypoid Gear Oil S Engine Coolant 3.4L Eng 12.70 QTS. 12.01 L S Engine Oil 3.4L Eng w/Filter 6.10 QTS. 5.77 L SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). S Engine Oil 3.4L Eng w/o Filter 5.30 QTS. 5.01 L SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). S Fuel Tank 3.4L Eng 21.40 GALS. 81 L S Manual Transmission Fluid 3.4L Eng 1.30 QTS. 1.23 L Non-Hypoid Gearbox Oil. SAE 80W Specification: MIL-L-2105 or API - GL-4 S Windshield Washer Fluid 3.4L Eng w/Headlight and Foglight System 7.90 QTS. 7.47 L Fill with water and - if required - with a washer antifreeze (according to manufacturer's recommendations).
Mix the washer fluid before adding it to the reservoir. S
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.