528i wagon tranny problem?

[kitte46]

hello I have a 1999 528i wagon when I shift into D it registers S2 and drives in 2nd gear. While in P, it registers S. The car will shift into S1 manually and S2, but all other gears do nothing but keep the car in 2nd gear at 4000 RPM's. Any thoughts? please need your help on this!!!

[kitte46]

please anyone? I need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[witeshark]

What does it do if you select one step down from D? In any case, I would think the tranny is in need of a big service.

[kitte46]

all other gears do nothing but keep the car in 2nd gear. On the dash panel reads s1 or s2

[witeshark]

I'd say it's a good bet it needs serious service. How many miles on it? Has the fluid ever been changed?

[marti5]

If its done more than 110k miles its deffo in need of a fluid and filter change, however if this does not rectify the problem, you will be needing a valve control body rebuild as it still drives shen you manual select so I dont think its the forward clutches, however this depends on the mileage
, the last one i had done cost €385 inc f &f , but only ZF can do this or if you have a GM box only they can do it.....

[kitte46]

it has 133k I bought it about a year ago I have never change the transmision fliud . is it complicated to do it?

[marti5]

No not that bad, you need to get the car up minimum 400mm and level, drain the fluid, drop the pan......here's the instrutions for a 7 series, yours will be the same as I assume yours is an e39.

To change auto gearbox Fluid and filter on an E38 you will need:

1) a torx T20 socket for the pan screws and filter screws (male)

2) a H8 Hex socket for the drain and fill plug (male)

3) a minimum 5ltrs TITAN ATF 4000 ( this does cross match and is for the ZF box ) or ATF from BMW

4) a new filter ( BMW )

5) new pan gasket ( BMW )

6) a garden sprayer ( to refill, works brill )

7) a suitable container for draining fluid and rags.



How to:

> car up minimum 400mm

> Start up.. 10mins turn off

> remove bottom plug and drain fluid / BEWARE HOT FLUID BURNS !! / safety goggles required

> replace pan plug

> remove all pan screws / clips that hold wires to the pan/ be careful there will be fluid still in the pan!!

> remove the 2 filter screws / there will be fluid left in the filter !!

> clean out pan and the four magnets/ lint free cloth / degreaser or brake cleaner

> clean surfaces for gasket

> screw in new filter / make sure its in flat and take care to get the 'O' ring in correct

> replace the four magnets

> place gasket on pan with a little fluid / replace pan

> Undo fill plug / drivers side rear

> start filling until fluid dribbles out / replace plug finger tight

> start car... go through all gear selections slowly 3 times keeping foot on brake / then in 'P' turn off after 10 mins

> undo filler plug fill some more until dribble comes out / plug back in finger tight

> Start car put in 'N' ....now be careful not to burn yourself!! whilst car running (Air-con on full blast) undo filler plug put more fluid in until it dribbles out again, put filler plug in and tighten.

> All done car down, fluid to a designated place!!

> Time for a cup of tea / can of beer or a ciggy

Note: the entire box takes 10 ltrs, but you will not require this as the torque convertor will still be half full and also the valve control body also contains more, I would say that a 7.5 ltr can will be enough, but please dont quote me!!