Tranny Problem... this is WEIRD!! - United Bimmer Community

**Alpine328i** · 09-23-2006, 10:23 PM

1996 328i sedan, automatic transmission.

Okay, so I have a problem with my tranny ( I think) check it out.

If I leave it in "D" I get first, second and third only. It will simply not shift into 4th.

If I put it in "M" (manual mode) and shift myself, I get 1st, then 2nd, then when I go up to 3rd, it wont shift at all, I have to put it up to "D" and it still wont go to 4th, I get 3rd only.

WTF?

**xsperf** · 09-23-2006, 11:25 PM

sorry to say, but i think your going to need a rebuild, just so u can be sure, i would replace the fluid and go from there, many years back, happened to someone i know, his car wouldnt get 4th gear, did everything, turned out he needed a rebuild

**c1apton** · 09-24-2006, 02:51 AM

The description you gave sounds like a low fluid or dirty filter. Change the trans fluid & filter & follow BMWs' procedures on level checking. You might also look for a possible seal leak.

**Dudesky** · 09-24-2006, 06:15 AM

Yea, if it just started happening, c1apton should be right. If you let it go too long, xsperf will be right

**xsperf** · 09-24-2006, 12:28 PM

lets all hope that im wrong.. whats this thing about the e36's not having dipsticks?

**celsdogg** · 09-24-2006, 02:04 PM

^^^ the plan is, to rely on the computer. in every part of life.

**Rooz** · 09-24-2006, 03:46 PM

*cough* I can Now I proudly say this sentence...

TRANNY SWAP!

**bitcore** · 09-25-2006, 02:27 AM

There is a cable that goes from the shifter down to the transmission itself. It may need adjusting and the transmission may not know you actually want "D" and it's thinking you want "3." To access one of the plugs for the transmission fluid, you need to get a wrench into a tight space that the shifting lever restricts access to, so if you've had the fluid messed with, it may have been loosened or damged somehow. I do not know how to adjust this, or if it is 'adjustable,' but it's a start. If I remember correctly, it's shaft next to the fluid fill hole is covered by a red boot and should be easy to spot.

Check that out, then make sure there is enough fluid, that's a given. It's a PITA just to *CHECK*, so you might as well drop the sumps and change the filter/fluid while you got the car in the air. Besides, this way you can check for excessive metal shavings on the sump magnet and if that isn't your problem, at lest you have the peace of mind that you have fresh fluid, filter, and know that your gears havn't been completely converted to powder. A filter & gasket kit from pelican parts is quite cheap.

Other than that, I say tranny control computer since you don't describe any illegular shiffting patterns from normal (AKA slipping, hard shifts, illregular engaging, etc. - other than it wont select 4th gear) - but if all of that crap is not the case, then yes, there is a mechanical problem in the transmission and it's time for a swap.

If you slam on the brakes really hard, and then get back onto the accelerator and it seems like the transmission went into neutral and without warning SLAMS back into gear, spinning the tires - you have a low fluid level. This is not a good test, but um, if it happens then it's an indicator of that.

**Alpine328i** · 09-25-2006, 09:11 AM

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Since this post, I've had some irregular shifts and shoft points (like second revs to like 4000RPM's before I hit third) and also, when I try it in manual mode, it "slams" in and out of every gear. So I probably need a rebuild?

And Rooz, I'd love a manual, but a manu swap is quite a job...

Maybe I should just sell this piece of shit and buy a newer Bimmer. I've had nothing but problems with it since I got it.

What's an E46 330 goin for these days? LOL

**Rooz** · 09-25-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine328i

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Since this post, I've had some irregular shifts and shoft points (like second revs to like 4000RPM's before I hit third) and also, when I try it in manual mode, it "slams" in and out of every gear. So I probably need a rebuild?

And Rooz, I'd love a manual, but a manu swap is quite a job...

Maybe I should just sell this piece of shit and buy a newer Bimmer. I've had nothing but problems with it since I got it.

What's an E46 330 goin for these days? LOL

**Alpine328i** · 09-27-2006, 06:54 AM

Well, buyng a 330 isnt gonna happen (although I KNOW you dig the idea, Rooz)

So the car is at the Tranny shop today... wish me luck...

**Alpine328i** · 09-27-2006, 02:18 PM

K, they just called back.

4Th gear is shattered. The metal is just floating about in the tranny and he said this will eventually lead to each subsequent gear being dringed to death.

$2,500.00 parts and labor....

Pardon me while I cry...

**Alpine328i** · 09-27-2006, 04:06 PM

So i just picked the car up. Basically he said for the parts and labor for a full rebuild it's $2500.00. If I can go find a re-man tranny and bring it to them, then it's only $700.00 for labor. This seems like a cheaper option....

Anyone know where I can get a reman tranny? I dont even know where to begin to look.

**Rooz** · 09-27-2006, 10:29 PM

Does this mean you going to do a tranny swap for an auto or have to go the re-furbed tranny route>?

**Dudesky** · 09-28-2006, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine328i

Anyone know where I can get a reman tranny? I dont even know where to begin to look.

Here's one option: http://www.bmrparts.com. They're in CA. They quoted me $615 for a used tranny for my '92, and freight was going to be $115 to NJ. I thought that was reasonable.