[M3POVVER]

Hi all,
my 5 series seems to have develop a problem
it is a 5 speed automatic seal for life unit
upon starting it in the morning and driving off
when it changes from 1st to 2nd the gearbox jolts/thud
this can be felt through the complete car once it has
warmed up ie 10mins later it is completely fine,no noises/thuds what so ever
was planning to change the ATF fluid and the gearbox filter but i was advise
against it,btw it is a 525 tds se touring 1998 with approx 130k, i have already changed all the gearbox /engine mounts rear axle bushes etc,if any can shed some light on this issue that would be great
thanks

 

[MTec B]

There is no such thing as sealed for life - my 530d (2002) had done 62k and I took it to a gearbox specialist just to get the gearbox serviced - which included a oil and filter change, visual inspection and checks for any debris in the sump from the box. Why were you advised against changing the fluid and filter? The problem is that when autoboxes start to play up it is normally too late to take any preventative action, this is not helped by the fact that people believe that because the boxes are sealed for life units that they never need looking at periodically. The reality is that that the boxes should be looked at esp after 60k miles and immediately if you suspect any leaks.

 

[xXNealXx]

The reason why he was adviced against changing the oil is because he has gone past the 100k limit, so dislodging any built up sludge in the box may do more harm then cure it. Even I wouldn't touch the box for an oil change and I've done many before.

 

[MTec B]

Neal P - so would you agree that you should start to check and have serviced around the 60k mark? even if your box is working ok.

 

[xXNealXx]

Neal P - so would you agree that you should start to check and have serviced around the 60k mark? even if your box is working ok.

Yes...that will be ok, but don't leave it until around 80k, otherwise you will need to consider leaving it :thumbsup.

 

[aliS]

I managed to change the filter ok in mine and it has done 95k, just to let you know. I had no history of having this done before. Does anyones autobox buzz (quietly) when they open the car door though?

 

[Ronnie]

I managed to change the filter ok in mine and it has done 95k, just to let you know. I had no history of having this done before. Does anyones autobox buzz (quietly) when they open the car door though?

The e36 SMGs do that, it's the gearbox pump priming

 

[M3POVVER]

just a follow up

hi all many thanks to all with regards to the advice
after many hours of searching the internet
i decided to flush the autobox myself and replace the filter
so far its seem to lessen the thud i was getting whilst the autobox
was cold. I used dextron III and plan to flush the autobox 2 more times
hopefully that will cure it

 

[amh01]

sorry to jump in here but where did you get the filter for the box from i have been looking all over for one so that i can do this myself and just cant find one ( probably just not looking hard enough or in the right places)

Thanks

Adam

 

[xXNealXx]

Did you not try the dealer?

 

[Ronnie]

sorry to jump in here but where did you get the filter for the box from i have been looking all over for one so that i can do this myself and just cant find one ( probably just not looking hard enough or in the right places)

Thanks

Adam

Depending on your type of gearbox in your e36, it will be one of these 2 here, number 6, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BF42&mospid=47430&btnr=24_0823&hg=24&fg=15, price £35

or

number 8, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BF42&mospid=47430&btnr=24_0708&hg=24&fg=15, price £25

 

[amh01]

no as i thought they would tell me to do one as they are a "lifetime fill box" i will give them a go.

Thanks

Adam