525i 4E30 Tranny Leaking

[mearaman]

Had many shifting problems on a 92 525i:
- Slipping in reverse
- Premature shfting into 3rd gear (at 5 mph)
- Clutch slipping, etc.

After returning it to a transmission shop 8 times following a rebuild, the thing finally shifted properly - except is is slow to engage in reverse. They ended up (allegedly) replacing the valve body, three solenoids, neutral safety switch as well as the "normal" rebuild soft parts. Then, it began leaking - significantly out of the bell housing.

Took it to a highly recommended BMW mechanic who suspected the front main seal. $600, a new seal (it was cracked) new tranny mounts and a flex disc later it still leaks, just not as much as before. I get roughly a pint per week on the garage floor directly under the torque converter. I'm having to take it to the shop every month to have the fluid topped off.

The car only has 145k on it and runs pretty well - except for the tranny leak. What should I do?

Thanks much.

[632 Regal]

as well as you have. I would have taken the first shop to court and sued for all the money back and try to get an inconvenience settlement. The BMW mechanic that was recommended sucks if he couldnt fix it and charged you. If he charged you then I would be knocking on his door bright and early tomorrow morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can spread the welth along the way and maybe find someone that can actually do a good job but mann its a long road friend.

[George Davis]

Don't know if this is any use, but I think I'd look for an auto trans repair shop that specializes in BMWs, and have it resealed by them. Unfortunately, it sounds like your trans shop and BMW mechanic don't really know what they're up to. Also unfortunately, it means you'd be out more money. I sort of agree that you should sue the first shop, but frankly I'd probably just give up on them, too.

I had my trans rebuilt a few weeks ago by a shop that specializes in BMW and Mercedes automatics. Place looks like something out of the 1940's. It cost a ton but I feel lucky I found them. They seem very knowledgable, answered all my questions, the trans works great, no leaks. You need a shop like this. I can recommend a shop in Portland, OR, if that's any help.

[mearaman]

If it's any consolation, I did work through VISA to get a full refund. I kept a log of all my actions and the shop's results. So the settlement was rather painless - thanks VISA!!\\What the mechanic (not the xmission shop) said was there was something inside the tranny leaking that couldn;t be fixed without opening it up (the pervue of a tranny specialist).

On one hand, I don;t trust the tranny. On the other hand, so much has been replaced, I'd liek to get it running,

[sbcncsu]

Had many shifting problems on a 92 525i:
- Slipping in reverse
- Premature shfting into 3rd gear (at 5 mph)
- Clutch slipping, etc.

After returning it to a transmission shop 8 times following a rebuild, the thing finally shifted properly - except is is slow to engage in reverse. They ended up (allegedly) replacing the valve body, three solenoids, neutral safety switch as well as the "normal" rebuild soft parts. Then, it began leaking - significantly out of the bell housing.

Took it to a highly recommended BMW mechanic who suspected the front main seal. $600, a new seal (it was cracked) new tranny mounts and a flex disc later it still leaks, just not as much as before. I get roughly a pint per week on the garage floor directly under the torque converter. I'm having to take it to the shop every month to have the fluid topped off.

The car only has 145k on it and runs pretty well - except for the tranny leak. What should I do?

Thanks much.

Your initial complaint was due to the intermediate housing gasket failure. That would be covered by a rebuild.

The leak indicates a failure of a different type. If you look at this picture, you'll see a weep hole:

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/sbcncsu/Pump%20bushing%20in_1.jpg


Look at the center hole, aka pump bushing. If you look at the 7 o'clock position, you'll see the weep hole. That leaks when you have a problem with your pump or torque converter. The trans shop should remove the bell housing again and check the pump.

[632 Regal]

just donated your time and inconvenience. Hope your next mechanic can get the leak stopped.