Transmission question

[russiankid]

Before I begin I apologize for making so many threads, but after searching I didn't find an answer. To start I have the A4s 310Z transmission. When the car is cold, I start it up let it idle for a minute or two and then go. Goes into reverse and drive without a problem. However, if I come to a stop sign and slow down to about 5mph and reapply the throttle, the rpm's go up and then a second later the transmission catches. It will do this unless I come to a complete stop. Could a fluid change help this issue? I am going to be changing the fluid but I just wanted a second opinion.

TIA

[PorscheH6]

How many miles are on the current transmission?

[russiankid]

How many miles are on the current transmission?115k. I forgot to mention that once the car is warmed up it doesn't have an issue.

[4500 RPM]

Uh-oh. Sounds like slip.

When trans fluid is cold that's when the first symptoms of slip happens. I wouldn't change it but rather add some sort of Lucas snake oil to see if it works.

[russiankid]

Uh-oh. Sounds like slip.

When trans fluid is cold that's when the first symptoms of slip happens. I wouldn't change it but rather add some sort of Lucas snake oil to see if it works. What would have caused the slip? Whats a good estimate of life left in the tranny?

[tonyroc14]

Before I begin I apologize for making so many threads, but after searching I didn't find an answer. To start I have the A4s 310Z transmission. When the car is cold, I start it up let it idle for a minute or two and then go. Goes into reverse and drive without a problem. However, if I come to a stop sign and slow down to about 5mph and reapply the throttle, the rpm's go up and then a second later the transmission catches. It will do this unless I come to a complete stop. Could a fluid change help this issue? I am going to be changing the fluid but I just wanted a second opinion.

TIA
you and me both brother :(

[4500 RPM]

What would have caused the slip? Whats a good estimate of life left in the tranny?

There is lifetime fluid (too late to take out). I'd say you have 1k left IF it's slipping. I don't want to tell you you're screwed if it's a software problem but I can't see that being the case.

The good thing is that you can swap the trans. If you don't have the money then tell me...my borderline auto is coming out but I don't know how to ship it.

[russiankid]

There is lifetime fluid (too late to take out). I'd say you have 1k left IF it's slipping. I don't want to tell you you're screwed if it's a software problem but I can't see that being the case.

The good thing is that you can swap the trans. If you don't have the money then tell me...my borderline auto is coming out but I don't know how to ship it.

The PO said that he had the fluid changed at the BMW dealer about 20k ago. Another thing I should mention is that it happens if I slow down quickly, but not to quick, and then reapply the throttle. The only thing that I can do is change the fluid. Only thing I don't understand is how the can the filter be life time? Isn't the point of the filter to filter out the fluid? If it gets clogged up with dirt from wear, what good does that do?

[4500 RPM]

The PO said that he had the fluid changed at the BMW dealer about 20k ago. Another thing I should mention is that it happens if I slow down quickly, but not to quick, and then reapply the throttle. The only thing that I can do is change the fluid. Only thing I don't understand is how the can the filter be life time? Isn't the point of the filter to filter out the fluid? If it gets clogged up with dirt from wear, what good does that do?

Interesting. 95k is borderline too late for a first change.

All I can say is that if you change fluid on a trans going bad it typically makes it worse.

The filter is metal, it doesn't degrade but can get clogged. The filter should be cleaned with brake fluid, etc.

Just keep driving it, go easy on it, and see if it gets worse. Save up for a manual swap, because you may be doing it in a month or two.

[russiankid]

Interesting. 95k is borderline too late for a first change.

All I can say is that if you change fluid on a trans going bad it typically makes it worse.

The filter is metal, it doesn't degrade but can get clogged. The filter should be cleaned with brake fluid, etc.

Just keep driving it, go easy on it, and see if it gets worse. Save up for a manual swap, because you may be doing it in a month or two.

I'll try changing the fluid for now. I'll keep changing it every 10k or so unless it gets worse. I have a DD so if the tranny goes I have a backup car. What are other symptoms of slipping? It only has 115k, I've never seen a tranny die so early. How many miles does your current tranny have?

[PorscheH6]

It's a General Motors automatic, so I can't say I'm too surprised, but that is a tad early for a tranny to die.

[4500 RPM]

I'll try changing the fluid for now. I'll keep changing it every 10k or so unless it gets worse. I have a DD so if the tranny goes I have a backup car. What are other symptoms of slipping? It only has 115k, I've never seen a tranny die so early. How many miles does your current tranny have?

The GM trannys fail all over the place. There was a '95 on ebay with 70k and a bad trans.

Mine still has good forward gears but reverse shudders when you give it gas. Low pressure in reverse. I have 126k on the car.

[russiankid]

How hard is to swap in a manual? I don't have a helping hand so I'd be doing this myself unless I can find a BMW indy. Is it possible for it to be the torque converter?

[4500 RPM]

There are tons of threads on it, one was very recent asking about the budget. I'm about $1800 in, including labor.

[Binjammin]

I would say it sounds like you're losing line pressure to your A clutch pack when you come to a stop. It allows the clutch pack to disengage, then when you apply throttle it brings the pressure back up and reapplies the clutches, engaging again. Time to bring it to a tranny shop, I'd be willing to bet you need a front pump seal internally.

[russiankid]

I would say it sounds like you're losing line pressure to your A clutch pack when you come to a stop. It allows the clutch pack to disengage, then when you apply throttle it brings the pressure back up and reapplies the clutches, engaging again. Time to bring it to a tranny shop, I'd be willing to bet you need a front pump seal internally.
Is this something that should be done by a BMW mechanic?

I took a look at the BMW manual that came with the car, and it says to use Dexron 2 or any other name brand fluid that exceeds Dexron 2. If the fluid was lifetime, why would they specify what fluid to use?

Update:
I looked at the front sump and it appears to be a bit oily. I am not sure if this is transmission fluid or engine oil, but it does not smell like engine oil. I am going to change the fluid and filter with new sump gaskets. If the fluid is leaking out, then I am pretty sure it could cause this.

[PorscheH6]

It is not a lifetime fill. Not even close.

[m60b30530i]

i have bad slippage to i will be replacing the trans fluid and the filter has never been changed so that will be changed as well

[russiankid]

It is not a lifetime fill. Not even close.

I've heard that the fluid is lifetime twice, both are members on here. If the fluid is Dexron 2, then it cannot be lifetime. I'll keep this thread updated once I get the fluid changed in a week or so.

[russiankid]

i have bad slippage to i will be replacing the trans fluid and the filter has never been changed so that will be changed as well
Let me know if it solves your slippage or if helps any.

[m60b30530i]

Let me know if it solves your slippage or if helps any.

i will this will probably happen nxt week or after the east coast meet

[4500 RPM]

I've heard that the fluid is lifetime twice, both are members on here. If the fluid is Dexron 2, then it cannot be lifetime. I'll keep this thread updated once I get the fluid changed in a week or so.

You're right that it's "lifetime" but that's basically a marketing term to make the car sound low-maintenance to buyers when it was new. People like you 13 years later get the shaft on an undermaintained car.

[PorscheH6]

I've heard that the fluid is lifetime twice, both are members on here. If the fluid is Dexron 2, then it cannot be lifetime. I'll keep this thread updated once I get the fluid changed in a week or so.

It may be lifetime for the tranny, but the tranny isn't going to last very long if you never change the fluid.

People recommend a fluid change every 40,000 miles or bi-annually.

[russiankid]

It may be lifetime for the tranny, but the tranny isn't going to last very long if you never change the fluid.

People recommend a fluid change every 40,000 miles or bi-annually.

I've heard 50,000 miles before, but after this fluid change the next one is going to be in 10,000miles or even less. After that I will do a few more changes while having low miles between fluid changes so clean out the transmission.

[attack eagle]

I've heard that the fluid is lifetime twice, both are members on here. If the fluid is Dexron 2, then it cannot be lifetime. I'll keep this thread updated once I get the fluid changed in a week or so.

therewas a lifetime fluid on the 540? so MOST 525 owners never bothered t change theirs either. was probably a selling point for snakey salesmen to them.

you are right it is not, but itis rare that one was ever maintained.

Try topping it off, sounds like low fluid to me. could be that when the po changed the fluid it disloged enough gunk to clog the filter partially to.

the one previously in my car lasted to about 140k, needed rebuild at that point, then lasted another 40 45k. I change the fluid in it when it started glitching likethat, and two weeks later it failed completely. not just failed but failed when I was stopped with the engine on. the end.
tossed that pile of squat and went 5 speed, quicker, more durable, less maintenance intensive, and better economy

[russiankid]

therewas a lifetime fluid on the 540? so MOST 525 owners never bothered t change theirs either. was probably a selling point for snakey salesmen to them.

you are right it is not, but itis rare that one was ever maintained.

Try topping it off, sounds like low fluid to me. could be that when the po changed the fluid it disloged enough gunk to clog the filter partially to.

the one previously in my car lasted to about 140k, needed rebuild at that point, then lasted another 40 45k. I change the fluid in it when it started glitching likethat, and two weeks later it failed completely. not just failed but failed when I was stopped with the engine on. the end.
tossed that pile of squat and went 5 speed, quicker, more durable, less maintenance intensive, and better economy
I just noticed this issue today, the car won't be driven until the fluid is changed thats for sure. If I keep driving it like this then I will have serious issue. I have 115k on this tranny so 140k is a long ways from now.

[russiankid]

Here is a video I took after the car is warmed up. Not sure how much this will help, but is this normal?
http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e58/russian03rustler/525i/?action=view&current=DSCF0164.flv

[m60b30530i]

Here is a video I took after the car is warmed up. Not sure how much this will help, but is this normal?
http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e58/russian03rustler/525i/?action=view&current=DSCF0164.flv

i have pretty much the same thing but only when its warmed up :shifty

[russiankid]

i have pretty much the same thing but only when its warmed up :shifty
I am going to check the fluid level tomorrow, hopefully it just needs some fluid.

[m60b30530i]

I am going to check the fluid level tomorrow, hopefully it just needs some fluid.

maybe but then were did the fluid that was in there go :shifty


i will be changeing the filter just as soon as i get my oil pan fixed :mad

[russiankid]

maybe but then were did the fluid that was in there go :shifty


i will be changeing the filter just as soon as i get my oil pan fixed :mad

Well according to the manual the fluid should be checked during service. If the PO had the fluid changed, the dealer could have not filled the transmission correctly. They could have just put in the required amount of fluid instead of running the engine in neutral and filling the sump until it spills out.

[m60b30530i]

Well according to the manual the fluid should be checked during service. If the PO had the fluid changed, the dealer could have not filled the transmission correctly. They could have just put in the required amount of fluid instead of running the engine in neutral and filling the sump until it spills out.

+1 try this out and tell me

[russiankid]

+1 try this out and tell me Checking the fluid is really easy. Just drive the car around until its warmed up. Put it on jack stands and make sure the car is level. Then with the engine running and in neutral(applies to my tranny) take the fill bolt out. If its full, fluid will come out, if it doesn't, add some.

[m60b30530i]

Checking the fluid is really easy. Just drive the car around until its warmed up. Put it on jack stands and make sure the car is level. Then with the engine running and in neutral(applies to my tranny) take the fill bolt out. If its full, fluid will come out, if it doesn't, add some.

how u add some dont u need a pump

[russiankid]

how u add some dont u need a pump

I went to Harbor Freight and got a siphon pump. It was like $4 bucks, should work just fine. Stick the pickup end into the bottle with fluid, and the other end into the fill hole.Then pump until fluid comes out, very simple. Another good thing about this pump is if you put to much fluid in, you can pump some out.:redspot

[m60b30530i]

I went to Harbor Freight and got a siphon pump. It was like $4 bucks, should work just fine. Stick the pickup end into the bottle with fluid, and the other end into the fill hole.Then pump until fluid comes out, very simple. Another good thing about this pump is if you put to much fluid in, you can pump some out.:redspot

nice :buttrock

[russiankid]

nice :buttrock
Now if your transmission has a dip stick, then you can just add fluid through the dip stick. Otherwise, pump is needed. :)

[russiankid]

Update. I went to check the level and theres no fluid coming out of the fill plug. So I pumped in about a quart of fluid and fuel still does not come out of the hole. However, I had a slight knock coming from underneath which sounded like a torque converter. The knock is now very faint, and the end runs a lot smoother. I am going to put some more fluid in and keep this updated. I have not driven the car yet as I want it to be full prior to driving.

[m60b30530i]

Update. I went to check the level and theres no fluid coming out of the fill plug. So I pumped in about a quart of fluid and fuel still does not come out of the hole. However, I had a slight knock coming from underneath which sounded like a torque converter. The knock is now very faint, and the end runs a lot smoother. I am going to put some more fluid in and keep this updated. I have not driven the car yet as I want it to be full prior to driving.

nice i will be checking mine as well when it comes back from the mech

( i need a hole new oil pan :shifty )

[russiankid]

Just put in another quart of fluid. It down shifts smoother and I do not feel any slippage. The fluid that came out of the hole was dark, so a fluid change is needed.

While under the car I noticed this rubber piece that sits at the connection of the driveshaft to the transmission is cracked. What does this piece do and how hard is to replace?
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e58/russian03rustler/525i/S6301674.jpg

[attack eagle]

guibo.

need to drop the exhaust and driveshaft to replace.

[russiankid]

guibo.

need to drop the exhaust and driveshaft to replace.

Can I still drive the car with it being cracked?

From the looks of it I can just replace it without dropping the driveshaft and exhaust.

[4500 RPM]

It's really nice to see that you're taking a proactive attitude on the car instead of a "woe is me" approach. Cool stuff, I hope that changing the trans fluid and keeping it at the right level fixes your problem.


Can I still drive the car with it being cracked?

From the looks of it I can just replace it without dropping the driveshaft and exhaust.

Yes you can but it needs replacement sooner than later. I don't really know if you can get to it without dropping the driveshaft. I'm sure the procedure is outlined in the Bentley.

[russiankid]

It's really nice to see that you're taking a proactive attitude on the car instead of a "woe is me" approach. Cool stuff, I hope that changing the trans fluid and keeping it at the right level fixes your problem.



Yes you can but it needs replacement sooner than later. I don't really know if you can get to it without dropping the driveshaft. I'm sure the procedure is outlined in the Bentley.

Thanks, hopefully the fluid will change the way it drives. I know the guibo will need replacement soon, but I need to get the suspension in order first.

[upallnight]

Just changed the fluid in my touring the other day. I also added a litre of Lucas Trans Fix with the fluid change. Been driving the touring the last couple of days to work and the trans seems to shift smoother.

I didn't change the filter because I change the filter last year when I did the fluid change. I figure I'll change the filter every two year and the fluid every year.

[russiankid]

Just changed the fluid in my touring the other day. I also added a litre of Lucas Trans Fix with the fluid change. Been driving the touring the last couple of days to work and the trans seems to shift smoother.

I didn't change the filter because I change the filter last year when I did the fluid change. I figure I'll change the filter every two year and the fluid every year. Good to know. I'll try to change the fluid and the filter first, then I'll see how it goes. The filter kit is like $25 for Autohaus, plus the fluid. I rather spend $40-50 on the parts rather then the time and money on a new transmission.

[attack eagle]

gotta drop the shaft at the CSB to disengage it. sorry.

[russiankid]

gotta drop the shaft at the CSB to disengage it. sorry. Well thats a bummer. Maybe I could replace the CSB while I am there.

[4500 RPM]

My CSB looked/felt great after 121k.

[russiankid]

My CSB looked/felt great after 121k. Mine has 115k and I do not hear a whistle as I read they whistle when they go out.I remember when I helped my brother change the CSB in his 535iA, it was a PIA because of the stubborn bolt. Looks I will be dropping the exhaust and driveshaft.:mad

[4500 RPM]

I wouldn't put that money in an automatic driveshaft if you'll possibly be swapping to a manual in the future...

[russiankid]

I wouldn't put that money in an automatic driveshaft if you'll possibly be swapping to a manual in the future...

I'll have to see, but for now I'll just replace the guibo and drive till the tranny dies. I'd love a manual as my Accord is a manual.


I also need to track this oil leak. My valve cover gasket was leaking very bad so it covered the whole right side of the engine in oil. It doesn't look like the headgasket is leaking because the coolant is nice and green(didn't change it yet) and the oil does not have any signs of coolant in it. When I had the valve cover off I didn't see any coolant.

[somerandomdude]

I also need to track this oil leak. My valve cover gasket was leaking very bad so it covered the whole right side of the engine in oil. It doesn't look like the headgasket is leaking because the coolant is nice and green(didn't change it yet) and the oil does not have any signs of coolant in it. When I had the valve cover off I didn't see any coolant.


You and me both. So far I tracked it down under the intake manifold. But not sure where exactly.

[russiankid]

You and me both. So far I tracked it down under the intake manifold. But not sure where exactly. Same here, I noticed oil collection on the oil level unit on the oil pan. I looked further up and its oily. I checked the oil line going to the VANOS and its a bit oil, so I will clean it off and check. It may be oil that could have spilled during my oil change(filter as well). Keep me updated if you find the issue.

[somerandomdude]

I sure will. I'm gonna tear it apart some time next week to find the location of the leak. If worse comes to worse. I'll PM you if I can't find your thread.

[russiankid]

I sure will. I'm gonna tear it apart some time next week to find the location of the leak. If worse comes to worse. I'll PM you if I can't find your thread.

Thanks. Will be greatly appreciated.