Auto tranny question

TD · 01-05-2016, 10:09 AM

Grrr...

So I'm heading to work this morning in the E39, still in my neighborhood, when it seems the transmission decides to crap out. I'm a light waiting to turn left and, after having it change to green, the car barely moves as I apply throttle and it's in D. After inching along a bit with the engine at relatively high revs, I make a U-turn at the light and head back home, inching along very slowly.

On that short trip back home, there were a couple of instances where it seems to catch and transfer power normally but then it would resume slipping.

I parked it and went back in the house to swap keys to take the M3 instead (which I will skip mentioning happened to have a dead battery - and my wife had already left for work in the Audi - fun morning).

So my question is- I really don't know jack about automatic transmissions. I've watched the YouTube videos on how they work (impressive, actually) but beyond that, nada. Could this just be related to the cold (it was 15F and the E39 sleeps outside)? Or has the tranny joined the list of items that have crapped out on this car?

*Plaz* · 01-05-2016, 10:29 AM

I'd guess the most likely issue is that it's just low on fluid somehow. This can be more evident when it's cold.

John V · 01-05-2016, 11:05 AM

Definitely check the fluid, but if it was low enough on fluid that it started to slip, it's done for.

Nick M3 · 01-05-2016, 11:09 AM

Good opportunity to 3 pedal it. :P

Jeff_DML · 01-05-2016, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

Good opportunity to 3 pedal it. :P

bummer but yep, time for a swap.

edit: e39 I6 manual should be fun, got the proper rack and not enormous. Best looking 5 IMHO

John V · 01-05-2016, 11:31 AM

I would be happy to take on this project ☺

JST · 01-05-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

I would be happy to take on this project ☺

Awesome. I would be happy to come and watch. I might even be willing to drink some beer and provide snide commentary.

Jeff_DML · 01-05-2016, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

Awesome. I would be happy to come and watch. I might even be willing to drink some beer and provide snide commentary.

just be careful not to wrench after a few beers

*Plaz* · 01-05-2016, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

Awesome. I would be happy to come and watch. I might even be willing to drink some beer and provide snide commentary.

Your selflessness is an inspiration to us all.

Nick M3 · 01-05-2016, 11:51 AM

While you're at it, drop in a 3.0 and have the best E39 possible.

01-05-2016, 10:09 AM	#1
TD Founder emeritus Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 21,007	Auto tranny question Grrr... So I'm heading to work this morning in the E39, still in my neighborhood, when it seems the transmission decides to crap out. I'm a light waiting to turn left and, after having it change to green, the car barely moves as I apply throttle and it's in D. After inching along a bit with the engine at relatively high revs, I make a U-turn at the light and head back home, inching along very slowly. On that short trip back home, there were a couple of instances where it seems to catch and transfer power normally but then it would resume slipping. I parked it and went back in the house to swap keys to take the M3 instead (which I will skip mentioning happened to have a dead battery - and my wife had already left for work in the Audi - fun morning). So my question is- I really don't know jack about automatic transmissions. I've watched the YouTube videos on how they work (impressive, actually) but beyond that, nada. Could this just be related to the cold (it was 15F and the E39 sleeps outside)? Or has the tranny joined the list of items that have crapped out on this car?

01-05-2016, 10:29 AM	#2
Plaz ••••••• Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '11 1M Location: Churzee Posts: 17,741	I'd guess the most likely issue is that it's just low on fluid somehow. This can be more evident when it's cold. __________________ 2011 1M

01-05-2016, 11:09 AM	#4
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	Good opportunity to 3 pedal it. :P __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

01-05-2016, 11:51 AM	#10
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	While you're at it, drop in a 3.0 and have the best E39 possible. __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

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01-05-2016, 11:05 AM	#3
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Definitely check the fluid, but if it was low enough on fluid that it started to slip, it's done for.

01-05-2016, 11:31 AM	#6
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	I would be happy to take on this project ☺