3.0 auto box/clutch problem, help?

[Z3cade]

Hi peeps,

Having a problem with the 330ci, today all of a sudden the gearbox has just started 'clunking'/ jolting between all gears and even when you select drive and reverse from stand still.
Does anyone have any knowledge of auto box problems?

Any help would be much appreciated

Liam

[Daz3]

When was the oil changed? If it has been Liam? Seems to be the cause of a lot of auto box grief.

[Del]

Sounds like it might simply be the transmission mounts. I also agree with a good oil and filter/strainer change as well.

[Brian4]

Hi Liam

Is it the 5 speed auto as they will throw an indicator light on the dash if there is a fault usually.
There are some known issues with internal valves/solenoids failing. The oil and filter change involves refilling with the oil at the correct temperature.
I'd ask a local auto specialist

[Z3cade]

Yeah I've read up on about these mounts, could be the culprit..

There's no lights on the dash. The cars just been serviced by the previous owner and he said the gearbox oil had been changed.

Any recommendations of specialists ? I've read good reviews of Eliteautos here in Peterborough there bmw specialists.

[Z3cade]

It's booked in at elite autos here in Peterborough tomorrow morning for a diagnostic.

Having driven it this morning it seems perfect again???

I've got a funny feeling the gearbox oil hasn't been changed so might get them to do it

[Z3cade]

Got the results yesterday.

It has a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor and needs an Oil and filter change.

Hopefully this will sort it, if not is recon box time

[Brian4]

Hope it gets sorted for you Liam and if the sensor not too expensive.

[martyb]

Hope it gets it sorted for you!

My 2 cents on auto box issues. I didnt have any particular problem with mine but at 140k miles i made a filter and oil change and the difference was definetly for the good gear change speed was up aswell as smoothness and it became alot more responsive. Hope this happens for you!

[Del]

Hope it's sorted now. You can go on any BMW owners forum talking about either old or new cars and it never ceases to surprise me the number of owners virtually paralysed with fear about changing the oil in either their manual or auto box. Many seem to believe that they are "sealed for life".

[Z3cade]

Got to wait for the temp sensor which is part of a loom to be delivered from Germany. Bmw part only. Getting the filter and gasket kit today then around 7 litres of ATF fluid.

Will report back when it's done. I'm hoping it will sort the intermittent fault.

[Z3cade]

Well had the 330 in yesterday for a replacement harness/temp sensor with filter and fluid change.

Wow what a difference !! The gear change is hardly noticeable at all, really smooth changes.
It seems to pull a lot better too as before there was excessive slip from the torque converter.

This simple fix has transformed the car.

Anyone with an auto should consider an oil and filter change. You may be surprised in the difference

Cost..

Wire harness with integrated temp sensor ( bmw part ) £130
Oil filter with new oil pan gasket £15! (GSF carparts)
Oil ATF-U fully synthetic £29! (GSF carparts)

[Daz3]

Glad you got it sorted mate!

[Del]

Good news and good reference for anybody worried about changing their "lifetime" transmission oil.