Automatics on their way out

bryan413 · 12-23-2009, 09:59 PM

Do they make omnious whirring noises?

MPWR · 12-23-2009, 10:54 PM

They certainly can.

bryan413 · 12-23-2009, 11:12 PM

This one is pretty loud and cuts right off. I can't tell if its timed with the shifting or not. Well if it is, 221k miles for an auto is pretty good.

MPWR · 12-23-2009, 11:56 PM

Transmissions can be difficult/impossible to diagnose by sound. (Have you checked the fluid level?)

But you're right, 221k is actually a good productive life for an automatic. And if the rest of the engine/car is in decent shape, it is a fantastic excuse to put in a used 5spd.

bryan413 · 12-24-2009, 12:02 AM

Yea it is in good shape, Ive done a lot with everything but the drivetrain because I dont know what I am going to do with it. There was a member selling a 5 speed swap in RI if he still has it.

bryan413 · 12-24-2009, 12:36 AM

After a lot of research seems like I should check the level and drop the pan and check the aftermarket filter I used. Its probably collapsed.

MPWR · 12-24-2009, 02:27 AM

Ordinarily I would say don't drop the pan. Unless the fluid has been changed regularly (say every 50k or so) since the beginning, changing the fluid is apparently often a good way to hasten the demise of an old auto tranny. But if you think it may be going anyway (and are prepared to deal with it when it does go), you may not loose much by trying it.

pdxmotorhead · 12-24-2009, 04:44 AM

If the fuid is really clean and clear its good to change, if its got a grey fog to it probably not a good idea...

Dave

SNOWti · 12-24-2009, 11:19 AM

I have one '96 active automatic, the tranny slips, it thumps after rising in RPM and not moving forward unless it shifts hards - the thump and corrects itself or it goes limp mode with the gear warning light.

Could it just need a transmission oil change. Its got 227,000+ miles on the engine and transmission and I dont know if its every been serviced as far as changing the tranny oil. Or do I do an overhaul... which I dont think I want to if its going to cost me another 1500...it was sold to me like this - with other hidden problems untold to me by a member here. Would you like the story? Full names?

bryan413 · 12-24-2009, 04:43 PM

No its ok. Some people just dont see a problem with actual problems. Take for instance the girl I bought my car from. She def had no idea the motor mounts were sheered, the wicked shake at idle isnt normal, and other doodads that dont work were an issue.

bryan413 · 12-27-2009, 09:55 PM

Its probably the 2 qts of tranny fluid I was low on.

SNOWti · 12-27-2009, 11:02 PM

So Bryan - did you have tranny fluid service? Did that fix issues, and if so what problems? What did the fluid change or top off cost you. BMW specific shop?

Im still trying to figure out if I just do a fluid change/top off OR get a used transmission OR rebuild on my automatic.

bryan413 · 12-28-2009, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNOWti

So Bryan - did you have tranny fluid service? Did that fix issues, and if so what problems? What did the fluid change or top off cost you. BMW specific shop?

Im still trying to figure out if I just do a fluid change/top off OR get a used transmission OR rebuild on my automatic.

Well I did it myself in the fall. I did it according to they Haynes manual which is almost correct. The problem was the manual doesnt say to have the car running and in neutral when checking and filling the level. So I top it off. Then started the car and put it in neutral. Checked the level and it was 2 quarts low. I think the change in ambient temperature and difference in tire overall diameter (had my snowies on now) somehow caused the tranny to be more susceptible to the fluid level. There was no drips or traces of leaking around the gasket.

The problem it fixed was a loud whirring noise for 2nd and 3rd gear then it cut off sharply when it went to 4th. But there was no slipping or hesitation ever. And the tranny light never came on.

cali_guy_559 · 12-29-2009, 05:30 AM

This may seem like a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyways... how (or better yet WHERE) do you check/top off the tranny fluid level? My tranny has been whirring/stalling/making a griding noise on me since i bought it with 89K on it. Seems to be heat related as it only happens when the temp is in the normal range. Thought it was my engine, but then remembered that since its an auto, the torque converter is always spinning (since it would also stall while parked and in neutral). A photo with a big red arrow would help.

Xenocide · 12-29-2009, 06:33 AM

To any of you I have an auto with 143k on it in great shape accepting offers, just need to get rid of the sucker.

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