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Comments
Automatic Transmission
February 2008
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B24 23 07 dated December 2007.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT:
6-Speed Automatic Transmissions Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Hints
MODEL:
All with ZF 6HP transmission
All with GM6 transmission
[NEW] SITUATION
Diagnosing symptoms involving 6-speed automatic transmissions and determining the root causes of the complaints are the areas where specialized assistance is often needed. Due to the high cost and complexity of the 6-speed automatic transmissions, an Enhanced Technical Support process has been developed to help identify the root causes of customer complaints relating to Automatic Transmissions concerns.
All diagnostic and troubleshooting steps listed in this Service Bulletin should be performed prior to submitting a PuMA case ("TC Case" or regular technical support "Case").
A PuMA case may be submitted ONLY after all appropriate diagnostic steps and/or hints listed below were performed and diagnostic results are inconclusive (regular technical support case), or when a component replacement (transmission, Mechatronic, or VB-TECHM) is requested ("TC Case"). Such a PuMA case has to include all the necessary information required by B24 23 07.
IMPORTANT Both "TC Cases" and regular technical support "Cases" are NOT going to be processed, and will be rejected as "unjustified", if the basic diagnostic troubleshooting procedures and pertaining information required by SI B24 23 07 are not performed and submitted.
PROCEDURE
When diagnosing the 6-speed automatic transmission complaints, the following troubleshooting steps should be performed, and required information needs to be included in a PuMA contact (both "TC Case" or a regular technical support case):
1. Customer Concern
^ Drive the vehicle to reproduce the customer's complaint.
^ Be as specific as possible when describing the issue at hand, including the exact driving and environmental conditions required to reproduce the complaint. ("Transmission is shifting badly" will create more questions than answers).
^ If the complaint cannot be verified, contact the customer to obtain a specific description of the problem. If possible, test drive with the customer, observing any unusual driving habits (e.g., "Two-footed driver").
2. FASTA Data
^ Perform a "Short Test" and transmit the FASTA data prior to programming or troubleshooting. In many instances, the "uncontaminated" FASTA information may be helpful in determining the root cause.
3. Transmission Fluid Level/Fluid Condition
^ Check the fluid level for all transmission concerns, even if there are no obvious signs of external leakage.
^ Follow the appropriate fluid level checking procedures. The main items to remember are:
^ Check the level at fluid temperature between 30°to 50°C.
^ Engine running at idle.
^ Transmission in Park.
^ Vehicle leveled and secured against movements.
^ If the fluid does not flow out when the plug is removed, then add the appropriate amount until it trickles out. DO NOT insert your fingers into the filler hole to check where the transmission fluid is! !!
^ Make sure that you are checking the fluid level at the correct filler (overflow) plug, since they have different locations. (On the E53 with 6HP26, the overflow plug is in the pan; on other applications, it is located on the side or at the rear of the transmission.)
4. Transmission Shift Concerns and Fluid Leaks
^ Adjust and/or correct the fluid level, and then clear the EGS adaptation values and test drive.
^ If the shift issue is resolved, then address the root cause of the leak.
^ If the complaint is unresolved, then submit a PuMA case for further instruction.
5. External Damage
^ Inspect the transmission oil pan for obvious signs of impact.
^ Inspect the external shift or emergency release cable adjustment, bracket and lever.
6. Transmission Fault Codes
^ Diagnostic fault codes are an essential tool for troubleshooting. Print and secure the fault codes before clearing. Perform all applicable DIS/GT1 test plans as prompted by the EGS fault codes stored.
^ For the EDS (pressure regulators) and the MV (magnetic valves) fault codes, check the environmental conditions when the faults were set. In general, electronic transmission control units work correctly when the voltage range is between 10V and 15V. If the fault codes environmental conditions indicate voltage below 10V or above 15V, then troubleshoot vehicle's electrical system, e.g., the battery, battery connections, grounds, charging system, the integrity of the vehicle's transmission harness and its connector (X85xx).
^ Prioritize the relevance of all driveability-related faults stored in the DME, DSC or EGS control modules. For example, if the vehicle ran out of fuel and the engine stalled, the consecutive misfire and transmission gear monitoring faults (slippage faults) are irrelevant. Various engine driveability complaints ("stumbling, poor running, hesitation") caused by poor fuel quality may also result in transmission shift quality complaints.
7. Aftermarket Equipment
^ Inspect the vehicle for the presence of any aftermarket equipment (including wheels and tires), or software which may affect vehicle performance or may cause customer concern.
^ Mention any modifications to the vehicle (e.g., "Conversion to a stretch limo") in the submitted PuMA case.
8. Programming Replacement Transmissions and Mechatroniks/VB-TECHMs
^ Print the short and the long EGS ID page before removing the transmission or Mechatronik (VB-TECHM). You may need the part numbers for the programming of the replacement unit. Refer to SI B24 18 07 (Programming of replacement Transmission or Mechatronic) for helpful hints on EGS programming.
^ On vehicles equipped with the GWS gear shifter, prior to transmission or Mechatronic replacement, perform the "EWS Reset Function" using the DIS/GT1 path: "Service Functions/Transmission control/Calibrations/EWS Reset/Test plan".
9. Repair History
^ Check the repair history to see if there were any recent repairs that could affect the proper operation of the transmission. (If the vehicle returns with a transmission slippage concern after an oil leak repair, chances are that the transmission fluid level is incorrect, causing a new driveability complaint.)
10. SI Bulletins
^ Check to see if there are any Service Information Bulletins that apply to your specific complaint. Make sure that both "subject" content and the affected vehicle model match your case.
^ Follow the SI B instructions exactly. (SI B24 14 07 states that the guibo needs to be removed for the inspection; a visual external inspection will not be sufficient to reveal the loose bushings that we are checking it for.)
11. Vehicle VIN Number
^ Double check the VIN number before submitting a PuMA case. The incorrect VIN will prevent access to FASTA information. Also, the requested IBAC programming codes will not work with an incorrect VIN.
12. [NEW] Transmission Serial Number/Part Number
^ Always provide a transmission serial number and part number from the transmission's ID tag. The transmission serial number is an essential piece of information needed by the Hotline Expert; it is especially useful on repeat complaints afier a transmission replacement.
13. PuMA Reporter and Valid Phone Number
^ Preferably, the reporter listed in the PuMA case should also be the person who works on the vehicle. If it's not possible, mention your name in the "Work performed" section of the case.
^ Always provide a direct and a valid phone number so that you can be easily contacted if necessary by the Transmission Expert.
14. Warranty, CPO or Goodwill Replacements
^ Transmission and Mechatronik/VB-TECHM replacements covered under BMW Warranty, Goodwill or Certified Pre-Owned programs require PuMA authorization. Use the PuMA contact number as your replacement authorization. Refer to SI B24 09 00 (Automatic Transmission Repair & Replacement) for more details.
^ Goodwill considerations also require you to contact your BMW NA field representative and to inform him of the PuMA case and your intentions.
After looking through the great forum info I think it would be good to find an independent BMW technician.Does anyone know of anybody out this way? I live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
I guesst he car is due for its Service 2 at 60k
Approx how much does a Inspection/Service 2 cost at a dealership?
The car as documented history through 40k and then nothing. Which worries me a little but i hope that getting it from a BMW dealership means that the work they did on it ( $1400 worth) when they took it in means I'm not gonna be stuck with a wallet sucking car.
Thanks
Wax
Bimrs.org has a website listing member repair shops, all are BMW Specialists (including the folks who take care of my car). There's several in Illinois.
Or you could join the BMW Car Club of America and check their database,
www.bmwcca.org.
Good luck with your E39. :shades:
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Swope BMW in Louisville, Ky only charged $382 to perform an Inspection II on my wife's 2004 X3 2.5- and that figure included a brake fluid flush as well as the cost of repairing a bit of curb rash on the RF wheel. I brought my own Mobil 1 0W-40 so the grand total was $424.
As for indie shops, I'm sure that members of the local CCA chapter(Windy City) would be happy to provide recommendations.
And let me echo what Andy said; enjoy your 5er. The E39 is still one of the best sports/luxury sedans out there.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I just need some guidance so when I take it in for repair then I have some ideas. Thanks a bunch.
The problem is almost certainly what BMW calls the Final Stage Unit. It's an extremely simple DIY fix. The how-to can be found here. You should be able to find the part for under $90.
As for the CD changer, you might try a different CD magazine to see if the problem persists. Failing that, you will have to take it to an auto sound shop.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
As I understand it, the FSU is essentially a somewhat complex resistor pack- which explains the strange HVAC fan behavior when it goes bad.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Leave it those German engineers, the Ashtray in my Bimmer has like 20 parts.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Consumer report said the V8 was unreliable but I didn't know whether they were based on 545i or 550i.
I saw quiet a number of V8 5-series on the roads. Any comments?
There is no such thing as a BMW V6.
Consumer report said the V8 was unreliable but I didn't know whether they were based on 545i or 550i
They require a bit more maintenance than the sixes, but most owners believe that the V8's power and torque characteristics outweigh any additional service/repair costs. In any event, Consumer Report's ratings do not provide conclusive evidence of a vehicle's overall reliability.
I saw quite a number of V8 5-series on the roads. Any comments?
See above.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
More maintenance? Does it mean more repairs or it means it will cost more for the same kind of maintenance?
For Consumer Report, I am ok with their consumer electronics reviews but I don't really trust their car reviews. It seems that they were looking cars for A to B drivers.
The V8s valve covers tend to leak, and the eights also will usually require a new radiator at @60K-70K. You might check out BMW Tips.com for some specific information- at least as to E39 5ers.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I believe that you're thinking of the V8 issues the previous generation of the 5-Series had. As far as I know, the E39 V8s were quite durable.
Best regards,
Shipo
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I have a 2003 530i with 70k miles.
One of my coworkers told me my car alarm was going off in the parking garage yesterday. By the time I got there it was off but the same thing happened at the grocery store later and then again in my garage last night.
Is there a reset button or do I have to take to dealer?
Thanks
The solution is to either close the sunroof or double click the LOCK button, this turns the motion sensor off. I've even set it off by standing next to the car w/o touching it!
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
On another note, on the same 2003 530i, upon tuning the key in the morning, the motor turns over fine, but I hear a slight spinning sound like a loose belt or pulley after it turns over.
The dealer replicated it once during service, but could not sustain the sound long enough to determine the cause. Now I am hearing it a little more frequently.
Any ideas?
They found a defective sensor under the hood. They also found a leaky antifreeze tank.
This is my third BMW and they are like dating high maintenance women.
Current Mileage: 75K
I intend to keep the car for at least 2 more years. These past few years I've been averaging about 8K miles per year. Had Inspection II performed at 58K and oil changed again at 68K. Do I wait for dash computer to tell me that next inspection is due, or do I perform preventative maintenance now. If answer is preventative maintence, is that just Inspection I again or is there more involved. I wanted to get info here before I call the dealer or go to an independent shop.
regards,
kyfdx
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If you bleed it, and check for combustion gases and it still overheats---well, then maybe the water pump needs to come out and be examined for corrosion of the impeller blades or broken impeller.
The cooling system on these cars is not very good in terms of durability.
Yes, bleeding is a critical procedure on most every BMW cooling system. Make sure that the heater is on and set to maximum heat. There are two bleeder screws, one on the thermostat housing and one on the radiator. It won't hurt to raise the front of the car either.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
So you're saying that:
a) the car did not shake whatsoever, at any time, prior to the new tires?
b) that as soon as the new tires were put on, this violent shaking happened?
If that's what you experienced, I think your tire shop doesn't know what they are doing.
I'd take it somewhere else to check for a bent wheel, loose lug nuts, or some lift damage.
BUT...if the shaking occurred before the new tires, then I'd have to say that these control arm bushings would have to be pretty wiped out to do that....it's plausible but I'd sure get a second opinion on that.
Safety? Sure, any violent wheel shake is an immediate safety concern.
So you're job is to get some better information, with PROOF that you can see.
I think they bent a wheel or something, or maybe there's a tire way way out of balance.
It makes no sense that the car would not shake going in to a garage at 9 am and shake violently at 5 pm.
Uh-uh. Something is not right here, given what you have presented to us.
Those bushing can leak on an E39, as they are liquid filled. And they can also cause the problems described, though they may not be the culprit in this situation. More than a few owners on the Yahoo E39 group have encountered that exact failure.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
ANYWAY---if that's what we mean, then a distant bell is going off in my head, you are correct, those things leak and cause a shake if you do some hard braking (was my rememberence of it).
But gee, such low miles! I'm surprised, but I don't work on these cars everyday, so...
ANYWAY AGAIN -- if that's what we are talking about, then I don't think the car is in danger, no.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
My 1996 328i has been maintained only by BMW. I have some minor issues. My ABS indicator lightn on the dash (triangle looking light) goes off while driving, at any random point. I have no idea why it's doing that. Anyone have any idea? I haven't approached the dealer, because I don't want to spend money on it.
Also, what does the "A" and "M" toggle switch near the transmission selector mean?
Appreciate it, thanks.
What do you think guys? Am I taking a chance? Thanks guys. really value the advice on this forum. It was a great find. Thanks again.
Gardis in CT
gardis72@gmail.com
The ABS indicator coming on intermittently is probably the result of a wheel speed sensor that's gotten a bit dirty. Your BMW tech can check and clean this up for you or replace the sensor if it's going bad. The triangle is actually warning you that the Traction Control (operated by the same sensors) is disabled
The "A-M" toggle allows you to select a quasi-manual shift mode ("M") which enables manual selection of higher or lower gears, toggling back into "A" restores fully automatic gear selection. I find that the "manual" mode is handy when descending steep hills or traveling on winding rural byways.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93