E46 Transmission Fluid

[Redd]

imho, and this is only the opinion of a lowly alfa driver, u shd change the ATF regularly. the way some of u drive ur cars, the ATF undergoes a lot of heat stress and will deteriorate over time. regular change will help maintain the lubrication required for reliable operation of ur autobox. i also recommend a good synthetic ATF (in the correct spec) if u drive hard.

that said, gunk [from high mileage 'boxes] clogging up the solenoid valves is highly likely. solenoid valves can be removed and if its just some obstruction, u shd be able to clean it. of course, if the workshop wants to rip u off for a new 'box and ur not very technical, then sorry la.

also, solenoids shd be independently replaceable. i know cos i just replaced one of mine (that 250bhp mod everyone keeps talking bout ) u shd not have to replace the whole 'box or even the entire valvebody if its just a dead solenoid valve.

the problem is that most workshops here are too lazy to source just the solenoid for u. they rarely fail so few ppl stock them, and breakers only want to sell the entire gearbox or not at all. or the workshop want to rip u off for the entire 'box/valvebody. if a BMW parts list and diagram is accessible to u, source for ur own part from overseas (like i did). solenoids are cheap - mine cost me only 28 quid.

a dead valve shd also not affect ur torque converter. those only die from age or when u try to push too much power thru it.

good luck!

redd

 

[bmwky]

Originally posted by Redd@Jul 15 2005, 09:59 AM
imho, and this is only the opinion of a lowly alfa driver, u shd change the ATF regularly. the way some of u drive ur cars, the ATF undergoes a lot of heat stress and will deteriorate over time. regular change will help maintain the lubrication required for reliable operation of ur autobox. i also recommend a good synthetic ATF (in the correct spec) if u drive hard.

that said, gunk [from high mileage 'boxes] clogging up the solenoid valves is highly likely. solenoid valves can be removed and if its just some obstruction, u shd be able to clean it. of course, if the workshop wants to rip u off for a new 'box and ur not very technical, then sorry la.

also, solenoids shd be independently replaceable. i know cos i just replaced one of mine (that 250bhp mod everyone keeps talking bout ) u shd not have to replace the whole 'box or even the entire valvebody if its just a dead solenoid valve.

the problem is that most workshops here are too lazy to source just the solenoid for u. they rarely fail so few ppl stock them, and breakers only want to sell the entire gearbox or not at all. or the workshop want to rip u off for the entire 'box/valvebody. if a BMW parts list and diagram is accessible to u, source for ur own part from overseas (like i did). solenoids are cheap - mine cost me only 28 quid.

a dead valve shd also not affect ur torque converter. those only die from age or when u try to push too much power thru it.

good luck!

redd

totally agreed with your comments.......BTW I killed my torque converter once.

 

[schone]

all this talk of "killed" gearboxes is making me feel veeeery uncomfortable ... :unsure:

ouch ouch ouch

 

[Casanova]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow+Jul 14 2005, 04:01 AM-->QUOTE (Juan Powerblow @ Jul 14 2005, 04:01 AM)

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Just collected my car and everything seems OK. With new engine oil and spark plugs, the engine in fact feels very smooth and quiet like new, amazing! The transmission also feels smoother and gear changes are less perceptible. But, I really need a longer drive to get a better feel. Keeping my fingers crossed for the next few weeks or months, heh!

 

[Fuhrer]

where do you guys do your gearbox oil change? is this just the sump change or the entire flush out?

 

[E46Fanatic]

INteresting M54 and M52TU on the E46/39 uses different spec tranny oil. Anyone can confirm that the M52TU E46 328i is a sealed unit tranny as well or does it apply only to the M54? Can check owners manual as it clearly states in there.

 

[BMW9700]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Jul 15 2005, 01:10 PM
Just collected my car and everything seems OK. With new engine oil and spark plugs, the engine in fact feels very smooth and quiet like new, amazing! The transmission also feels smoother and gear changes are less perceptible. But, I really need a longer drive to get a better feel. Keeping my fingers crossed for the next few weeks or months, heh!

i changed the transmission oil around 20000Kms ago...experienced smoother changes and more power...so far all ok..

 

[okow]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Jul 15 2005, 05:10 AM
Just collected my car and everything seems OK. With new engine oil and spark plugs, the engine in fact feels very smooth and quiet like new, amazing! The transmission also feels smoother and gear changes are less perceptible. But, I really need a longer drive to get a better feel. Keeping my fingers crossed for the next few weeks or months, heh!

Juan, appreciate if you can post itemised cost of your recent service. I believe this was also your Inspection II. Just need to compare with what other workshops are charging.

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Originally posted by BMW9700+Jul 15 2005, 07:40 AM-->QUOTE (BMW9700 @ Jul 15 2005, 07:40 AM)

 

[3er]

Originally posted by E46Fanatic@Jul 15 2005, 01:54 PM
INteresting M54 and M52TU on the E46/39 uses different spec tranny oil. Anyone can confirm that the M52TU E46 328i is a sealed unit tranny as well or does it apply only to the M54? Can check owners manual as it clearly states in there.

But if you replace the tranny fluid, whats the bet that your local mechanic will use the same tranny fluid anyway?

 

[E46Fanatic]

Yea I seriously doubt most local mechanics will realize that M52TU and M54 E46's/E39's will require different tranny fluids... In fact I sometimes doubt AB mechs know this as well.. :dunno:

 

[schone]

If the mechanics don't know the difference.. I'm starting to get worried now.. oh oh

 

[M30revival]

It is ok.

The trans fluid for E39/E46 are different grade from the normal ATF for E36/E34. They cost a lot more per litre too, something like RM90+/litre. Spare parts shop like Bavaria Auto carry this special grade ATF. I have seen many E39/E46 change their ATF to this grade and running fine.

Last I checked, E46 328i and E46 325i uses different slush box. Can't remember the BMW internal code for both now since I seldom check the ETK nowaday.

 

[schone]

Originally posted by M30revival@Jul 19 2005, 07:30 PM
It is ok.

The trans fluid for E39/E46 are different grade from the normal ATF for E36/E34. They cost a lot more per litre too, something like RM90+/litre. Spare parts shop like Bavaria Auto carry this special grade ATF. I have seen many E39/E46 change their ATF to this grade and running fine.

Last I checked, E46 328i and E46 325i uses different slush box. Can't remember the BMW internal code for both now since I seldom check the ETK nowaday.

Yes.. they cost a lot .. I think I had to fork out RM720 for the fluid only for E46 328i ...

:blink:

 

[E46Fanatic]

Had a good chat with our resident tranny guru KLChan over lunch. He says both the M52TU and M54 slushboxes are sealed units, but IF the change is done at a reputable shop it should be OK. Shedden's failed due to a failed oil pump in the tranny and based on his knowledge, most of the failures on the BMW tranny is due to this. Cant tell for sure if the new fluid caused the pump to fail (gunk got lodged in the pump??), but he has known of folks who dont have issues with trannies going kaboom after the fluild changed provided its done at a reputable shop. Basically we both agree, the fluid will not hold up for the "lifetime"of the car, just that how risky is the change and where its done at..

So, we'll continue to monitor JPBs and Schone's case... Shedden's tranny rebuilt cost RM10k thereabouts which is about half what a new E46 slushbox would cost.

 

[nathan]

Hi,

any recommendations on which place to go for trany oil change...thks.........as these days when ever u ask any mechanics whether tye can do it.....they sure can all can........

thks guys......

my millage currently abt 70k and can start feeling the not so smoth gear changes.....

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Originally posted by nathan@Jul 20 2005, 07:16 AM
Hi,

any recommendations on which place to go for trany oil change...thks.........as these days when ever u ask any mechanics whether tye can do it.....they sure can all can........

thks guys......

my millage currently abt 70k and can start feeling the not so smoth gear changes.....

So far, my tranny is holding up well and I can even feel quicker and smoother gearshifts compared to before the fluid change. I've been consulting other gurus too who seem to allay the concerns. They suggest you go to a place which does a full flush (more expensive) as opposed to just a sump change. The former requires specialised equipment. You can check with Schone if Heritage has this facility. For me, I think my mekanik used the latter method which may not be so good although the replacement fluid he used, an Esso Synthetic formula looks acceptable...

 

[r424]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Jul 20 2005, 03:45 PM

So far, my tranny is holding up well and I can even feel quicker and smoother gearshifts compared to before the fluid change. I've been consulting other gurus too who seem to allay the concerns. They suggest you go to a place which does a full flush (more expensive) as opposed to just a sump change. The former requires specialised equipment. You can check with Schone if Heritage has this facility. For me, I think my mekanik used the latter method which may not be so good although the replacement fluid he used, an Esso Synthetic formula looks acceptable... [/quote]
Hi Juan,

I'm interested to know how is yr tranny doing so far?
Do you mind letting us know?

Thanks.

 

[YellowMellow]

Guys..

Now I know where to get my 'gearbox oil'

GEARBOX OIL

Guys.. the gearbox oil have to change.. I check with one of AB senior mechanic.. Our gearbox oil only can last for 100K km.. Have to change..

Check your milage guys...