Transmission fluid smell in reverse

[bmw_newby]

Yo everyone,

Just took delivery of a BMW 530i 2001 M-Sport (E39), very happy puppy at the moment .

I have noticed an Automatic Transmission fluid smell when I use reverese. I have no warning lights, reverse works fine, no slipping or show to engage. I do not get the smell in any forward gear, the car drives and runs very well.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

[brettski]

Welcome to the Werkz.

Are there any signs of a leak around the gear box or power steering assemblies?
Can you smell it outside of the car when the car is put in reverse (stationary)?

[Jack Dabsy]

Rich exhaust fumes? Struggling to add to Brett's ideas !!

[bmw_newby]

Peeps,

Thanks for the prompt reply, I am used to posting something and not hearing back.

Brettski: I tried your idea, haven't searched for leaks around the pump/box. However, I do smell the fluid outside the vehicle and when I tried your idea of putting it in reverse stationary, I get fluid on the ground, didn't notice it before (just moved to a new house) and generally just drive in/out quickly.

It should be easy to trace from here, thanks for your help (Brettski/Dabsy), has been much appreciated.

[brettski]

Hopefully its just a seal thats leaking. Get it along to a specialist transmission shop and have them service the gearbox, change the fluid and filter, and make sure that they are able to drain the torque converter, not just the pan. Insist on the BMW filter as some of the aftermarket filters collapse after a bit of use.

[bmw_newby]

Brettski,

Took your advice, the problem was a perished rear main sear, it had gone wrong due to the bushes being worn on the torque converter arm (slight movement), this also needed replacing, not a cheap job by any means, but all good now.

[brettski]

A result, even if it was more expensive than one would have hoped for. Now you get to drive without the FluidAutotransmission aroma.