Problem steptronic 1st gear to 2nd gear

[Ade]

Hi all,Seems to be having intermittent problem with upshifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear. The clutch seems to be slipping and it wouldnt engage 2nd gear smoothly. Anybody knows what's the problem? I just changed my gearbox oil a month ago and this is happening...crap!

 

[Ade]

bump bump!!

 

[fugowitz]

Hi Ade,

At what mileage did you do the gear-oil change? If the transmission oil was changed at high mileage (i.e. >100K Km), that would mostly likely be the cause of your current problem. The new oil would loosen dirt & metal debris in the box & along the seals, causing slips in gears. (This has been documented in many cases on the internet). BMW's transmission oil is suppose to the life-long. Any change in the oil should be done earlier (i.e. around 50K Km) or on car no older than 5 years. Also, there is the risk that the mechanic has failed to fill up the equal amount of oil taken out. The problem with transmission oil change is that a significant amount of old oil can't be drained out.

 

[MSport]

What's the recommended mileage interval for transmission oil change?

 

[Juan Powerblow]

What's the recommended mileage interval for transmission oil change?

Well, well, there was a looooong discussion on this b4. BMW says it's lifetime oil but when a bunch of us had our E46s, we would change it at 75k to be safe. Yet again, there were some who advised against it. If I recall correctly, those who did change the oil experienced better transmission performance after the change which justified going against the norm.

I now wonder if I should do that with my E92 as well when the time comes. :wink:

 

[fugowitz]

If changing transmission oil has been an ongoing regimen, keep the interval at 50K Km. If transmission oil has never been changed for a relatively high mileage (i.e. >100K Km), then better not do it. BMW recommended transmission oil is LifeLong (such as ESSO LT11701... which cost a bomb/ liter if changed in AB or Sapura). Most workshops use non approved transmission oils ( such as ZF and other brand). They reckon since the transmission was manufactured by ZF, it should be OK to use ZF oils. I would rather stick to BMW approved transmission oils. I've seen mechanic changing transmission oil on beemers. The last few liters 've to be pumped in. If what was drained does not equate what was put back in, you will like face problem with the transmission (in the short to medium term). Best of luck.

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Yup. My mechanic used the ESSO LT11701 when he changed the transmission oil on my ex-E46. According to him, "lifetime" doesn't equate to a person's lifetime but a car's lifetime and in Europe, that's debatable. In any case, ownership of cars change over less than 5 years.

 

[fugowitz]

Juan & I 've quoted wrongly,.... it is ESSO LT71141. Sorry.