Another Transmission thread.

[Cody_ZHP]

Weird problem here. (Maybe?)

Automatic transmission

When I put my car in Drive it is like it wont "engage" first gear. Just revs up like it never came out of neutral.

But I can put into "Manual" mode and push up on the knob to go into first and it engages right up. I can drive off like that or move it back over to normal mode and drive off also. No slipping, no hard shifting, everything is smooth. If I run into the store or let it sit for 30 minutes, it will engage right up with out putting it in manual mode. After about an hour or more of sitting though it starts doing it again.

No warnings or codes being given either.

Is my transmission dying or what?

I have also read about the "No reverse" problem. My car always engages in reverse just not drive.

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[Mtnman]

Wow. Sounds like you need to talk to a transmission specialist. Not necessarily one that works on BMW's, but just someone that understands Auto Trannies. I dont know enough about them to give you much help here, but I would call a local shop and talk with them about it. May be a simple as needing a fluid change, cause some gunk has jammed up something. (hence the warm/cold issues?) just a guess.

[Cody_ZHP]

Thanks for the info. I am taking to get the transmission flushed on Monday. Thanks again

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[MsRN]

Wow. Sounds like you need to talk to a transmission specialist. Not necessarily one that works on BMW's, but just someone that understands Auto Trannies.

Makes me think of my independent mechanic, Jeff, in pink coveralls and nail polish, clicking around in lucite stilettos... ;) Auto Trannies...snort! (Sorry Jeff!)

[Mtnman]

Hahahahaha.......now that's funny!

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[MasterC17]

Does it only do this when it's cold? My dad's, when cold, does the same sort of thing - you put it in drive and it just kind of revs but doesn't really move for the first 20 seconds or so. He'll be getting a tranny flush soon, we'll see if that helps.

[Cody_ZHP]

Does it only do this when it's cold? My dad's, when cold, does the same sort of thing - you put it in drive and it just kind of revs but doesn't really move for the first 20 seconds or so. He'll be getting a tranny flush soon, we'll see if that helps.

Master, yes mine does the same thing.hope everything works out for your dad

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[Cody_ZHP]

Just an update, in case someone else may have the same problem.

I took it in and was told there was a Software update BMW sent out for the transmission. Went ahead and had the Tranny flushed and filter replaced. Everything seems to be good.

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[kayger12]

Good deal. Thanks for the update.

[Mtnman]

Cody....more info please! Was this software update done for free? When was it put out? What model years was it for?

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[danewilson77]

Wow....very "fortunate" fix...if it holds. Well done. More detailed info is requested.

[Cody_ZHP]

I have the GM 5L40-E transmission. He explained that it puts more pressure to the solenoid so it engages quicker. Don't know when it was issued/released. I also don't know the software update number. Sorryt

It was $100. Which is what he originally quoted me to hook it up to the diagnostic machine.

Edit to add: From what I understand and have read up on is this transmission needs to be "warm" for the solenoid to engage the transmission and this update "tricks" the solenoid into thinking it is warm and and adding more pressure to it. How much truth there is to that and whether or not its just a placebo, I don't know.

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