Transmission Slipping

[Greg Bartlett]

This is my first posting. I have a 1996 328i which is in extremely good condition however it has a lot of miles on it. The transmission just started slipping after returning from a 100 mile drive from Seattle the previous evening. There was no indication of a problem prior to the issue I am now experiencing. The Transmission service was quite some time ago. As these are sealed transmissions, there is no easy way to check the level or condition of the fluids.
The car goes into reverse, but drive slips, catches, and slips again. Very odd.
Anyone with previous experience on this sort of issue and what the cause may be, send me your thoughts on the possible remedy. Hopefully it is not new transmission replacement solution.

Thank you,

Greg

[martyyyn]

Try changing out the fluid and the filter, but DO NOT FLUSH THE TRANNY - because this can cause any large particulates to be dislodged from the many ports and cause a future problem by possibly clogging the cooling ports that the auto tranny's have.

Any type of oil, regardless of the “lifetime fluid " label - will breakdown over time. When you research this on any BMW board you will find that BMW put the “lifetime fluid” label to save $ on their maintenance. It is highly recommended to change out the tranny fluid with a compatible auto tranny fluid, as well as changing the filter.

check out link

Pelican Technical Article: BMW Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

good luck,
Martin

[marti5]

This is how its done:

My visit at ZF Dortmund for Gearbox maintenance.(very, very long!) HUGH RESULT!!

If you have a ZF where you are go for it ( approx $400), if not get in touch with them and they will send a service kit.