Weird Shifting Between 2nd And 3rd - BMW Forum

ozarkmark · 06-27-2005, 03:04 AM

This weekend during a long trip I noticed my engine revving slightly (blipping) from 2500 RPM to 3000 RPM between 2nd and 3rd when taking off from a stop. This has not happened before. The trunk was full but not overloaded and I thought this could be the issue but it wasn't isnce it did it later under normal cargo load.

ghead

Oh yea, this only happens when the engine is WARM and I have been driving for about 5 to 10 miles.

The transmission seems that it can't make its mind up when getting into 3rd under light acceleration but does not have any problems under heavy or very light acceleration. Going up hill the (blipping) seems pronounced like it is slipping. No harsh engagement is happening though

used

Any ideas??? I haven't a clue since it is not throwing any codes. No tranny lights are coming on. If it did I could use my Bavarian Autosport code reader!

The car has been taken care of very well and has 100,000 miles.

Thanks.

ozarkmark · 06-29-2005, 11:54 PM

Hello, is there anyone out there? Echo, echo, echo.......

billB · 06-30-2005, 12:45 AM

I'll start with the tranny fluids.....how many miles on the car? on your 98 you have the life-time fluid......but Mine had a similar problem , it needed about a quart and 1/2.......start with checking the fluid .....I suspect the reason she is not throwing a code b/c it is NOT an electronic problem.....good luck

billb

sp0rky · 06-30-2005, 01:42 AM

First off the GM trannies in the early model e39 cars are VERY sloppy.
They DO not shift nicely at all. I've yet to be in a pre 99 e39 that shifts comfortably in my opinion. The ZF tranny in the early e34s and whatever they use in late model e39s are muchhh smoother.

Any little tranny issue and the sloppy-ness of the tranny is greatly pronounced. I'd definately start off by checking the fluid. It sounds as if it could be a little low. If its not and you do a fluid change, take it to somebody who knows what they are doing with the GM tranny. There isn't much aftermarket support or knowledge on that particular unit, so they commonly get screwed up.

good luck.

ozarkmark · 07-01-2005, 12:32 AM

Thats fluid issue is my first thought. So I will check it out. Thanks so much for the advice, I really do appreciate the insight!

Now, uh, how do I check it? I do not see a dip stick anywhere. I am sort of new to this. THANKS!

You know, I have had cars that shifted smoother......even before this started.

sp0rky · 07-01-2005, 12:42 AM

You can get a little bit of a feel for what the job will be like by checking this out.
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/Maintenance/...20Autotrans.pdf
Yes, it's an older model tranny but is VERY similar. still a GM unit.

ozarkmark · 07-01-2005, 12:55 AM

Printed it out. A million thanks Sporky.

ozarkmark · 07-05-2005, 05:48 PM

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Update>>>>>>>>>>>>>

New tranny on order.......

ghead

dukesmg · 09-14-2005, 08:36 AM

I a have a similar problem with a newly installed factory warranty trans. My shft problem is from 3-4th. Will be taking it back to the dealer for more diagnostics and hopefully a fix. See my post a couple days ago. I will keep you informed if you want. Just send me a thread.

mycarblows · 09-17-2005, 10:56 AM

Forums like these are why i drive a stick. That also why i have a speeding ticket in my first month of driving but we wont go into that.

Torque · 09-17-2005, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycarblows

Forums like these are why i drive a stick. That also why i have a speeding ticket in my first month of driving but we wont go into that.

This is quite possibly the worst post to over hit the 5-series subforum. Out of millions of cars made, some are automatic -- someone has to drive them as well. And what exactly does your ticket have to do with the type of tranmission ? I just got a ticket yesterday and I drive a automatic.

/rant

And I'd also disagree with sporky. GM tranmissions shift much much smoother than ZF ones from early e34s, when they work. We have e34s with both ... and the ZF shifts 3 times harder at 3500 rpm than the GM does at 6500.

davidvh2 · 09-18-2005, 12:46 PM

My 530 TD (diesel to those unfortunate enough to not know what that means nor have the pleasure of driving one) has a GM auto box. It had what turned out to be serious problems with the box (no engine breaking......very long story) but the outcome was that I had to have the box completely overhauled-----new throttle body, new clutch plates & new torqe converter all of course at no small cost!

No I did NOT have it done by BMW who couldn't/wouldn't properly diagnose the problem.........I had it done by a specialist company that deals with nothing but auto boxes. Apparently they've recently done many 5 Series auto boxes (all GM) all of around 60/80 odd thousand Kms & their opinion is that (a) "it's a poor box" & (b) forget "long life fluid---change the fluid ever 50,000 Kms".

My advice to anyone with auto problems would be to seek out a proper automatic gearbox specialist & have him diagnose the problem & most certainly change the fluid if nothing else. The cost is "nothing" compared with an overhaul. BTW, mine now works perfectly but for how long??

ozarkmark · 09-19-2005, 05:00 PM

OK here is the final update on this problematic (get it? Ha, Ha.) transmission

I went to two different BMW dealerships and they could not perform the required pressure test due to time constraints. It didn't really matter because as I was taking the mechanic for a spin at the second dealership in effort to duplicate the issue, the transmission went crazy and FINALLY the error light on the transmission came on! By crazy, I mean high engine revs, no torque, clunking and shuddering.

:

The dealer was able to locate a rufurbished tranny and had it shipped in and installed in almost a week! Apparently the refurbished tranny's are all you can get. The cost for all this? Please sit down and fasten your seatbelt.

$3812.00!!!!!!!!

:

:

I realize this is crazy high but to tell the truth, I have always planned on driving this car for many years and @100,000 miles she isn't ready for the scrap heap!
It is sad, but I love this car this much.

davidvh2 · 09-20-2005, 04:09 AM

Dirt cheap! BMW in Spain wanted almost $5000---no discussion. My complete overhaul (with warrantee) cost $2187

sp0rky · 09-20-2005, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torque

This is quite possibly the worst post to over hit the 5-series subforum. Out of millions of cars made, some are automatic -- someone has to drive them as well. And what exactly does your ticket have to do with the type of tranmission ? I just got a ticket yesterday and I drive a automatic.

/rant

And I'd also disagree with sporky. GM tranmissions shift much much smoother than ZF ones from early e34s, when they work. We have e34s with both ... and the ZF shifts 3 times harder at 3500 rpm than the GM does at 6500.

Something may be wrong with your ZF, I have yet to drive a ZF tranny equipped BMW that shifted harder than the GM unless it was in serious need of some work. Notice the late model e39s shift a lot smoother than the early ones? - Yep.. no more GM tranny.

However... you are correct, the GM tranny does shift much smoother than normal in the higher RPMs. Driving in s3 will usually cure people's hard-shifting issues until they need to pop back into D.