School me on autotragics...

[uk525td]

not for an e34, car in question is an e36 328i auto
its a mate of mine, since i hang out in here and hte boxes are essentially the same...
symptoms, revers works, no movement when selecting any forward gear

any thoughts? we are assuming its best to jsut yank the box and replace, is there any fluid levels to check on these? if so how/where ?

[whiskychaser]

If you can get somebody round with a diagnostic kit check for any fault codes. It might be just an iffy solenoid valve but somehow I doubt it.
It is probably a 5HP18 but check the plate on the driver's side of the tranny just above the pan joint. If it is black you need Dexron, if it is green you need lifetime atf. Details including filling instructions here:
http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/united_states/corporate_replacement_parts_1/service_portfolio/passenger_cars/5HP18.pdf
The selector cable could be sticking. Disconnect it at the tranny end (passenger side). With your friend's foot firmly on the brake, move the lever that comes out of the tranny backwards. Each 'click' corresponds with PRND etc. If you get no joy, drop the pan. If you see any small lumps and chunks of metal a clutch has gone. Unless you are keen you might want to call it a draw at that. Look for bits of plastic too - he may have broken the end of the manual selector valve off. Other ZF faults are in the DIY above. HTH

[uk525td]

thanks very much thats the info im looking for for a basic starting point :)

[Boogieboy]

I will never own another auto BMW.:shifty

[quick93]

I will never own another auto BMW.:shifty
+1 The best way to repair that trans is throwing it in the garbage and put a 5 speed in! :D

[BMH]

why not post in the e36 forum?? :)

[uk525td]

why? because i hang out here, the technology is the same, i know who's opinion to listen to in this sub-forum
I have heard rumours that the e36 section is not as useful

[BMH]

e36 is the new 80's camaro at high school parking lots.

[Boogieboy]

why? because i hang out here, the technology is the same, i know who's opinion to listen to in this sub-forum
I have heard rumours that the e36 section is not as usefulYou heard correct.

Sorry that I have nothing of use for you, but after 2 auto's going out on me, I am done with them forever.

[BMH]

I drove an e30 with an automatic gearbox, it totally sucked. It just buzzed around 2,000 rpm all day unless you MASHED the gas, then it would kick down and you would feel sorry for it.

I did however own a 2008 VW Rabbit with a 6 speed automatic gearbox and it was amazing. It downshifted as if there was a racing driving hidden somewhere shifting for me. I was very impressed!

[T444E]

My old E30 vert had an auto. It was nice and all but it was one of the major reasons i sold that car. had it been a stick I would have kept it. it had everything, Euro Mtech 1 valence, Euro front and rear chrome bumpers and a hard top, black sport interior etc etc

[Baupfhor]

If the fluid is black and smells burnt, change transmission. Sounds like a valvebody issue vs fluid level, after you confirm the shift lever is moving the selector on the trans properly first. I dont you can check fluid level with a dipstick. If it's anything like a VW, you'd have to check the fluid coming out of the drain plug at a certain fluid temp. I don't have any experience with BMW autos.