Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E53) Forum
Arnott
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #11  
Old 07-22-2018, 09:10 AM
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Georgia
Posts: 65
ID4.8 is on a distinguished road
I'd change all the valve body seals as well while you're in there, that would require pulling the valve body though, so I don't know how confident you are about that.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Xoutpost.com mobile app
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #12  
Old 07-22-2018, 01:55 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Victorville,CA
Posts: 92
BMW_E53 is on a distinguished road
Thanks for the replies everyone! Sorry in advance if the multi-quoting is incorrect, for some reason the Multi-Quote Button was not working so I had to copy and paste each one individually.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll View Post
I would certainly change the mechatronic sleeve while you have transmission open. Changing it won't help with the operation of the transmission in any way but it will fix or avoid a fluid leak, which is bad for your transmission.

I also doubt that just a fluid change will fix your hard 2-1 shift, going by what others have said on here and on other forums for cars that use the ZF 6HP26. I has helped in some cases but not in most.

Some folk have have good results with the fluid change along with a new bridge seal and new jumps seals. One again, while you are in there, why not replace them...?

Others have flashed (or re-flashed) the firmware in the transmission control unit with good results.

I think ultimately it's either new solenoids or a new (or refurbished) mechatronic unit that is the cure.

But it really depends on what exactly is wrong in your transmission and so while there are many seemingly common issues, the causes can vary and so must the action taken to remedy the problem.

Changing the fluid and seals is the first step to finding out I suppose!
Thanks for the advice! I figure it might be best to change the sleeve to prevent any future damage to the transmission due to the sleeve failure. And my transmission is fine, it engages gear and shifts smoothly, its just every once in awhile I'll experience the bang if I don't come to a complete stop.

Quote:
2002 X5 3.0 345,400 miles - still running original fluid
Wow that is amazing! Makes me think I could just leave the original fluid in my transmission

Quote:
I had the dreaded 2-1 downshift knock and after a fluid change it did get better but only temporarily. Ultimately you're facing a transmission refurb, sorry to say. The mechatronics is fine. The knock is caused by worn bushings creating excessive play in the transmission shaft. I ran with my knocking problems for around 50,000 kms before finally getting it refurbed. Mine is a 2006 X5 E53 3.0D 6HP26. Issues started at 110,000 kms.
How frequently did you experience the 2-1 downshift knock before your transmission refurb? And how much did it cost to refurb your transmission? Hopefully the day doesn't come soon, but if my transmission would indeed fail one day and needs significant work I will probably end up buying a newer model X5, hopefully I don't have to worry about that until years down the line haha....knock on wood.

Quote:
I did the fluid replacement with ZF Transmission fluid and the BMW filter by Bavauto.com. Make sure to follow the recommendations of topping off the fluid with the vehicle level and running, as described in other posts. My 2002 with the same 4.4 shifted good before and after. I just wanted a good look in there after 100k miles. The old fluid looked a lot like the new stuff so I decide on keeping the X5. Two years later and all is well. Good luck!
Thanks! I was looking into transmission fluid kits from FCPEuro. And they had a package with the ZF Lifeguard oil. Since you're car has been shifting good after two years, I'm guessing the ZF oil is worth the money over Pentosin (which I was looking into buying since its $14 a liter compared to $23 for the ZF.) Also how many Liters of oil did it take for the transmission to be completely full? 9 Liters?

Quote:
I'd change all the valve body seals as well while you're in there, that would require pulling the valve body though, so I don't know how confident you are about that.
I've seen a video on YouTube on removing the valve body, doesn't seem to complicated. But by valve body seals are you referring to the adapter plug?
__________________
Main Autos:
1990 BMW 525i
2004 BMW X5 4.4i
2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner V6
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-22-2018, 05:03 PM
wpoll's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4,659
wpoll will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW_E53 View Post
... I've seen a video on YouTube on removing the valve body, doesn't seem to complicated. But by valve body seals are you referring to the adapter plug?
There are a number of rubber seals that complete the fluid journals from the mechatronic unit to the transmission body. The "bridge seal" is the main one and there are four smaller "jump seals". These five seals plus the mechatronic connector sleeve make up the seal kit you will want if dealing with all this.



Something like this kit...

transmission fault OEM ZF Repair kit for 6hp26 6hp26x 6hp28 6hp32 gaskets and valves

I strongly suggest you look at RRPhils 6HP26 teardown to get an idea of what's in there... (fan-freakin'-tastic, RRPhil..!! )

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-teardown.html
__________________
Wayne
2005 BMW X5 3.0d (b 02/05)
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar (b 06/01)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-22-2018, 07:50 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Victorville,CA
Posts: 92
BMW_E53 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll View Post
There are a number of rubber seals that complete the fluid journals from the mechatronic unit to the transmission body. The "bridge seal" is the main one and there are four smaller "jump seals". These five seals plus the mechatronic connector sleeve make up the seal kit you will want if dealing with all this.



Something like this kit...

transmission fault OEM ZF Repair kit for 6hp26 6hp26x 6hp28 6hp32 gaskets and valves

I strongly suggest you look at RRPhils 6HP26 teardown to get an idea of what's in there... (fan-freakin'-tastic, RRPhil..!! )

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-teardown.html
Thanks for the clarification wpoll! The second link you provided is very helpful and is just like the YouTube video I watched the other day! Seems very doable for to replace all the seals. But do you think it's necessary to do that extra work? What exactly happens when those seals fail, and are they likely to fail? And by replacing the seals and changing the fluid is this what the mechanic would consider a transmission service? The last time I brought my car to an indy he stated my car would need a transmission service but didn't clarify what they would specifically do.
__________________
Main Autos:
1990 BMW 525i
2004 BMW X5 4.4i
2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner V6
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-22-2018, 08:00 PM
wpoll's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4,659
wpoll will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW_E53 View Post
Thanks for the clarification wpoll! The second link you provided is very helpful and is just like the YouTube video I watched the other day! Seems very doable for to replace all the seals. But do you think it's necessary to do that extra work? What exactly happens when those seals fail, and are they likely to fail? And by replacing the seals and changing the fluid is this what the mechanic would consider a transmission service? The last time I brought my car to an indy he stated my car would need a transmission service but didn't clarify what they would specifically do.
Without knowing exactly what is wrong with your transmission (meaning not just your symptoms but their actual cause) it's all just guessing...

I figure that if (when) I open my transmission up to replace the mechatronic sleeve, I'll replace the fluid and the filter too. And as the ZF fluid is so darned expensive (here in NZ it's scary $$$) I will replace all the seals while I'm in there, to save $$ and time later.

As the seals age and harden, they don't seal properly anymore. This can cause fluid pressure reduction and can lead to slow shifting, hard shifting and other problems.

I have no idea what your (or any) mechanic would consider a "transmission service" - you would have to ask them to clarify their statement. I only know what I would (will...) do once I open it up.
__________________
Wayne
2005 BMW X5 3.0d (b 02/05)
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar (b 06/01)
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-24-2018, 06:26 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Columbia City Indiana
Posts: 47
DougPEX5 is on a distinguished road
Link below from Bavauto website talking about ZF transmission fluid. It convinced me of a drain and fill, so good sales tactic!

https://blog.bavauto.com/wp-content/...ce-letter1.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-29-2018, 04:50 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 15
Delta2nineR is on a distinguished road
Hey OP, my knocking was constant every drive and especially when pulling away from traffic lights on an uphill incline and turning right. This is a strange phenomenon that others have reported too. Must be the way the torque forces acts on the shaft.
Like is said, I held out for another 50k kms before the rebuild which cost $5.5k. I called a few places as well as ZF Aust Head office and in the end I chose CATS in Broadmeadow and they were brilliant. It's a family run place and didn't give me any BS. They offered to diagnose everything for free to try and avoid the rebuild but even they said it was too far gone. Only took them 4 days to complete and they offer 1 year warranty. Don't be too eager to buy the newer X5's as the build quality of the e53 is far better.
Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 08-30-2018, 09:15 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 114
pearlpower is on a distinguished road
This transmission goes through solenoids rather prematurely. My 4.4 went 196k or so on 2 sets of replacement solenoids and a set of rubber seals. Had the massive 2-1 slam and new solenoids fixed her right up. I ALWAYS swap fluid to get the old junk out in all of my cars. My 4.8is is no different, no real issues but new solenoids helped out the cold jerks which occured once in a while. My X5m is up next.

Just placed Raybestos Stage 1 linings in my E55 trans, wish they made something for the M trans.
__________________
E53 X5 4.8is-Dinan S2-Street Brawler
E70 X5M-The stoplight shocker
AMG E55K-539 RWHP, 629RWTQ-my toy
GX470-the unbreakable truck.
F30 328i-JB4 STG 2. Daily MPG Work Beater
02-WS6, 6sp my other toy
...other stuff parked around here somewhere

Last edited by pearlpower; 08-30-2018 at 11:51 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 08-30-2018, 11:36 PM
Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: NYC
Posts: 930
mr_robot is on a distinguished road
I did this on my E70 with 6hp26 ZF tranny and after research I used Ford Mercon SP.

Bought 7 Qts for around $60 and it's been shifting smoother ever since.

The mechatronics sleeves, the bridge seal and the solenoid seal is really easy to replace.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:32 PM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.