I saw some threads about having the DCT fluid changed / topped off, but I have not seen a comprehensive thread about changing the actual filter. Most of the folks who are curious about this have been turned off by the fact that the DCT oil lines runs right across the filter, discouraging owners from performing this DIY.
Well, this was on my list of things to do when my car turned 100K and finally got to it (read: manned up the courage) today on America's Bday.
This DIY is very straight forward, difficulty about a 3/10
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED:
C-CLIP remover - I just want to point out and say DO NOT SKIMP OUT ON THIS TOOL! SPEND THE $20 BUCKS AND GET A GOOD QUALITY ONE (I bought mine from Sears: Craftsman)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-profe...p-00947412000P
Torx E10 socket
16MM socket
8in extension
OEM Filter Kit - Includes new circlip, filter cover, and Getrag filter. I bought mine from FCP
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-28107842840
1) Read up on this DIY to understand the fluid change procedure.
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746269
Ensure car is level. I had the rears on ramps and fronts on jack stands.
2) The filter is located on the driver's side and completely visible once you remove the DCT transmission cover.
3) Remove the aluminum skid pan using 16mm sockets on the bolts. You need to take this off so that you can gain clearance to remove the torx bolt.
4) Use the extension to remove the E10 torx. Once this is removed, the aluminum piece holding the two oil lines should slide out fairly easily.
**HAVE A DRIP PAN PLACED UNDER THIS SPOT, SOME FLUID WILL SPILL OUT**
Pull the oil lines out. Access to the filter is now possible
5) Use the circlip tool to take out the one in the transmission. Next, to remove the plastic cover, I used pliers to rotate it to get it loose and pull it out. Some fluid will spill out again, so have the drip pan handy! Once that's out, the filter is right there. To get it out, I used a pick and pulled on it. Comes out very easily, just like removing the engine oil filter from the oil filter cap.
6) Re-install everything in reverse order with new replacement parts. Make sure you feel a small click when reinstalling the filter so that the gasket is seated properly inside. The filter itself will droop slightly but the cover will support it once it's installed. The circular plastic cover pushes into the transmission with some force. To make the circlip installation easier, try to get part of the clip into the groove first and work the rest in with the tool. When reinstalling the oil lines,
be careful to not over tighten the Torx bolt!
7) The amount of DCT fluid lost is very minimal, probably like 1/5th of a quart if anything. So if you want to re-fill and check, follow step 1. The only thing I did additional was to leave the engine running once I reached required temperature and completed the 1min 2k RPM hold, undo the filler bolt, and add fluid until it spills out. Hand tighten filler bolt, shut off engine, and finally torque bolt into spec.
8) Clean up areas with brake cleaner and reinstall the skid pan and DCT cover.
FYI, I've attached BMW's SIB and utilized Step #10 to make sure it's properly filled. It may be scary at first with the engine running and you may think DCT fluid will spill out, but not if the DCT is under filled.