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BMW 3-Series Transmission Questions

37 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2010 at 1:46 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Coupe

Messages Page 4 of 4

#28 of 37 Transmission type in 1999 328ic by fixitrod

Nov 29, 2007 (2:58 am)

We purchased Red 99 convertible automatic with 72K. It came with Kumho Ecsta 17in wheels and tire setup.Car runs great but only history I could find was of Non-dealer Service I so being pro-active I changed the oil and replaced the brake pads and rotors. I had some difficulty bedding in the rotors but finally got them. I had the car alinged and balanced. I am still not crazy about the way these tires ride.
1. Don't know if I got a bad set of front rotors or is something amiss in the front end. Any thoughts appreciated.
2. Is this transmission a GM Getrag or GM GM because I want to service it.
3. Which service reset tool is adequate. No service lights or indicators as of yet?

#29 of 37 Re: Transmission type in 1999 328ic [fixitrod] by roadburner

Nov 29, 2007 (9:49 am)

Replying to: fixitrod (Nov 29, 2007 2:58 am)
1. Don't know if I got a bad set of front rotors or is something amiss in the front end. Any thoughts appreciated.
 
What's the problem? A vibration when braking? If so, it could be lower control arm bushings.
 
2. Is this transmission a GM Getrag or GM GM because I want to service it.
 
Well, there's no such thing as a GM Getrag; Modern BMW slushboxes are either built by GM or ZF. Your car has the GM A4S 270R, and it takes Dexron III ATF. My wife had a 528i with the same box and my local BMW dealer changed the fluid in it AND the final drive for $110.
 
3. Which service reset tool is adequate. No service lights or indicators as of yet?
 
I use the Peake Research R5/FCX-II. It works great, and only costs $149.

#30 of 37 Re: Transmission type in 1999 328ic [roadburner] by fixitrod

Nov 29, 2007 (10:33 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Nov 29, 2007 9:49 am)
Thanks for the speedy reply.
Good question about the vibration. It does not occur when braking but it is just riding at low speed as we are leaving the neighborhood. Its not my daily driver so I'll check further on this. I'll inspect the bushings as well. I am familiar with visual and checking for play at the bushing; are there other indicators?
 
 I may have misspelled this name for the tranny company as I read in another post that GM (may have been Ford) bought this German company that makes or made transmissions for the BMW.
$110 seems like a good deal on a service, however I wouldn't have any fun. Secondly if I let my wife take this car into a dealership she assumes I have gotten in over my head and I would have to put gaurd dogs on our checkbook because she'll spend $1k if I suggest she take it in.

#31 of 37 Re: Transmission type in 1999 328ic [fixitrod] by roadburner

Nov 29, 2007 (11:42 am)

Replying to: fixitrod (Nov 29, 2007 10:33 am)
hIt does not occur when braking but it is just riding at low speed as we are leaving the neighborhood.
 
Wheel bearing, perhaps. The driveshaft fas a rubber coupling at the transmission as well as a center bearing.They should still be good on your car, but it is something else to check.
 
I am familiar with visual and checking for play at the bushing; are there other indicators?
 
Nope, that's pretty much it.
 
$110 seems like a good deal on a service, however I wouldn't have any fun.
 
I perform the minor maintenance and repairs on my cars and bike, but it's worth $110 to not have to deal with an ATF change. I assume that you know that there is no dipstick and that the fluid must be checked through the fill plug at the proper temperature. In any case, the gory details can be found here and here. BMW now calls for a ATF change at 100K, but I think that you are smart for changing it before then. If you are going to tackle the final drive I'd use a good synthetic 75W-90 gear oil. I have used Mobil 1, Red Line, Royal Purple, and Valvoline Synpower- and all have worked fine.

#32 of 37 In need of tranny model for 2000 323i by mjbro4

Jan 12, 2009 (4:39 pm)

Not sure if it is a 5L40E OR ZF 5HP-19? Unable to get under the car at this time, but need info to search for replacement. I believe it's production was 6/00. Thank you for all your help.

#33 of 37 Re: In need of tranny model for 2000 323i [mjbro4] by roadburner

Jan 12, 2009 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: mjbro4 (Jan 12, 2009 4:39 pm)
It's most likely a 5L40.

#34 of 37 Re: In need of tranny model for 2000 323i [roadburner] by mjbro4

Jan 13, 2009 (5:37 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Jan 12, 2009 7:06 pm)
Thanks for the response, would the vin # help determine this also? Any way to enter my vin and see this?

#35 of 37 Re: In need of tranny model for 2000 323i [mjbro4] by roadburner

Jan 13, 2009 (8:45 am)

Replying to: mjbro4 (Jan 13, 2009 5:37 am)
Try this site.

#36 of 37 Re: In need of tranny model for 2000 323i [mjbro4] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 13, 2009 (9:45 am)

Replying to: mjbro4 (Jan 13, 2009 5:37 am)
Alldata says it's a ZF 5HP 19 (build date 3/00 to 6/00)
 
This trans would have the ID # A5S 325 Z
 
The GM 5L40E looks to be the earlier unit. So if ALLDATA is correct 3/00 is the cut-off date. I'd guess most 323s are indeed the GM 5L40E, but not yours, which is a fairly late build date.

#37 of 37 Re: 2000 3231 transmission leak ( automatic ) [tbysea] by bmw3231

Dec 12, 2010 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: tbysea (Feb 12, 2007 2:03 pm)
I've experince the same issue with my BMW
 
I'm not sure if it has to do with the cold weather. It's happen to me twice now and my car is in the mechanic. Has this happen anymore to your car what did you guy do to fix.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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