Need some advise please

[ciklee]

Dear all,I would appreciate some advises or feedback on some issues i'm currently facing. My ride is 2004 525i SE (A).I'm having the infamous shuddering problem, mostly during slow/light takeoff between 2nd-3rd gear, but sometime also at 5th to 6th gear. I notice the problem is more pronounced when the car has reached operating temperature. During early morning start when the engine/transmission is still cold, I can hardly notice this problem. In addition to the shuddering problem, the RPM sometimes swings/hunts. I'm not entirely sure whether these two symptoms are related but I consistently have one or the other. These symptoms happen in all D, DS and Manual modes, although in DS and Manual modes the frequency of its happening is less than in D mode. Another symptom is a noticeable jerk when changing from D to Manual mode and vice-versa, while substantial jerk/lurching when shifting from M2 to M1. I have sent the car for checkup at two different workshops. Both come highly recommended in this forum. Shop A said my gearbox needs overhaul and the RPM hunting leads the foreman to believe it's due to faulty torque converter. Estimated costs in the range of RM7-8k. Meanwhile, shop B said my valve body/mechatronics is the culprit. The foreman suggested replacing all the solenoids. The estimated costs is around RM4.5k. However, both shops plugged the computer to check for error codes from the transmission and there weren't any. FYI, I also never get the Transmission Failure message on the IDrive (touchwood). Based on the symptoms, which route should I take i.e. overhaul gearbox or service the mechatronics? I'm not getting error codes so I'm incline to believe its mechanical related rather than electronics, so maybe shop A was right. But the symptoms does not happen all the time. If the gearbox/torque converter is faulty, then I would expect the symptoms to happen always, rather than intermittent which leads me to believe it may be electronics. Basically, I'm confused.I googled and found various ppl having the same/similar symptoms with differing solutions. Other than the two suggested above, others include (1) change transmission fluid, (2) flush gearbox, (3) replace solenoid sealing sleeve, (4) EGS software update, (5) transmission adaptation/reprogramming, (6) transmission reset using foot-on-accelerator-pedal trick. I've only done (6) so far (cause its free) and the symptoms did went away for maybe 2-3 days and return. I intend to do (4) and/or (5), so can someone suggest where is the best place to do it? I also would like to check for item (3), can the solenoid sleeve be visually inspected to see if its leaking or not? Do i need to remove the pan in order to do this? If yes, I may as well do (1) also. Or, is there something else I might be missing? Additionally, I have a sneaky feeling that the problem is somehow related to temperature since I did not get the symptoms when the car/transmission is cold. What would be the logical things to check?Recently, my two rear pdc sensors are acting up. When I put the car in reverse and even when nothing is behind the car, the two left-most sensors are continuously beeping as if something is really close. And the problem is only these two sensors, while others are fine. At first, it was only intermittent, maybe once a week or so. But its getting worst. I'm having this symptom almost daily now. Again, no error codes or messages on IDrive. I checked all the PDC sensors around the car and all are giving the ticking/clicking sound when I place my hands over them. So that rules out PDC sensor failure. Can someone advise what should I do next?Another symptom with the car is the radio volume seems to have a mind on its own. The volume suddenly drops and then back to normal level almost erratically. This is something that I have put up with ever since I got the car 2 years ago. Before it only happened once in a while but its getting annoyingly frequent now that i can no longer tolerate :102:. Ideas, anyone?

 

[JFT63]

am sorry to hear your predicament..i hope sifus can enlighten u bro..

 

[Volvos525i]

Hi bro have you diagnos your car using scanner...

Aku ada stereng lori....ko adaaa....

 

[ciklee]

when i sent my car to the two workshops, the foremans did plug in the computer to check for fault codes from the transmission but there wasn't any. But i never check the whole car with scanner before because I thought if there are error codes then the check engine light should turn on, but i could be wrong. maybe I should do this first. thanks bro.

if im not mistaken, i would need to clear the fault codes first (if any) and then retest a few days later to see if the errors are back, right? do u know any workshop around klang valley that has good diagnostic tools and what the charge would be like?

Hi bro have you diagnos your car using scanner...

Aku ada stereng lori....ko adaaa....

 

[Volvos525i]

Sorry bro I'm still new in here so not familier with any workshop in Klang..
Bro can try look in here...
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?246-List-of-Good-Workshops

 

[Herbert]

I had similar problems with my auto gear. Replacement of the 7 solenoids at the mechatronics solved the problem.

 

[ciklee]

I had similar problems with my auto gear. Replacement of the 7 solenoids at the mechatronics solved the problem.

Bro Herbert,

In your case, did you have any fault codes or error messages on the IDrive prior to replacing the solenoids? Also, did you experience any of the symptoms when the car/transmission is cold? I'm inclined to change the solenoids as well but given the fact I got no error codes/messages, I'm putting it on hold at the moment. The foreman also said he cannot guarantee if the change would fix the problem. It's more like try and error, which made me more hesitant to go ahead with it.

BTW, where did you get the solenoids replaced and do you remember how much was the work?

 

[Herbert]

ciklee,

Error message only appeared on IDrive when gear slammed (after 4,000 rpm) occurred. I have gone through opening up the complete gearbox to check for worn-out parts, auto gear re-adaptation and etc etc. Finally I suspected it should be the solenoids at the mechatronics and bought the ZF original solenoids (7 pieces) from Bomin Auto for RM1,500.00. FYI, none of the auto gear specialist in Malaysia has the capabilities to repair the mechatronics and even if they managed to open up the mechatronics, they won't be able to find replacement parts.

 

[desbimmer]

I changed my valve thinghi but I did get the idrive warning when it happened. You can see how much and why I changed it under the Parts and Maintenance thread.
As for your sound volume, did you check the settings for driving speed under the settings of the idrive? If you did, the volume actually goes louder and softer automatically depending on your driving speed. To get rid of it, simply uncheck that function. Good luck for the rest of the items....

 

[ciklee]

Appreciate the information bro herbert.

Btw, RM1,500 just for the solenoids? did you DIY or you had it replaced at a workshop? i was quoted circa RM4.5k for the solenoid replacement and reprogramming. If the parts are only RM1.5k, then labour (plus programming) comes to RM3k. Is the work really that difficult to warrant such charges? From google, it seems the work is DIY-able for someone with the right tools and mechanical skills. It didn't seem overly complicated or requiring any expensive/specialized tools, so I was wondering if I'm being "sembelih" or there are other parts that must be replaced as well?

 

[ciklee]

I changed my valve thinghi but I did get the idrive warning when it happened. You can see how much and why I changed it under the Parts and Maintenance thread.
As for your sound volume, did you check the settings for driving speed under the settings of the idrive? If you did, the volume actually goes louder and softer automatically depending on your driving speed. To get rid of it, simply uncheck that function. Good luck for the rest of the items....

Bro desbimmer,s

I am aware of the speed-dependent volume control in the Idrive setting and it was one of the first thing I tried, but no luck. In my case, the volume doesn't change according to vehicle speed. It changes in random/erratic fashion, even when I'm cruising at constant speed. Sometimes, it even mutes for a second or two. I also disable my Bluetooth function since some ppl says it has weird effects on the electrical system. Again, no luck as well. My next on to do list is to check the radio module itself but I don't know how to do this yet other than sending it to a shop and take the thing out.

 

[ciklee]

in my quest for finding the root cause of my transmission problem, I stumbled onto this document http://www.sonnax.com/system/pdfs/375/original/2011_Presentation_AutoChoice.pdf. Under "Driveability Concerns and Corrections" section, page 16, I think my problem falls under TCC shudder or RPM swings. The TCC is EDS solenoid #6. If I can DIY, maybe I can just replace this one solenoid instead of all 7. But then again, I'll probably be sending it to a shop, so just to change one solenoid seems wasteful. Besides, other solenoids might be waiting to fail, so alang2 dah bukak valvebody might as well change them all.

 

[Herbert]

Appreciate the information bro herbert.

Btw, RM1,500 just for the solenoids? did you DIY or you had it replaced at a workshop? i was quoted circa RM4.5k for the solenoid replacement and reprogramming. If the parts are only RM1.5k, then labour (plus programming) comes to RM3k. Is the work really that difficult to warrant such charges? From google, it seems the work is DIY-able for someone with the right tools and mechanical skills. It didn't seem overly complicated or requiring any expensive/specialized tools, so I was wondering if I'm being "sembelih" or there are other parts that must be replaced as well?

RM1,500 is just for the solenoids. Other related items are AFT filter pan and 7 litres of ZF ATF fluid. It is not a DIY as it may seems easy (watching Youtube) as it requires a hoist plus other related tools. Taking into consideration of other related items, the price quoted by your mechanic of RM4.5k is reasonable.

in my quest for finding the root cause of my transmission problem, I stumbled onto this document http://www.sonnax.com/system/pdfs/375/original/2011_Presentation_AutoChoice.pdf. Under "Driveability Concerns and Corrections" section, page 16, I think my problem falls under TCC shudder or RPM swings. The TCC is EDS solenoid #6. If I can DIY, maybe I can just replace this one solenoid instead of all 7. But then again, I'll probably be sending it to a shop, so just to change one solenoid seems wasteful. Besides, other solenoids might be waiting to fail, so alang2 dah bukak valvebody might as well change them all.

I read about Sonnax prior to replacement the 7 solenoids. I decided to replace all 7 solenoids and did not want to take the risk/trouble that after replacing the defective one, the other remaining may fail at a later date.

 

[harry_7]

Mine happen 1 year ago, but seems yet sending for replacement, gb will have little bit slump when car is going to stop.... Being checked, no error message, flush & Change ATF fluid, still same... Thinking of changing valve body, but seems costly, now just keep driving moderate, if you press hard the pedal, when gear shifted from low to high gear, can feel the slump and gear slips.....will send for total repair by end of this year, since my mech saw oil leaking surrounding gb... Haha...just see how, hope u can gv me a guideline too ciklee...

 

[ciklee]

bro harry_7,

I'm inclined to service the valvebody and replace all the solenoids too but as you said it is quite costly. Will let you know how it goes once I do it. Saving money now huhu..

 

[Herbert]

bro harry_7,

I'm inclined to service the valvebody and replace all the solenoids too but as you said it is quite costly. Will let you know how it goes once I do it. Saving money now huhu..

The valvebody of the ZF6HP19 auto transmission is known as Mechatronics. If your mechanic tell you that they are going to service the mechatronics unit, they just telling you a lie as no workshops in Malaysia has the capabilities and special tools to open and service the said unit.

 

[harry_7]

So.... Herbert, which mean the Valvebody need to replace with a completely new unit???

 

[Herbert]

So.... Herbert, which mean the Valvebody need to replace with a completely new unit???

Try replacing the mechatronics solenoids first as getting a new mechatronics unit is expensive.

AFT leaking from auto trans is usually from the mechatronics sleeve. Price of the sleeve is only RM50.00. However if you are replacing the AFT oil, the sleeve comes together with AFT oil filter/pan (plastic). Price of AFT oil filter/pan is RM280.00.

 

[harry_7]

Try replacing the mechatronics solenoids first as getting a new mechatronics unit is expensive.

AFT leaking from auto trans is usually from the mechatronics sleeve. Price of the sleeve is only RM50.00. However if you are replacing the AFT oil, the sleeve comes together with AFT oil filter/pan (plastic). Price of AFT oil filter/pan is RM280.00.

But, i feel like the gear slips whenever it shift from 2nd to 3rd.. I can feel the slump...could it be valvebody or the gb physically? last time the idrive error message pop up with Clutch E problem....but after few months now, no more error message appear.. I guess it back to normal, but slump still exist...

 

[ciklee]

The valvebody of the ZF6HP19 auto transmission is known as Mechatronics. If your mechanic tell you that they are going to service the mechatronics unit, they just telling you a lie as no workshops in Malaysia has the capabilities and special tools to open and service the said unit.

Bro herbert,

Does changing the solenoids require reprogramming? What i remembered the foreman said to replace all 7 solenoids plus reprogramming. I assume the programming part is for the mechatronics but i could be wrong.