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E46 330d auto gearbox failure - this is why.....

62K views 38 replies 24 participants last post by  Peter330d 
#1 · (Edited)
Been a few threads recently about autobox failure on these cars (as well as X5 and 525d/530d) and this is the bit that goes wrong - numbers 3 and 4 in this diagram......


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AP92&mospid=47671&btnr=24_0938&hg=24&fg=15


This is the oil pressure regulator for the main valve body, and if it fails, oil pressure to the forward clutches drops and the drive clutches burn out. the gearbox starts to act up, brings on a warning light and expires after an attempt to drive it.
These regulators are about £60 new and an hour for a specialist to change. It involves dropping the sump and the valve body so is only DIY for the most skilled DIY mechanics Some folk bang on and on about changing the oil, but this is what really fails in these boxes. Well worth doing if you want to avoid a £1500 gearbox rebuild.

Number 4 is VERY important - it's the pressure regulator for the torque converter lock up clutch. If this fails, the TC lock up clutch burns out, bits of the clutch lining swim around the gearbox and destroy it in short order - replacing it is a no brainer and is more important than the main one.

Maybe worth a sticky?
 
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#4 · (Edited)
Nice 1 :thumbsup, but it doesn't change the fact that the oil & filter should be changed anyway, and seeing as the sump has to come off to do those regulators anyway you've gotta change the oil!

How do you know that the old abrasive oil isn't a large part of the cause of those parts failing?

Either way, no oil lasts forever & no filter lasts forever, change it after 60k for a better chance of a longer life for your box, plus changing those regulators :).
 
#7 ·
Nice 1 :thumbsup, but it doesn't change the fact that the oil & filter should changed anyway.

How do you know that the old abrasive oil isn't a large part of the cause of those parts failing?

Either way, no oil lasts forever & no filter lasts forever, change it after 60k for a better chance of a longer life for your box, plus changing those regulators :).
The reason the solonoids fail is because the internal rubber diaphragms split. Nothing whatsoever to do with the oil. But, now you know the truth eh?
 
#5 ·
Great advice! With 112k miles on an '03 330d its constantly at the back of my mind. Had the gearbox oil changed at 94,000 as a precaution, but might well get these two valves swapped out if its such a cheap job (compared to a rebuild).

What are the symptoms of the gearbox failing - no warning lights on mine, but the TC rarely seems to lock up other than when your in sport mode. Been like it since I got the car and have come to assume its just the nature of normal mode?

Cheers

BTW - are these parts available only from the dealer?
 
#8 ·
The lock up clutch works differently to the old 4 Speed ZF type. It engages/disengages constantly depending on load, unlike the old type that locked in at 50-60 mph. There is no warning, just an expiring gearbox with no drive.

The oil has nothing to do with this. It's a rubber diaphrapgm inside the TC solonoid that splits allowing an almost complete drop in oil pressure to the lock up clutch. This disintegrates and bits of it are ground into granules by the TC, then go though the entire box.
At 112'000, you need to get this done now. 100'000 miles is the average life of the valve.
 
#19 ·
Yea change the oil & filter too, there's no such thing as lifetime oil or lifetime oil filter. Blocked filter at some point ain't gonna do the box any good, nor black oil!
 
#14 ·
Don't suppose is going to hurt doing the oil, so oil and gasket needed.
Are you doing this as a preventive measure or have you got faults with you box.


Sent from the Iphone via talktapa
 
#16 ·
Sorry but this makes no sense to me, I have said nothing about my gear box in this thread.
Just want to no your symptoms, and does this solenoid fix it.
I have a problem with mine though, never moves in D after a day or night stud. Depending on what shift I'm working, but I have just got used to putting in into sport then knocking it into first. I have found this then enables me to drive off straight away, but not very convincing when I come to sell the X. So if this is an easy cheap fix, then I can sell with no come backs.


Sent from the Iphone via talktapa
 
#17 ·
Hi has anybody actually changed these?
Are they main dealer parts only?
I'm a mechanic so I'm going to tackle this but just want to know a few things
Is it just a case of changing these valves and the oil and filter and gasket
How do I fill the oil and check the level?
Any kind of advice would be great full
Thanks
 
#18 ·
autobow oil change



The sealed Autobox hold a lot of oil (approx 12ltr), however you can only replace half of it (about 6ltr) let drain overnight measure if possible and put same amount back in. The plastic sump is the filter assembly and cost about £100. Have a chat with your local Automatic transmission specialist as Big BMW’s (X5 & 3.0ltr’s) keep them busy.

Hope this helps:)
 
#21 ·
A little Knowledge can be dangerous !

Hi all, bit new on here so here goes. I float around the ocean for my sins so any help there just ask. Ive seen a few comments about the 330d auto box like mine in the 2004 model. Can anybody advise who would be good at changing TC pressure sensors etc and gearbox oil and filter. I live in the South East on the coast. The car has 82k and as I like it seems like a good idea to get somebody who knows to check it out.
Cheers JB
 
#22 ·
You've gotta look at the sticker on the bottom of the gearbox to tell ya. I've looked on Autodata for ya & their's a choice of 2 oils for your box.

A4S 200R (GM47)/A5S360R/390R (GM5): See label on sump and use either ETL 8072B or ETL 704SE oil.

NOTE: ETL 8072B oil has been superseded by Dexron VI.
 
#23 ·
Cheers for that, been under it and it seems like the dextron V1 is what it wants. Any body want a job?? half scared to give it welly at the moment as from the look of it nobody has been there before. Just seems a bit slow to select ahead when hot. Would realy like a good firm to look after it so any ideas would be most appreciated nearish TN36 area. My boats are in Chatham normaly so that would be ok too.
Cheers J
 
#24 ·
I've had my 2 solenoids delivered today and the oil and filter are being done at the end of this month. I also have the cold start issue whereby I have no drive for a few seconds untill the pressures have built up. I'm hoping the solenoid change along with fresh oil works. I'll report back once it's been done. Hopefully with some good news for you all.

Rob
 
#28 ·
Been a few threads recently about autobox failure on these cars (as well as X5 and 525d/530d) and this is the bit that goes wrong - numbers 3 and 4 in this diagram......


RealOEM.com   BMW E46 330d A5S360R/390R ctrl unit with mount.parts


This is the oil pressure regulator for the main valve body, and if it fails, oil pressure to the forward clutches drops and the drive clutches burn out. the gearbox starts to act up, brings on a warning light and expires after an attempt to drive it.
These regulators are about £60 new and an hour for a specialist to change. It involves dropping the sump and the valve body so is only DIY for the most skilled DIY mechanics Some folk bang on and on about changing the oil, but this is what really fails in these boxes. Well worth doing if you want to avoid a £1500 gearbox rebuild.

Number 4 is VERY important - it's the pressure regulator for the torque converter lock up clutch. If this fails, the TC lock up clutch burns out, bits of the clutch lining swim around the gearbox and destroy it in short order - replacing it is a no brainer and is more important than the main one.

Maybe worth a sticky?


Has anyone DIY'd this? Im looking at doing it within the next 4 weeks as im off to the ring in July.

Any tips greatly appreciated!
 
#29 ·
I was hoping to report back to you all today but the garage let me down. I had my codes read and it did come up with one for the gearbox.bmw code 150 , dtc code p0727 , hex code 96 - engine speed input current no signal. So it looks as though the issue may lie with a electrical/sensor curcuit and nothing to do with low oil level or failing solenoids. That said I'm still going to have the gearbox service done.so before you spend thousands on a new gearbox/ torque converter do a little digging.
 
#30 ·
Automatic gear box failure

Automatic gearboxes are much more complicated to repair than manual, especially BMWs. I work at a family garage in Acton, London that specialize in Automatic repairs. We've come across all different types of problems regarding gearboxes and I'm sure we would be able to solve any problem you might have, and at a very good price too! Automatic Gearbox Repairs London - Auto Transmission Servicing Reconditioning
 
#31 ·
Hi all, great thread. Wish I saw it earlier. I've just killed my auto gearbox in my '53' 330d. It's dumped oil out of the bell housing, it will no longer run and feels engaged, the noise is horrid. Is there any threads or guides on removal and refitting, any special dos and donts to look out for etc. going to give it a go this week... Any help would be great. Thanks
 
#32 ·
Can anyone recommend a local Mechanic

Thanks for great information, my car is displaying the same symptoms following a long drive back fro surrey to Nottingham last week.. this is my first post and i would simply like to ask the question, does anyone know a sensibly priced local to the midlands mechanic that would/could carry out this work..?
I have emailed no fewer than 15 so called Auto specialists and asked the question, sending them all a link to this post... unfortunitley i haven't had a response from any of them to date...



Been a few threads recently about autobox failure on these cars (as well as X5 and 525d/530d) and this is the bit that goes wrong - numbers 3 and 4 in this diagram......


RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog


This is the oil pressure regulator for the main valve body, and if it fails, oil pressure to the forward clutches drops and the drive clutches burn out. the gearbox starts to act up, brings on a warning light and expires after an attempt to drive it.
These regulators are about £60 new and an hour for a specialist to change. It involves dropping the sump and the valve body so is only DIY for the most skilled DIY mechanics Some folk bang on and on about changing the oil, but this is what really fails in these boxes. Well worth doing if you want to avoid a £1500 gearbox rebuild.

Number 4 is VERY important - it's the pressure regulator for the torque converter lock up clutch. If this fails, the TC lock up clutch burns out, bits of the clutch lining swim around the gearbox and destroy it in short order - replacing it is a no brainer and is more important than the main one.

Maybe worth a sticky?
 
#33 ·
E46 automatic transmission problem

Hello,
I have this 330d Edition 33 automatic 2005 which gives me headaches. The problem is very simple. It drives perfectly and after 5-10 minutes all gears dissapears. All gears only revs like in neutral.But if i put in Manual gear shifting, it starts move after a while, but D don´t move at all.. Then you turn off car, lock, unlock, start again and you have 5 minutes more drive.
So First I though it is electronics. Connected diagnostic computer - no faults at all
I´ve checked the oil level while the car was running, and it was fine, just on the border to start dripping when i screwed out the plug..



I really hope someone have a solution or ideas for what it can be, so i doesn´t have to take the car to it´s graveyard!


Thanks
 
#34 ·
Been a few threads recently about autobox failure on these cars (as well as X5 and 525d/530d) and this is the bit that goes wrong - numbers 3 and 4 in this diagram......


RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog


This is the oil pressure regulator for the main valve body, and if it fails, oil pressure to the forward clutches drops and the drive clutches burn out. the gearbox starts to act up, brings on a warning light and expires after an attempt to drive it.
These regulators are about £60 new and an hour for a specialist to change. It involves dropping the sump and the valve body so is only DIY for the most skilled DIY mechanics Some folk bang on and on about changing the oil, but this is what really fails in these boxes. Well worth doing if you want to avoid a £1500 gearbox rebuild.

Number 4 is VERY important - it's the pressure regulator for the torque converter lock up clutch. If this fails, the TC lock up clutch burns out, bits of the clutch lining swim around the gearbox and destroy it in short order - replacing it is a no brainer and is more important than the main one.

Maybe worth a sticky?
Hi I have problem bmw e46 330D my gerbox not move D And R you think is too late? Please help me I was changed oili every year on gerbox.
 
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