Auto gearbox doing odd things
 

I’ve got a 2003 E53 3.0d auto and had it for 14 years. Over the last year the gearbox has begun acting strange. Initially it would do odd Rev up and drop for a fraction of a second when going up hills but ran smooth apart from that. Now it seems to not change up quick enough. I’ve started flicking onto manual change up as it is revving too much before changing up, almost like its in sport mode.
I’ve asked the dealer and he says they’ll reset the gearbox “driver memory” to see if that cures it. Has anyone had this done? Might it help?
I’ve noticed the fuel consumption has dropped from 30.0 to 27.7 as well so something’s not right.
The gearbox has done 120k miles on original oil.
Any advice welcome.

Have you checked trans oil level ???

No, not yet.
Is that simple to do? I’m guessing I need to remove some of the plastic bash plates underneath?

Took car to local independent, he took the plastic bash guard off then he explained because there was no signs of any oil leaking at all the oil level must be fine.
Does this make sense? Is he correct in his thinking?

I would change the fluid. This serves two purposes.

One you will know for sure its full.

Two its like the oil in your motor its supposed to be changed from time to time :)

BMW called it lifetime fluid to keep from changing it. Its not lifetime fluid its transmission fluid and should be changed ever 70k or so miles.

This isn't just about the fluid itself breaking down since there is a filter in there that needs changing and the clutches shed over time and can clog the filter and valves.

With that many miles on the current fluid, I suggest you're running the risk of dislodging burnished clutch material and sludge in the unit that can clog passageways and cause further problems. I'd try the reprogramming first. If you do drop the pan, retain the existing fluid and strain it. Change the filter and return the old fluid into the unit, just adding enough new fluid to top it off.

I have 339,800 miles on the original fluid in mine with no performance issues.

2002 X5 3.0 (gas) 339,800 miles
2014 428i 36,000 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird Under restoration

That is great feedback on the fluid so BMW was correct saying forever fluid that's incredible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I thought the exact same thing when I read that. :thumbup:

It's not exactly forever. My maintenance manual says every 100K miles for trans fluid. BMW have been going back and forth on this front.

I've been wondering with a pair of e53 with about 155000 miles average but I like the above advice best. Don't risk shaking gunk loose but change filter I would add magnets to catch any steel in the oil