Mechatronic problem

BoostaVita · 11-25-2012, 04:57 PM

Dealer just finished replacing water pump, thermostat, and coolant expansion tank. While they were servicing, they also recommend replacing mechatronics sleeve and transmission pan gasket due to transmission fluid leak. I have search the forum and it seems that this is a common problem with e90 auto. I haven't notice any fluid leaks when parked overnight. Want to know how urgent should I have this done and what's a reasonable cost to do it (dealer or independent). Is this a DIY that is difficult and easy to screw things up big time? Any input is greatly appreciated. BTW, my car is a 08 335xi with 117k miles. TIA.

Evelyn · 11-25-2012, 09:19 PM

This is not an easy DIY, when a new sleeve is installed the pan and internals (valve body) need to be dropped and when the new sleeve goes in it has to have exactly 3mm clearance between the plug and sleeve no more no less or yes it will cause big problems. As far as price it can vary greatly with Indy shops $500-$900. Not mention there is also only one way and one procedure when refilling the tranny with fluid that requires a BMW scan tool, also the tranny has to be completely cold or you risk the pan warping right in front of you. I recommend a shop experianced with your tranny or the dealership do the job.

335okc · 11-25-2012, 09:29 PM

+1 on not easy DIY, but you don't need to drop "internals".
in order to replace mechantronic sleeve, you will have to take off the pan (you're replacing gasket anyway).
i did replace my pan gasket because it was leaking, i could not get the new type of mechantronic sleeve to slide far enough to lock it back in place.
so i resorted to just use my old mech sleeve since it wasn't leaking in the first place.

BoostaVita · 11-25-2012, 09:48 PM

Thanks for the replies. I think I will let the dealer handle this. If I keep driving with this leak, what would eventually happen? Is there a warning light before the transmission gone completely dry? Could there be major damage to transmission if not fixed soon? (btw, I haven't notice any fluid on the ground when parked overnight).

335okc · 11-25-2012, 09:55 PM

if you don't see the leak on the floor overnight, that means it's just seeping out of the seal or gasket. it's hard to say if it's OK or not because you don't know how long it's been leaking. i'm not aware that there's a warning light or even a sensor for ATF fluid level.
the only way to figure out the ATF level is to warm up the ATF (between 85 and hundred something), then open the fill screw, if the liquid seep out, you got enough. if not you need to add.

BoostaVita · 11-25-2012, 10:32 PM

I see. This makes me wonder since BMW advocate "lifetime fill", shouldn't they engineer the transmission seal better? Oh well, hope this is the last bullet I have to bite. Thanks for all the help.

KyLu II · 11-26-2012, 12:49 AM

I did it myself and parts were almost 300bux. I used zf parts. The most important tool you need is a torque wrench.

KyLu II · 11-26-2012, 12:50 AM

If u plan doing it yourself they are several DIY on here, if not be ready to pay 600+ for parts and labor.

sammy_0559 · 11-26-2012, 06:48 AM

I would pay anyone to do anything... ANything can be DIY. The mechatrnoic sleeve is a bit stubborn but if you wedge it in right you will get it.

My DIY is below. scroll through it to find the Mechatronic part

enjoy

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538296

cn555ic · 11-26-2012, 07:09 AM

If you see a puddle on the floor it needs to be changed out.

RequestTheOverhead · 11-26-2012, 11:33 AM

On an AT, the car will throw up a warning and the tranny will stop shifting to protect itself if the fluid gets low. One of my tranny fluid lines running to the cooler failed and threw tranny fluid all over my engine bay. Lost all the pressure and probably 85% of the fluid in less than 5 secs. Suppose to get it back today after being in the shop for a week (cause of the holiday). I would high suggest that anyone with an AT do a quick visual inspection of the AT oil cooler lines whenever you do an oil change! They're easy to check (bottom, drivers side behind the fan shroud) and it could save you the hassle of getting stuck somewhere.

Clarkson · 11-26-2012, 11:45 AM

Small world. I just had this exact thing fixed on my 335xi. The total bill was like $700 at the dealer with a two day rental ($70). The entire tab was covered under my extended warranty.

They said mine didn't have to be done right away but to get it scheduled.

Ch3ss · 11-27-2012, 07:33 AM

If your going to change the gasket mind as well change the filter.The sleeve does take some wiggling to get it out and having a small hand is a plus. The only thing you have to be aware of is the position of the sleeve when you put it back in so you don't bend any pins. Overall pretty easy diy since I had access to a lift.

11-25-2012, 04:57 PM	#1
BoostaVita Private First Class 13 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 08 335xi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: autobahn iTrader: (0)	Mechatronic problem Dealer just finished replacing water pump, thermostat, and coolant expansion tank. While they were servicing, they also recommend replacing mechatronics sleeve and transmission pan gasket due to transmission fluid leak. I have search the forum and it seems that this is a common problem with e90 auto. I haven't notice any fluid leaks when parked overnight. Want to know how urgent should I have this done and what's a reasonable cost to do it (dealer or independent). Is this a DIY that is difficult and easy to screw things up big time? Any input is greatly appreciated. BTW, my car is a 08 335xi with 117k miles. TIA.
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11-25-2012, 09:19 PM	#2
Evelyn Private 1 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 335i M Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Washington iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335 m [5.00]	This is not an easy DIY, when a new sleeve is installed the pan and internals (valve body) need to be dropped and when the new sleeve goes in it has to have exactly 3mm clearance between the plug and sleeve no more no less or yes it will cause big problems. As far as price it can vary greatly with Indy shops $500-$900. Not mention there is also only one way and one procedure when refilling the tranny with fluid that requires a BMW scan tool, also the tranny has to be completely cold or you risk the pan warping right in front of you. I recommend a shop experianced with your tranny or the dealership do the job.
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11-25-2012, 09:29 PM	#3
335okc Captain 42 Rep 659 Posts Drives: e90 335 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: okc iTrader: (0)	+1 on not easy DIY, but you don't need to drop "internals". in order to replace mechantronic sleeve, you will have to take off the pan (you're replacing gasket anyway). i did replace my pan gasket because it was leaking, i could not get the new type of mechantronic sleeve to slide far enough to lock it back in place. so i resorted to just use my old mech sleeve since it wasn't leaking in the first place.
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11-25-2012, 09:48 PM	#4
BoostaVita Private First Class 13 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 08 335xi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: autobahn iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. I think I will let the dealer handle this. If I keep driving with this leak, what would eventually happen? Is there a warning light before the transmission gone completely dry? Could there be major damage to transmission if not fixed soon? (btw, I haven't notice any fluid on the ground when parked overnight).
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11-25-2012, 09:55 PM	#5
335okc Captain 42 Rep 659 Posts Drives: e90 335 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: okc iTrader: (0)	if you don't see the leak on the floor overnight, that means it's just seeping out of the seal or gasket. it's hard to say if it's OK or not because you don't know how long it's been leaking. i'm not aware that there's a warning light or even a sensor for ATF fluid level. the only way to figure out the ATF level is to warm up the ATF (between 85 and hundred something), then open the fill screw, if the liquid seep out, you got enough. if not you need to add.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-25-2012, 10:32 PM	#6
BoostaVita Private First Class 13 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 08 335xi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: autobahn iTrader: (0)	I see. This makes me wonder since BMW advocate "lifetime fill", shouldn't they engineer the transmission seal better? Oh well, hope this is the last bullet I have to bite. Thanks for all the help.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-26-2012, 12:49 AM	#7
KyLu II FREE DREAMK 162 Rep 9,321 Posts Drives: the shiiit! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vineland, NJ iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 Lexus LFA [3.76]	I did it myself and parts were almost 300bux. I used zf parts. The most important tool you need is a torque wrench. __________________
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11-26-2012, 12:50 AM	#8
KyLu II FREE DREAMK 162 Rep 9,321 Posts Drives: the shiiit! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vineland, NJ iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 Lexus LFA [3.76]	If u plan doing it yourself they are several DIY on here, if not be ready to pay 600+ for parts and labor. __________________
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11-26-2012, 06:48 AM	#9
sammy_0559 Lieutenant Colonel 202 Rep 1,950 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: FortWorth, Texas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 E93 335i [3.66]	I would pay anyone to do anything... ANything can be DIY. The mechatrnoic sleeve is a bit stubborn but if you wedge it in right you will get it. My DIY is below. scroll through it to find the Mechatronic part enjoy http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538296
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11-26-2012, 07:09 AM	#10
cn555ic 441 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	If you see a puddle on the floor it needs to be changed out.
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11-26-2012, 11:33 AM	#11
RequestTheOverhead Going Mach Chicken 4 Rep 92 Posts Drives: e90 pre-LCI 335 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List '98 Honda Superhawk ... [0.00] 2007 BMW 335xi [8.00]	On an AT, the car will throw up a warning and the tranny will stop shifting to protect itself if the fluid gets low. One of my tranny fluid lines running to the cooler failed and threw tranny fluid all over my engine bay. Lost all the pressure and probably 85% of the fluid in less than 5 secs. Suppose to get it back today after being in the shop for a week (cause of the holiday). I would high suggest that anyone with an AT do a quick visual inspection of the AT oil cooler lines whenever you do an oil change! They're easy to check (bottom, drivers side behind the fan shroud) and it could save you the hassle of getting stuck somewhere. __________________ '07 335xi, Alpine White \| Cold, "Sport", and Luxury packages \| Tinted \| OEM Black Lines \| JB4 \| DCI \| ER FMIC \| Forge DV's \| Custom exhaust with secondary cat delete, Magnaflow mufflers, black Dimisa Tips \| Staggered 18" V718's, Matte Black \| Flappy Paddles \| Titanium CF Trim Wrap \| BMW Performance Shifter and E-Brake Handle \|
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11-26-2012, 11:45 AM	#12
Clarkson The Uninformed 3 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest iTrader: (1)	Small world. I just had this exact thing fixed on my 335xi. The total bill was like $700 at the dealer with a two day rental ($70). The entire tab was covered under my extended warranty. They said mine didn't have to be done right away but to get it scheduled.
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11-27-2012, 07:33 AM	#13
Ch3ss First Lieutenant 17 Rep 372 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: CA iTrader: (7)	If your going to change the gasket mind as well change the filter.The sleeve does take some wiggling to get it out and having a small hand is a plus. The only thing you have to be aware of is the position of the sleeve when you put it back in so you don't bend any pins. Overall pretty easy diy since I had access to a lift.
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