New member - new to me BMW - troubles

[BIGRED]

Hello all...

I picked up my 1994 530it today and began to look it over, to see what work it might need. Not a perfect day for it...it was HOT out.

I am getting a Trans Program message and the trans locks into I guess 3rd gear. I have it set to S4 and that makes it a bit more drivable, however it has to get fixed. Also, I get coolant low and brake light circuit messages.

It seems that there is no way to check fluid on the trans.

In the case of the coolant level, it is fine. In the case of brake lights, the right and left brake lights work, I did however notice a couple of the small lights in the center (3rd) brake light.

I have searched the threads at this site and others and am left in a lurch as the threads just end without a concluding result.

I would prefer to do the work myself, but might need to get it to an indie as there is also a shimmy from the front end and a slight vibration with just mild/moderate acceleration.

Being that I have read that it could be a battery, alternator, speed control and or half a dozen other issues.....where should I start? OR is it a computer on the fritz.
It really feels like an electrical / computer issue.

Adding to the previous list is........... 1 Brake light, tail light. Also when opening a door, it says hatch is open (think it was hatch, might have been tailgate) Open tailgate... same message as the doors.

On my 4th drive and 2 starts after, no messages at all. Next start-up and it came back.


If there a way to reboot this mess?
Or if you have any suggestions...it is appreciated!!


Thanks
Don

[SharkmanBMW]

the tailgate wiring loom is famous for wearing out and shorting on tourings... all light warnings could be that. Have a look for bare wires.

Tranny... find a pro shop that knows them and let them have a look.
If you are getting trans program, you may be stuck in limp mode, ie: 3rd gear...
could be many things, but a shop that knows the cars should be your best bet.
Flushing the fluid could make it worse, so beware of that... it could be low, it could be toast.

Shimmy could be wheels and tires, these e34 are sensitive to balance issues... BUT worn out front suspension parts could also be the problem, they wear fast and should only be replaced with OEM Lemforder parts, or you'll be doing it again soon. ie: control arms and bushings.

do you have any maintenance history on this car? how much did you pay?

If the battery is low, it could also give the trans message, but a good charge or replacement would solve that instantly.

If the car does have a bad tranny, and suspension parts are old and worn out... it will cost you some big $$ to get it right, but a touring is worth the effort!

A reboot is done by shorting the 2 leads to the battery (+, -) together after diconnecting them from the batt.
It may or may not help your issues.
Search for "computer reboot", I forget the details of how to.....
Good luck.

[BIGRED]

The question will be if I can find an honest knowledgeable tranny shop. It seems to shift normal when I move the selector to 4...no 5th of course. I can't see anyway to check fluid levels. I understand you need special gear to do that.

I just finished rebuilding the front end of my 300sd. Every serviceable part was replaced. I don't want to do another....however if it needs it (holding head).

The previous own bought it 5 years ago. No maintenance info. They put 17,000 miles on it in the 5 years. I paid $4000.00

Battery is at 13.5 +/- and seems new

Big $$ is a relative term...I hope it isn't to painful.

Thanks for the tips and help!
Don

[Paul in NZ]

brake light circuit warnings are often the brake light switch.Wait for the touring owners to respond

[BIGRED]

I was told by a BMW MB Trans specialist that it was throwing a code 100, which means the trans needs to be torn down. That if it was a speed sensor or other issue that would affect the transmission, the code would point to it.



Sooooo unless I hear a STOP!!! from someone I am going to proceed. Not that my bank has such excesses, but my family heading through the mountains safe and secure will feel better than the (up too) $2200 to have it done

[Ross]

I'm not hip to the trans codes but I don't think there is one that means tear the trans down. Your car has the GM trans. without a dip stick.There is a plug on the side of the pan to check the fluid. Check while "warm" on level surface, engine running I believe. It should be at the level of the hole like a diff.
Find a trans guy who will explain whats wrong and better yet understands what's wrong. An overhaul cures most problems without any diagnostics whatsoever but often isn't needed.

[Qube]

Remember, it's generally accepted that this is a $10000 car. You spent $4000 to buy it... be prepared to spend another $6000 (if all work outsourced) to get it back to tip top shape. Of course, if the previous owner had service records dating all the way back to inception, this may not apply ;)

By the way, STOP! Give us just one more day to hash out some suggestions :)

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/TransProgram.asp

[BIGRED]

I think it is a ZF 5HP18 Trans

[brosher]

Make sure you get the proper wattage bulbs. You need to get the euro ones in the correct wattage or the display will not clear the "brake light" type messages. The wattages for each bulb is in the owners manual or you can prob search here for them.

Coolant level sensor is prob bad if the level looks good. Is it green or blue? Most folks tell you BMW blue coolant is the way to go. I still need to switch my car back from the green stuff.

Sounds like it is time for a manual tranny swap. :D Good luck.

[genphreak]

Make sure you get the proper wattage bulbs. You need to get the euro ones in the correct wattage or the display will not clear the "brake light" type messages. The wattages for each bulb is in the owners manual or you can prob search here for them.

Coolant level sensor is prob bad if the level looks good. Is it green or blue? Most folks tell you BMW blue coolant is the way to go. I still need to switch my car back from the green stuff.

Sounds like it is time for a manual tranny swap. :D Good luck.Dump the green ASAP... ;) but I guess u already know that. It's caustic and every heat cycle will cause more damage. With a coolant sensors, they come out of the tank really easily and can be cleaned by hand (carefully) in most cases. $25 new, but seldom necessary. :) Nick

[632 Regal]

yes it is a ZF 5HP18, call:

Kurt Kohller
(800)624-3876 ext 5735
or direct at (616)748-5735

He is an authorized ZF dealer and rebuilder. When I had trans probs he helped me solve it over the phone and I didn't have to spend a penny.

The fluid checker is on the bottom of the trans, think it's a 17mm hex to remove the plug. Car has to be level, warm and idling. By warm I mean you are able to hold your hand on the trans pan, not burnimg but quite uncomfortable. You will need to pump the fluid up into the checker hole if none comes out when you remove the plug.

takes dextron III, I got royal purple synthetic for like 3.50 a quart at the local auto parts house.

good luck!

[brosher]

Dump the green ASAP... ;) but I guess u already know that. It's caustic and every heat cycle will cause more damage.

Going to switch over when I do the heater core. Prob next weekend. ;)