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Thread: It would happen one day...Transmission issues

  1. #1
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    HELP I knew it would happen one day...Transmission issues

    Hello BFc. Well I clicked over 231k on my road trip yesterday. So the transmission doesn't really owe me anything.

    But here's what's going on...

    A couple weekends ago I was driving around town in 100+*F heat. Come to a stop and feel a jerk. Give the car gas and chatters as it starts to go. It feels like grab, then nothing, then grab, then nothing, then slight *thud", and everything is back to normal. No slipping and normal shifting.

    Last night, I drive 3.5 hrs back home get off the highway at my exit and feel that same jerk as I come to a stop (on a slight incline). Give it gas and the car doesn't move. Give it a little more and still nothing. Put the shifter in gear 4 for sport mode and still nothing until the light turns and give it even more gas then *thud* everything grabs and it starts going like normal again.

    It doesn't happen again until I get in the driveway (yes another slight incline if that matters), and it seems to be slipping slightly again. I put it in neutral and feel that *thud* and jerk again as the transmission let's go into neutral. Put it back in drive and everything is good.

    So can anyone help me diagnose this? I don't want to get stranded. Is this a situation where it's time for a rebuild, time for a new valve body, time for new fluid, or just check the level (the first time this happened, I was not on an incline).

    Need some advice so I can begin to figure this out so I have a car to get to work. Thanks

    Also, NO transfailsafe message


    Oh edit:
    Short history
    Transmission not touched until 176k miles. I drained the fluid, changed the filter, and refilled with Valvoline Maxlife and Dr. Tranny.
    It's been 60k miles and no issues until now.
    My torque converter has always shuddered from like 100k miles. It's been driving that way fine until now.
    Last edited by racer2086; 09-02-2018 at 10:49 AM.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  2. #2
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    60k? That cheapo maxlife fluid is done by now. Time for another flush, a new filter, maybe a tube of dr tranny and a bottle of this : https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-LUC1000.../dp/B000ARTZPO
    Stuffs amazing and works wonders.
    Time to flush again no question

  3. #3
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    Hey Racer,

    From your description of the problem, if its grabs and then grabs again and you feel a thud, slipping and hunting for gears can potentially be caused by a bad valve body. At this point, I feel like you should change your fluid as Narlift said and if the budget allows, get some lifeguard 5 fluid which is specifically meant for these ZF transmissions. If that doesn't fix it, I would advise you to get a reman valve body or maybe a good used one and swap that in.

    I am personally not a huge fan of additives as it is only prolonging the inevitable.

  4. #4
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    Thanks for the input guys. I thought about changing the fluid. How much is a reman valve body? I feel like if I'm going to spend $200 on fluid and filter, I may as well replace the valve body.

    But then the follow up question is, with the amount of miles I have, should the whole thing just rebuilt or can the clutches last a long time?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Also, it really only did that grab release thing the first time. Last night there was nothing until it "linked up" and then drove fine. The RPMS just had to be increased to get it "linked up". It felt as though the car was in neutral then went to drive. Not a really strong jerk or anything. It really has me thinking there is a pressure issue not allowing D to engage.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  5. #5
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    Either way bro..60k? Time for another flush for sure. Maxlife @ Walmart get 2 gallons for ~$37 bucks and a $25 aftermarket filter and pan kit from FCP and you're good. Don't bother flushing it all out again, no need, Just filter and pan drop/refill..unless you wanted to flush.
    Also as suggested the Lucas additive will fix the pressure issues. I used this stuff on a couple audis and one of which had NO 3rd gear, and burned orginal 190k fluid. i did a pan drop and added the lucas transmission fix and my trans shifted like new again some how for the 1500 miles i put on it before selling.
    Last edited by Narlift; 09-02-2018 at 11:50 AM.

  6. #6
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    If I'm going to change the fluid I'm going to use the ZF stuff. The maxlife may be too thin. And aftermarket filters in these trans are a known no-no due to restrictions and whining. The problem is I read so often about people changing the fluid and then the thing totally dying.

    I also want to know if it is a valve body issue or something else. I'm going to pull codes now.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  7. #7
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    Ok so no codes. Also found this post on the Jag forum. Sounds like my issue. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ng-kit-146100/

    Not sure if I can use the updated ZF valve, but the Transgo one may be worth it. Seems pretty cheap.

    Think I'll do that, fluid, and filter.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  8. #8
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    Hope it works out! Rebuilt transmission + TC sells around $4K plus installation, would be great if you could fix it for like $200 or so.

  9. #9
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    Keep us posted on th results!
    Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
    Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)

  10. #10
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    change fluid with filtran and zf fluid. If you're shopping around for a valve body, i've heard revmax makes a good valve body for our cars. Or just have it rebuilt.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by tjpike View Post
    change fluid with filtran and zf fluid. If you're shopping around for a valve body, i've heard revmax makes a good valve body for our cars. Or just have it rebuilt.
    Could your tranny be overheating? Did you check operating temp?

  12. #12
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    Usually chattering means torque converter. But a TC fails pretty quickly once it goes, like within 40-60 miles.

    I would call Eriksson Industries and chat with them, they can give you a good idea and have any part you may need. A valve body is about $700 I think.

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  13. #13
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    It wasn't chattering like "rattle your teeth" instead it felt as though it was alternating between D and N. The second time this happened, the car just felt like it was in N. Then with a little higher RPM, it kicked into Drive. From what I read, the pressure valve in the lower front valve body is what wears, hangs up, and causes the pressure spikes that blow up the A-drum. Transgo makes a new piston that goes in that bore that uses o-rings in the bore to make up for the wear I guess.

    I will definitely follow up with Erikkson though. I thought about doing a whole new valve body, but at 231k miles, I'm not sure that's worth it since I don't know how much is left of the clutches. What do you think?
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  14. #14
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    Erikkson seemed to think it was the free-wheel clutch that is slipping. I guess that only affects 1st gear. He said to put the transmission into manual mode, gear 2 and see if the problem goes away. I emailed ZF USA to get their take on it. I will change the fluid to ZF Lifeguard 5, replace the filter, and replace that pressure valve and see what happens. Otherwise, it may be rebuild time.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  15. #15
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    If you want to keep the car,

    1. Complete rebuild, about $3000 with at least a 1 yr warranty, some places give 2 yrs unlimited miles, like Transmission Specialists franchises
    2. Get a used trans from a JY and rebuild yourself, about $1500, no warranty and about 2 months of a learning experience.
    3. Swap out with a used low mileage trans, $500 and roll the dice.

    Its your call.

    If if you have the money, get it done professionally, it’s a big headache unless you really want to “learn”.

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by kouks View Post
    If you want to keep the car,

    1. Complete rebuild, about $3000 with at least a 1 yr warranty, some places give 2 yrs unlimited miles, like Transmission Specialists franchises
    2. Get a used trans from a JY and rebuild yourself, about $1500, no warranty and about 2 months of a learning experience.
    3. Swap out with a used low mileage trans, $500 and roll the dice.

    Its your call.

    If if you have the money, get it done professionally, it’s a big headache unless you really want to “learn”.
    You need a new troque converter as well...then while there resealing the back of the engine, crankshaft seal and I'd also replace the guido as well. This could easily run into $4K. Crazy how expensive these transmissions are compared to the engine.

  17. #17
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    I have $600 in parts alone set up on a wish list for the 540i which has a leaking input shaft seal on the transmission. That includes rear main, coolant cover gasket, guibo, etc. It's crazy expensive.

    I have no reason not to keep the car. I already did the guides and it has been running great. Yes it's high mileage, but I keep very good care of it. It would cost me a lot more to get another car, especially a BMW.

    The main issue is I'm getting married Sept 29, so $3-4k in expense right now to fix this is a major issue. I'm driving my '85 Mustang right now to get to work, but I don't want to daily that car for a month.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by racer2086 View Post
    I have $600 in parts alone set up on a wish list for the 540i which has a leaking input shaft seal on the transmission. That includes rear main, coolant cover gasket, guibo, etc. It's crazy expensive.

    I have no reason not to keep the car. I already did the guides and it has been running great. Yes it's high mileage, but I keep very good care of it. It would cost me a lot more to get another car, especially a BMW.

    The main issue is I'm getting married Sept 29, so $3-4k in expense right now to fix this is a major issue. I'm driving my '85 Mustang right now to get to work, but I don't want to daily that car for a month.
    Congrats on the marriage! Does she know about the E38 parts prices..? I wouldnt tell her

  19. #19
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    Thanks! It's coming up fast.

    Parts prices, yes. She drives the 540, so she unfortunately (fortunately?) knows exactly what's involved. I think she's more happy that she has a personal mechanic that knows exactly what's wrong and how to fix it. And no need to drive to a shop

    I've convinced her, though, with FCPEuro, that she only has to buy parts once. That helps
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  20. #20
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    Try changing the fluid first with valvoline import. It can be had pretty cheap and meets the LT71141 fluid spec our cars call for. Worth a shot before spending the rest of the money...

    Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

  21. #21
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    You can also get most parts at Transtar which has locations in a bunch of cities. Very useful online catalogs for several systems besides transmissions.

  22. #22
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    I've got the new valve on my kitchen counter. I ordered a ZF filter, associated o-ring, new pan gasket, and 12 liters of ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid $$$ (I plan on flushing the system like I did originally at 175k using the cooler lines and the transmission oil pump to pump out the old stuff while sucking in the new). That way I know all the fluid is the correct ZF fluid. Then whatever happens after that happens. Will keep this updated.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  23. #23
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    Rule #37 for a happy marriage: Never tell your wife the cost of car parts. When she asks, you lie! If its going to be really a lot, you fudge the numbers.

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  24. #24
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    Lol well said. Btw cool sig pic. I like it
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
    '04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
    '00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
    '85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original

    mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
    retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors


  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by racer2086 View Post
    I've got the new valve on my kitchen counter. I ordered a ZF filter, associated o-ring, new pan gasket, and 12 liters of ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid $$$ (I plan on flushing the system like I did originally at 175k using the cooler lines and the transmission oil pump to pump out the old stuff while sucking in the new). That way I know all the fluid is the correct ZF fluid. Then whatever happens after that happens. Will keep this updated.
    Good luck! How much you paid for the new valve? Is it a rebuilt one?

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