Transmission EPROM installed today...

[Messerschmitt]

Just for kicks, I ordered the upgraded EPROM for my 530ia tranny and installed it today.

I'll have to say that it did make a worthwhile difference. It was supposed to eliminate the 4th/5th gear pendelum shifting and go back into high gear faster after a kickdown downshift. So far it seems better. I'll post later after some time in the drivers seat.

Messerschmitt

[Russell]

I have heard of this upgrade. Is it for the 95 525i as well? How expensive and how difficult to install?
Thanks


Just for kicks, I ordered the upgraded EPROM for my 530ia tranny and installed it today.

I'll have to say that it did make a worthwhile difference. It was supposed to eliminate the 4th/5th gear pendelum shifting and go back into high gear faster after a kickdown downshift. So far it seems better. I'll post later after some time in the drivers seat.

Messerschmitt

[Messerschmitt]

The part number for the new EPROM for the ZF-5HP18 is 01 00 1 469 310

It was introduced to cure several "customer complaints" at once.

I'll see what I can find out about your transmission


Messerschmitt

[RobPatt]

...I was getting trans prog error messages... code said it was a bad fluid pressure regulator. Replaced that ($90 part) and a bulletin said there was an associated EEPROM update (another $90) (perhaps changing valid fluid pressure values); no problems since.... about 8 months and 4K miles. cheers, Rob.


The part number for the new EPROM for the ZF-5HP18 is 01 00 1 469 310

It was introduced to cure several "customer complaints" at once.

I'll see what I can find out about your transmission


Messerschmitt

[Messerschmitt]

The EPROM cost ~20.00 and it only takes maybe 20 minutes to replace. It's inside of the transmission control module in it's socket with a plastic cover. Really easy to replace. However, you will need the correct part number

Messerschmitt

[Bob in San Jose]

Was that $20.00 from a stealer?
Does this chip work on the 540 5 speed auto tranny also?

[Russell]

Thanks - sure would like to know

[RobPatt]

Was that $20.00 from a stealer?
Does this chip work on the 540 5 speed auto tranny also?

[Messerschmitt]

TIS only lists 530ia and touring for this upgrade. If you have a 530i I really think it is worthwhile.

Messerschmitt

[mrbmw1]

Bob, when you shift to 4th gear from (ED) in your 540 does it jerk really hard? My 94 540iA does.

[Bob in San Jose]

No, I do not have any hard shifting. When I first got it I had some intermittant hard shifts between 2nd and 3rd and the dreaded "Trans Prog" message. I replaced the fluid and filter and fixed a small leak that was coming from the electical cable entry. I went with Redline D4 ATF as it is a pure synthetic vs. the BMW recommended Shell ATF which is a semi syn.
Since then I have not had any problems with the trans shifting hard or getting the "Trans Prog" message.
I did change the fluid one more time afterwards to increase the concentration of D4 as you don't get all the fluid out when you drain it.

The improvement was probably from fixing the leak as well as from the fluid change.
If you do not have any leaks it would be interesting to know if the Redline D4 makes any improvement.

These trans were sold as "lifetime fluid" types and BMW did not recommend changing fluid on them. This was probably OK for the original owners who probably didn't keep the car long enought to have any fluid related problems. For us 2nd and 3rd owners of what are now almost 10 year old cars, I would change the fluid and filter at least every 50K.

Just my $0.02

[Messerschmitt]

I still can't find anything solid about 5HP30 sofware upgrades. There may be something somewhere. Does anyone have the EPROM reference chart that is mentioned in the instructions for the 530i?

Maybe that would help.


Messerschmitt

[632 Regal]

Kirt Kholler recommends changing the filter and the fluid that drains out every 30k, no more fluid and no less.