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Its a very tight spot to get to that single bolt/transmission cap. But be VERY careful that this bolt does not snap. Ask me how I know. I think someone mentioned above that the bolt is a break away bolt that keeps that cap on/off.
When you tighten the bolt, do not over tighten it. The dipstick will stay in place b/c the dipstick is held in place tightly by the other 2 mounting points.
Once it's installed, its a simple procedure to buy a decent extractor pump with a long/thin pipe to extract out transmission fluid. Will save you a LOT of money and time that going to a dealer.
haha that's fair. Now that you say how difficult it is maybe ill just have my shop do it. Based on what I've read, sounds like its much easier on a lift and if you can remove the driveshaft near it, (im AWD) even better.
I can confirm this also works on a 2012 M37. Will Order another set for my G37 now. I got the parts from yoshi parts.
Caveats (2012 M37)
MIddle bracket has a 1/2” gap that requires a spacer and longer 10mm bolt.
Exterior of the dip stick tube that connects to the transmission I had file down as it was very tight stock. I couldn’t get the end to fit flush. After filing to reduce it a bit it fit.
I am considering this addition, and my thinking is as follows.
Dealer performed the fluid exchange (12 quarts) 15K miles ago and I will assume that the level is perfect since the machine/procedure they use (70 psi, which is similar to the water pressure in your house) is calibrated to place a perfect amount of fluid in the transmission.
I will then measure the distance the end of the dipstick extends into the transmission and create a tube for my transfer pump that is a corresponding length, maybe an inch or two longer as I'm assuming that the dipstick does not go anywhere near the bottom of the transmission.
As such, I will install the dip stick then take a reading and that will be my gold level.
I will then use the hand transfer pump to remove as much fluid as possible, then measure how much was removed. If less than the drain and fill amount of roughly 4 quarts, I will extend the hose slightly on the transfer pump.
Once a system is in place, I will perform the service every other oil change, which is similar to what I do with my Hondas as those provide a dipstick and are also known to fail if you follow the silly recommended long change intervals recommended by Honda.
I'm also considering using the drain plug as well since I need to be under the car for oil changes anyway. The little hex T5 drain plug is a little fragile, so I'm always worried it will strip at some point. Maybe I'll just buy a replacement?
I believe that this is the full list of PNs as the original ones got lost near the beginning of this thread:
I am considering this addition, and my thinking is as follows.
Dealer performed the fluid exchange (12 quarts) 15K miles ago and I will assume that the level is perfect since the machine/procedure they use (70 psi, which is similar to the water pressure in your house) is calibrated to place a perfect amount of fluid in the transmission.
I will then measure the distance the end of the dipstick extends into the transmission and create a tube for my transfer pump that is a corresponding length, maybe an inch or two longer as I'm assuming that the dipstick does not go anywhere near the bottom of the transmission.
As such, I will install the dip stick then take a reading and that will be my gold level.
I will then use the hand transfer pump to remove as much fluid as possible, then measure how much was removed. If less than the drain and fill amount of roughly 4 quarts, I will extend the hose slightly on the transfer pump.
Once a system is in place, I will perform the service every other oil change, which is similar to what I do with my Hondas as those provide a dipstick and are also known to fail if you follow the silly recommended long change intervals recommended by Honda.
I'm also considering using the drain plug as well since I need to be under the car for oil changes anyway. The little hex T5 drain plug is a little fragile, so I'm always worried it will strip at some point. Maybe I'll just buy a replacement?
I believe that this is the full list of PNs as the original ones got lost near the beginning of this thread:
see those two little nubs that are 2/3 the way down the dipstick tube? My car had wires in the way that I didn't want to move, because they would lose slack in them, so i hacksawed those off and also sanded down the sawn edges. the bottom and top bolt were plenty to hold the tube in place.
and eyepro. a lot of crud came down as i was tetrising up the tube from below (much easier than trying to go down from above.