540i E39 transmission

[ray barter]

Have a 540i E39 V8. Transmission is lazy between 1st and 2nd gear. Transmission people tell me to have a service and that it is probably a pressure problem. Cold also be a solenoid or bad electrical connection to the solenoid. BMW say that they do not need a service for life. Do I service or not? If not what do I do about the lazy change. Otherwise car is fabulous. has 180,000ks. In great condition.

[darkhorse737]

the phrase "service for life" means in practice. 120,000miles.

at 180,000... yes, your tranny should have been serviced 60,000miles ago.

If a solenoid was the problem, a scan of your vehicle will reveal that. And if there are no codes revealed in the scan, then i wd say it is time to flush tranny, change filter and refill with fresh oil.

[ray barter]

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

the phrase "service for life" means in practice. 120,000miles.

at 180,000... yes, your tranny should have been serviced 60,000miles ago.

If a solenoid was the problem, a scan of your vehicle will reveal that. And if there are no codes revealed in the scan, then i wd say it is time to flush tranny, change filter and refill with fresh oil.

Thanks for the info. Glad to talk to someone that knows what they are talking about. I will have the service done and see how it goes. Thanks again.

[marti5]

More likely to be the VCB (valve control body) that wants a service, which I had done and was amazed by the results, this is what happens:

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

[ray barter]

This is really interesting. Thanks for the photos. I will tell the transmssion people. I am in OZ.
Thanks again.

[mohammadghanayem82]

Hi,

i have near aconcern about behaviour on my 540 transmission, it didnt change the gears once i push the kick down unless the rpm reached the RED threshould ( about 7600 turns), have any body any idea about this strange behaviour