A different Auto Tranny Problem

[LIV2MP]

Hey,
I suppose that this and the other email is an advocate against auto transmissions!! I would have gone 5sp if I could have found one that was a good deal!!

On my 94 325i I just started seeing today that the tranny slips in any gear. It is a bit strange because there is some criteria.

When the car has been warmed up a bit, if it sits for 5-10 min. it will run for a while without really slipping.

Once it really starts to slip, it will nearly sit still while running in a gear, I have noticed that if it is in gear and not moving and I rev the engine the tranny does catch some while the RPM are coming down. It feels more like it is slipping rather than just not in gear. Since the car is new to me, it took some time to find the filler cap with the little dip stick on it, it appear to not be full but no be empty, so I could add some but I doubt that it is going to be short enough to make much of a difference. Though I did check it with the car off because of its location.
I seem to have the same isue in auto or manual (I am assuming that is what the <A & M> switch is for on the center console.

If someone can share their knowledge, experience or even best guess it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Tino

[007ben]

if you got to the little cap that say ATF fluid only below the intake manifold thats the power steering fluid not tranny fluid... the Transmission is a bit harder to get to to check the levels.

[LIV2MP]

New question then.

Where the heck is the dip stick for tranny fluid?
I figured because it stated ATF on the cap it must have been it, though I could not understand how the dip stick could check without actually going in to the tranny.

Any help would be appreciated, because I still have to drive the car but I am just doing it in short burst.

Thanks again,
Tino

[007ben]

I do not belive there is a dipstick for the transmission.

The transmission fill/drain is located under the car....

[LIV2MP]

Wow that is soo much better!!

So do you actually check it or just fill it until it tops off?

[007ben]

That I'm not sure of.

There maybe an FAQ of more information around here about that specificaly.

[snoopy]

Found this info in my 3 series Bentley manual, models 1992 to 1998.
Quote
The transmission is not equipped with a dipstick. Checking the ATF level requires measuring and maintaining a specified ATF temperature during the checking procedure. The checking temperature is not fully warm or cold (the ATF sump should be approximately warm to the touch)

Warning: If the appropriate temperature measuring equipment is not available, ATF level checking should be left to an authorized BMW dealer. The checking procdure should be done on a lift with the engine running in neutral. In addition, the transmission fluid temperature must be maintained within a narrow range during the checking procedure.

1. Place vehicle in a lift.
2. Warm up drivetrain by running engine until ATF reached specified temperature. Apply brake and, while idling engine, shift through all gears several times. Turn engine off.
3. Remove ATF fill plug. Place transmission in neutral and restart engine.
4. With ATF at specified temperature, add fluid until it spills from fill hole.
5. Reinstall fill plug using new sealing ring.

Warning: Hot ATF can scald. Wear eye protection and protective clothing and gloves during the check. If the transmission was overfilled, hot ATF will spill from the filler hold when the fill plug is removed.

ATF Level checking. Fluid temperature 30-55 C (86-131F)
Ququote

Unfortunately I do not have a scanner so I an unable to attach a scan of the ATF figure.
I suggest if you don't already have one, purchase a Bentley repair manual as soon as possible. I got mine from Amazon.com. It's been invaluable.

[LIV2MP]

Ouch,
Thanks Snoopy, I new I was going to buy a manual but just not had the chance. I will have to do that soon.

Tino

[snoopy]

No problem. The procedure actually looks pretty simple if you are able to look at the schematic while reading the instructions. I don't have access to a lift, but I would expect that jack stands would be acceptable as a replacement.

[LIV2MP]

Yeah, it seemed fairly simple but I did not have access to a lift either. I took it to a shop this morning and they say that the interns of the Tranny are shot. The are quoting $ 2700.00 to replace with a rebuilt?
I am looking to find a second opinion but it is not going to go over well at home!!

Tino

[Kevin325i]

Maybe the torque converter is going bad? If you're not seeing the tranny light that would be a good guess. Although I have no idea how you'd check to see if it was bad.

Kevin