Does you auto transmission go “bang”? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Ridge Rat · 09-29-2005, 05:56 PM

I need some help with a transmission question. Basically, I’m not sure if what I am hearing is normal or indicative of a transmission problem. Fist off, I have about 5500 miles on a 330i with an automatic transmission and have been hearing this for several weeks now.

The sound I am hearing is a sort of loose metallic slap or bang coming from the transmission and is louder and different than the normal muffled thump or bump that I hear most of the time. It happens about once a day in normal commuter driving.

There is no mistaking the noise when it happens because it is fairly loud (about as loud as a person saying "bang" in a typical conversational voice) and much different than the usual transmission sounds. It is random and does not happen when shifting between 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. only when moving the shift lever between park, reverse, and drive. Nor does it seem to happen when moving from D to DS. So far I haven’t been able to find a particular situation that causes it to happen consistently so I have been hesitant to take it to the dealership (because I expect that there is only about a 50/50 chance that it will happen while the dealer has it). Other than this occasional odd noise the car seems to be running fine.

Has anyone else heard this sound?

Am I being paranoid?

Is this normal in that sometimes the transmission just has some slack in it when changing from park, reverse or drive and needs to align itself?

Thanks for any help.

09-29-2005, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridge Rat

I need some help with a transmission question. Basically, I’m not sure if what I am hearing is normal or indicative of a transmission problem. Fist off, I have about 5500 miles on a 330i with an automatic transmission and have been hearing this for several weeks now.

The sound I am hearing is a sort of loose metallic slap or bang coming from the transmission and is louder and different than the normal muffled thump or bump that I hear most of the time. It happens about once a day in normal commuter driving.

There is no mistaking the noise when it happens because it is fairly loud (about as loud as a person saying "bang" in a typical conversational voice) and much different than the usual transmission sounds. It is random and does not happen when shifting between 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. only when moving the shift lever between park, reverse, and drive. Nor does it seem to happen when moving from D to DS. So far I haven’t been able to find a particular situation that causes it to happen consistently so I have been hesitant to take it to the dealership (because I expect that there is only about a 50/50 chance that it will happen while the dealer has it). Other than this occasional odd noise the car seems to be running fine.

Has anyone else heard this sound?

Am I being paranoid?

Is this normal in that sometimes the transmission just has some slack in it when changing from park, reverse or drive and needs to align itself?

Thanks for any help.

After reading your description I would definitely have you take it into your dealer and have them check it out, just to be safe. I have an automatic also and mine does not make the noise you describe. Take it by your dealer as soon as you can.

chris · 09-29-2005, 07:13 PM

I agree, that doesn't sound too good. I would take it in ASAP!

Eldalo3 · 05-17-2006, 05:26 AM

Hey man. I got the same problem I have 13500 miles on my car. I think the problem from the way I drive (Sport Mode all the time).
What I did:
Went to the dealer and they could not duplicate the problem. They ask me if it happens again to come back ASAP. On my way back home it's happen when I was parking. Next day drop of my car and they have an update for the transmission. Any way the update does not help to solve the problem and I’m going to them tomorrow.

Discodancingrover · 05-17-2006, 09:21 AM

I've got the same problem on mine also with 9000 miles. I'm taking my car in on wedesday again and going to have them look at it.

Eldalo3-When you took it back were they able to duplicate the problem? What sorta update did they do? Just curious

E90Fleet · 05-17-2006, 09:46 AM

Transmission shouldnt make such a noise

Are you shure its not maybe a noise from the brakes taking up strain when you put it into drive?
Say maybe you are not pressing the brake down hard enough or the handbrake isnt fully on and you shift to D, the engine tries to move the car and the brakes make a sound as they grip ???

Handbrake makes bang type a sound if you forgot it on and tried to mve off and then suddenly release it.

ericiu · 05-17-2006, 12:07 PM

I currently own a 545i, a phenomenon called "transmission slam" has long been reported in the E60 forums. It would happen most often from accelerating from a stop or incomplete stop.

The fix is a software update, at least for the 5 series. With the software update though, you tend to get new problems (the double-edge sword of updating your software).

Not sure if that's what you have going on, but it does sound like a transmission software thing.

MoreCowbell · 05-17-2006, 01:09 PM

I am starting to think I bought a computer and not a car

ahmpower · 05-17-2006, 06:26 PM

Wow, transmission slam. Sounds nasty. How on earth would it be solved with software, I wonder. It's probably not the same, but on my old 325i manual gearbox, I get a big bang when the gear pops out into neutral from 1st. Scares the hell out of me when it does, and the passengers. I hope you don't have a similar serious mechanical problem with your transmission.

ska325xi · 05-17-2006, 07:02 PM

dawmm...this sucks

cntlaw · 05-17-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridge Rat

The sound I am hearing is a sort of loose metallic slap or bang coming from the transmission and is louder and different than the normal muffled thump or bump that I hear most of the time. It happens about once a day in normal commuter driving.
only when moving the shift lever between park, reverse, and drive. .

I am sure your foot should be pressuring on the brake pedal when shifting between in P , R , N . Try to step on it heavier see if any differences

LEDZEP · 05-18-2006, 07:06 AM

With both my cars (mostly the E91, I've noticed) there is a metallic pop sound when the car is put into reverse from park. It is so consistent that I assume it is "normal". Perhaps it is the parking brake disengaging? The sound is very similar to a sudden expansion of metal, but no way the car has warmed up that quickly.

Robin Hood · 05-18-2006, 07:46 AM

Autoboxes shouldn't make that noise.Neither manual boxes.
Only the bangbus makes a noise like that

mds82 · 05-18-2006, 09:14 AM

I am actually having somethign similar with my 6-speed. i just put on new 19 inch wheels and when i slow down fast i hear a thud, bang and it feels like the clutch isnt pushed in all the way. i dont think the lugs are loose but i have to check still... its strange.

darval · 05-18-2006, 03:14 PM

I have not had this experience with this car, but I have seen something similar. If you park the car on an incline and put it in park with the brake on (normal way to do it), once you release the brake, the tension/load is taken up by the parking pin (or whatever it is called in the transmission). When you come back and take the car out of park, I have heard a "bang" as it lets go.

If you are parking on a hill, this may be related. You could also try to make sure you use the parking brake and that it is secure enough to not allow any movement when you put it in park or remove it from park.

Rick..

blke90man · 05-18-2006, 04:06 PM

Make sure your pressing hard enough on the brake. I had this problem and then I realized I wasn't pressing the brake hard enough and the problem was solved...hasn't happened since.

cdheaven · 05-18-2006, 04:11 PM

my tranny make this noise also. its mostly when i start the car, and put it from park into reverse. but i believe its also happened when i stopped driving and went from drive to park. My old car (acura tl-s) did this also. But the type s tranny was NOTORIOUS for breaking. So i figured it was normal in that car, and now im worried that this car has the same symptons as a tranny that was none to break.

whitecord · 05-18-2006, 07:00 PM

you would be suprised what a updated software could fix..

as for your problem i would worry about it..

the reason you dont hear it from d to ds is you are just telling you egs module(trans) that you want to hold the gear longer and have more agressive shifting

blke90man · 05-18-2006, 09:44 PM

So when I pulled into the garage today it happened putting the car into park, and I had the brake pressed pretty firmly. So...I don't know what the problem is, but it definitely doesn't sound normal.

cdheaven · 05-19-2006, 12:34 AM

i double checked my noise to. and there is deifnitly SOMETHING. when i put it into reverse, you hear the tranny shift, but it doesnt sound bad, or abnormal. THENNN one second later, after its already in gear, it makes a slightly louder, less healthy sounding noise.

Ryan@Motorwerks · 05-21-2006, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gluck75

I am starting to think I bought a computer and not a car

DING DING DING!!!!

super88ta · 05-29-2006, 07:33 PM

Could possibly be the rear diff mount. there was another one in our shop with the same problem. noise coming from car when coming to a stop or putting into gear. tech found that the diff mount was loose.

09-29-2005, 05:56 PM	#1
Ridge Rat Member Drives: 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 9 iTrader: (0)	Does you auto transmission go “bang”? I need some help with a transmission question. Basically, I’m not sure if what I am hearing is normal or indicative of a transmission problem. Fist off, I have about 5500 miles on a 330i with an automatic transmission and have been hearing this for several weeks now. The sound I am hearing is a sort of loose metallic slap or bang coming from the transmission and is louder and different than the normal muffled thump or bump that I hear most of the time. It happens about once a day in normal commuter driving. There is no mistaking the noise when it happens because it is fairly loud (about as loud as a person saying "bang" in a typical conversational voice) and much different than the usual transmission sounds. It is random and does not happen when shifting between 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. only when moving the shift lever between park, reverse, and drive. Nor does it seem to happen when moving from D to DS. So far I haven’t been able to find a particular situation that causes it to happen consistently so I have been hesitant to take it to the dealership (because I expect that there is only about a 50/50 chance that it will happen while the dealer has it). Other than this occasional odd noise the car seems to be running fine. Has anyone else heard this sound? Am I being paranoid? Is this normal in that sometimes the transmission just has some slack in it when changing from park, reverse or drive and needs to align itself? Thanks for any help.
	Tweet

05-17-2006, 09:46 AM	#6
E90Fleet Major General Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 6,822 iTrader: (0)	Transmission shouldnt make such a noise Are you shure its not maybe a noise from the brakes taking up strain when you put it into drive? Say maybe you are not pressing the brake down hard enough or the handbrake isnt fully on and you shift to D, the engine tries to move the car and the brakes make a sound as they grip ??? Handbrake makes bang type a sound if you forgot it on and tried to mve off and then suddenly release it. __________________ Nominated: Member of the Year, Most Contributing Member BMW if you are reading this, I need a JOB

05-17-2006, 01:09 PM	#8
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2007 e92 335 Jet Black-Saddle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 1,639 iTrader: (0)	I am starting to think I bought a computer and not a car __________________ 1997 Z3 3.0: Retired 2006 E90 330i: Retired 2007 E92 335: Retired 2009 E70 4.8: Totaled by Drunk Bitch 2011 E70 3.5D: Current Space Gray w Black Nevada - Loaded!!!

05-17-2006, 07:02 PM	#10
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,286 iTrader: (25) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 2006 325xi [0.00]	dawmm...this sucks __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals

05-18-2006, 07:06 AM	#12
LEDZEP Lieutenant General Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 Posts: 12,285 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [3.93] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	With both my cars (mostly the E91, I've noticed) there is a metallic pop sound when the car is put into reverse from park. It is so consistent that I assume it is "normal". Perhaps it is the parking brake disengaging? The sound is very similar to a sudden expansion of metal, but no way the car has warmed up that quickly. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious

09-29-2005, 07:13 PM	#3
chris First Lieutenant Drives: Jet Black e90 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 283 iTrader: (0)	I agree, that doesn't sound too good. I would take it in ASAP!

05-17-2006, 05:26 AM	#4
Eldalo3 Private First Class Drives: 325/E90 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Irvine Posts: 82 iTrader: (0)	Hey man. I got the same problem I have 13500 miles on my car. I think the problem from the way I drive (Sport Mode all the time). What I did: Went to the dealer and they could not duplicate the problem. They ask me if it happens again to come back ASAP. On my way back home it's happen when I was parking. Next day drop of my car and they have an update for the transmission. Any way the update does not help to solve the problem and I’m going to them tomorrow.

05-17-2006, 09:21 AM	#5
Discodancingrover F=MA? Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Washington DC Posts: 151 iTrader: (1)	I've got the same problem on mine also with 9000 miles. I'm taking my car in on wedesday again and going to have them look at it. Eldalo3-When you took it back were they able to duplicate the problem? What sorta update did they do? Just curious

05-17-2006, 12:07 PM	#7
ericiu Private Drives: '11.5 TiSilver E93 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: South Beach MIA Posts: 91 iTrader: (0)	I currently own a 545i, a phenomenon called "transmission slam" has long been reported in the E60 forums. It would happen most often from accelerating from a stop or incomplete stop. The fix is a software update, at least for the 5 series. With the software update though, you tend to get new problems (the double-edge sword of updating your software). Not sure if that's what you have going on, but it does sound like a transmission software thing.

05-17-2006, 06:26 PM	#9
ahmpower Second Lieutenant Drives: 03 BMW M3 cabrio Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Geneva Posts: 139 iTrader: (0)	Wow, transmission slam. Sounds nasty. How on earth would it be solved with software, I wonder. It's probably not the same, but on my old 325i manual gearbox, I get a big bang when the gear pops out into neutral from 1st. Scares the hell out of me when it does, and the passengers. I hope you don't have a similar serious mechanical problem with your transmission.

05-18-2006, 07:46 AM	#13
Robin Hood S0THPAW Drives: F10 535i/ F30 335i 6MT ordered Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Netherlands, Europe Posts: 2,961 iTrader: (0)	Autoboxes shouldn't make that noise.Neither manual boxes. Only the bangbus makes a noise like that

05-18-2006, 09:14 AM	#14
mds82 Major General Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Central Connecticut Posts: 5,870 iTrader: (40) Garage List 2006 325xi Snow Pics [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00]	I am actually having somethign similar with my 6-speed. i just put on new 19 inch wheels and when i slow down fast i hear a thud, bang and it feels like the clutch isnt pushed in all the way. i dont think the lugs are loose but i have to check still... its strange. __________________ 19" Breyton Race GTS Matt Grey, Eisenmann 4x70 Exhaust with SR Pipes. Vorsteiner Hood, Bilstein Shocks, CFEverywhere, mtec rear, Carbon Fiber Headlights

05-18-2006, 03:14 PM	#15
darval New Member Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 2 iTrader: (0)	I have not had this experience with this car, but I have seen something similar. If you park the car on an incline and put it in park with the brake on (normal way to do it), once you release the brake, the tension/load is taken up by the parking pin (or whatever it is called in the transmission). When you come back and take the car out of park, I have heard a "bang" as it lets go. If you are parking on a hill, this may be related. You could also try to make sure you use the parking brake and that it is secure enough to not allow any movement when you put it in park or remove it from park. Rick..

05-18-2006, 04:06 PM	#16
blke90man Private Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: orange county, ca Posts: 97 iTrader: (0)	Make sure your pressing hard enough on the brake. I had this problem and then I realized I wasn't pressing the brake hard enough and the problem was solved...hasn't happened since. Last edited by blke90man; 05-18-2006 at 09:41 PM.

05-18-2006, 04:11 PM	#17
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl Posts: 962 iTrader: (1)	my tranny make this noise also. its mostly when i start the car, and put it from park into reverse. but i believe its also happened when i stopped driving and went from drive to park. My old car (acura tl-s) did this also. But the type s tranny was NOTORIOUS for breaking. So i figured it was normal in that car, and now im worried that this car has the same symptons as a tranny that was none to break. __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down

05-18-2006, 07:00 PM	#18
whitecord Private First Class Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2006 Location: bonita springs Posts: 189 iTrader: (2)	you would be suprised what a updated software could fix.. as for your problem i would worry about it.. the reason you dont hear it from d to ds is you are just telling you egs module(trans) that you want to hold the gear longer and have more agressive shifting

05-18-2006, 09:44 PM	#19
blke90man Private Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: orange county, ca Posts: 97 iTrader: (0)	So when I pulled into the garage today it happened putting the car into park, and I had the brake pressed pretty firmly. So...I don't know what the problem is, but it definitely doesn't sound normal.

05-19-2006, 12:34 AM	#20
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl Posts: 962 iTrader: (1)	i double checked my noise to. and there is deifnitly SOMETHING. when i put it into reverse, you hear the tranny shift, but it doesnt sound bad, or abnormal. THENNN one second later, after its already in gear, it makes a slightly louder, less healthy sounding noise. __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down

05-29-2006, 07:33 PM	#22
super88ta Client Advisor Drives: 06 330i, Monaco Blue w/Gray Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 45 iTrader: (0)	Could possibly be the rear diff mount. there was another one in our shop with the same problem. noise coming from car when coming to a stop or putting into gear. tech found that the diff mount was loose.