I have tried asking this on BMW forums but simply got no response at all so far.

How do you check the automatic gearbox oil level on a 1994 E34 540i V8?

The gearbox whines on startup and continues to do so for about 10 mins, I'm guessing till the oil warms up. I just want to check there is enough oil in there, to rule it out.

Thanks!

Start at the top of the box and drill a hole. Then work your way down the side of the box drilling holes. When oil starts leaking out of a hole you know you've found the oil level. Gaffer tape holes back up and use the top one to add some more oil if necessary.

Hope that helps,

Liam

Im afraid i cant answer your question directly but i do seem to recall seing something about it on BMWLand. Have you tried a search? From memory i recall someone commenting that some gearboxes are sealed for life so dont have an easy way of checking the oil etc, but some people report that the oil perhaps should be changed.

ON my BMW box, i dont think theres any way of checking the level.

Just to be safe why dont u drain it and refill it? Then you definatly know its fine and got clean oil

I believe the only way to check BMW autos is electronically, I think sensor info is sent to the ECU which can be interrogated with a laptop & the right connectors/software.
Presumably there must be a filler plug so if you can establish the correct volume of oil could drain & refill as has already been suggested.
Alternatively unless there are signs of obvious leakage might be safest to leave well alone.

On my Jaguar, I think they share the same boxes there is a fill hole at the rear, standard square hole bung thing.

The gearboxes are quoted as sealed for life, however life is caveated by 100,000miles.

You need special oil sealed for life oil, costs £100 for 10 litres, but you can get it by the litre from Peugeot garages.

Car flat an level & cold, ie on a ramp. start engine, gearbox in nuetral then top up until the fluid just starts to seep out the fill hole.

If it whines sounds more like a dirty filter as well, if you are worried about quantities simple measure what you remove and replace with an equal amount.

Regards Mark