2006 330Xi transmission issues? Newby here!

black330 · 11-30-2018, 03:24 PM

Hello all, just looking for some help if anyone can shed some light on my problem...

Recently purchased this BMW (automatic). It had about 92,000 on it when I bought it.

At 100,000 did a lot!
New plugs
New rotors and pads (old ones didn't need it but planned on giving car to my daughter)
New electric water pump
Changed power steering res/filter/fluid
Full transmission service (recently, within last 2000 miles)
You get the idea... all it needed and more I think.

Now it is "missing" or "hesitating" when driving. Felt like maybe electronics to me but when I had it at the dealer last week for recalls they said the fluid is low, $380 to fill!
I passed! And dropped it at the transmission shop who says it is full and had a code in it for slipping between 5th and 6th gear. It went into limp home mode a couple times early on when the issues started after shifting hard in the upper gears. Seems to get better with the DTC off.
Any ideas? Trans shop is currently investigating, while I consider selling!

black330 · 11-30-2018, 03:28 PM

Problems started after all the items were changed... so I am ruling out any of the work as the problem area.

dakotap80 · 11-30-2018, 05:04 PM

My old 330xi did the exact same thing after I changed the plugs, it would just occasionally have a hard miss. My guess is that it was due to the gaps on the new plugs being different from the old worn out ones, but either way it eventually went away after a few thousand miles, I'm assuming the computer adapted to the new plugs.
The transmission issues however sound pretty serious, it seems like a very very bad idea to be driving while the transmission is low on fluid, I would get that topped off ASAP.

black330 · 11-30-2018, 05:31 PM

Sorry, I had a lot of information in there...

Dealer was wrong. Transmission had the proper level of fluid in it. They were guessing and going to charge me a lot for a guess! Trans shop is trying to figure it out now.
I just found it odd that defeating the DTC makes it less noticeable, by a lot.

colorado.e9x · 11-30-2018, 11:27 PM

I'd also like to know, my tranny slips hard sometimes..

black330 · 12-06-2018, 05:07 PM

Trans shop says its an internal issue. New $7000 and used $4000

Trying to get a few more opinions and options but it doesn't look promising!

No clue what to do now. Very unhappy that a well maintained car with only 108,000 miles needs a transmission that is half the value of the car!!!

nsjames · 12-06-2018, 06:05 PM

internal issue is pretty vague.

is it valvebody?
pump?
Clutches?
If it's valvebody you could slap a reman valvebody on it for less than a grand and roll on.

https://revmaxconverters.com/product...y-mechatronic/

ctuna · 12-06-2018, 06:11 PM

alfazrus · 12-06-2018, 07:06 PM

What transmission shop is that? And what is the exact code?

black330 · 12-09-2018, 04:58 PM

Well, dealer said new only (stated BMW doesn't want dealer in the transmissions at all). Local transmission shop (which I have had great results with in the past, honest and fair prices) said same thing as the dealer for the most part. Rock auto has one for $5200 but then install price would probably get that to $7000.

Here is the history of the symptom /problem:
1) original issue has a hard shift between higher gear changes (like 5th to 6th, it would act like it was confused about upshifting and them slam into gear) that would cause a limp home mode.
2) then had full service to transmission performed (filter, flush, new BMW fluid)
3) after service within a relatively short time it started to stutter, like a miss, I almost thought electrical issue. Hard to describe but almost like a car running out of fuel pressure.
4) with DTC off it seems to help eliminate some of the issue.

Fluid level checked out fine. I decided to bring it home. Going to try to add transmission friction modifier. Heck, can't hurt! See if it masks the problems or not. I see this is research if nothing else!

black330 · 12-09-2018, 05:00 PM

Sorry alfazrus... I didn't ask the shop what code it set exactly but I think he told me it said slippage in 5th and 6th gear... I will look at the receipt when I pick it up tomorrow.

nsjames · 12-10-2018, 11:40 AM

that's likely a line pressure issue.

lowest input shaft speed at the pump, along with highest load in overdrive gears.

which could still be a solenoid or valvebody issue.
when it was serviced, did they replace the mechatronic seal?

black330 · 12-11-2018, 10:52 AM

As far as I am aware the service was limited to new pan/filter unit and fluids and then the reprogram.
Stored codes had nothing to do with trans, one was steering code, and the other was brake fluid level from when I did the brake job

nsjames · 12-11-2018, 11:00 AM

google the mechatronic sleeve.
when it leaks it bypasses pressure back into the pan from the VB, and can cause clutch slipping.

recommend sooner rather than later. It won't take long for slipping clutches to destroy the trans, and then you will be looking at big money.

black330 · 12-26-2018, 12:03 PM

OK, going to try the Mechatronic sleeve myself! Looks fairly easy. Am I to understand that the trans will need a programming after I complete this? Or will clearing the codes with a scan tool get me on the road again assuming the sleeve was the problem... I am also adding some friction modifier when I have it apart. Thanks for any input!

lowrydr310 · 12-26-2018, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by black330

OK, going to try the Mechatronic sleeve myself! Looks fairly easy. Am I to understand that the trans will need a programming after I complete this? Or will clearing the codes with a scan tool get me on the road again assuming the sleeve was the problem... I am also adding some friction modifier when I have it apart. Thanks for any input!

Where did you have your transmission serviced? Does the 330Xi have the ZF transmission? If so, you need to make sure it was serviced correctly, with the proper fluid used and filled to the correct level. I would only trust a transmission specialist shop if they have experience with the ZF 6HP transmissions and know the proper filling procedure, otherwise they may not know that you need to fill it with fluid through the fill hole while the engine is running and then top it off when the fluid is at the correct temperature.

It's not likely that your transmission is shot at 108K miles especially if it wasn't abused. Replacement of the Mechatronic sleeve is a great start, but if it was my car I'd just go ahead and replace the solenoids too while you're in there. Parts are $250 and I consider it cheap insurance.

You shouldn't need to reset the adaptations after replacing the just the mechatronic sleeve (or even the sleeve and solenoids).

Bali · 12-28-2018, 01:58 AM

Never ceases to amaze me how ignorant repair shops are about automatic transmissions. The solution to any problem inevitably seems to be, “Ya need a new transmission buddy, $7,000 please?”

I mean, you don’t replace the whole engine whenever there is some engine issue, do ya?

Wonder if rocket scientists, while discussing a simple problem, comment: “Hey, it’s not automatric transmission science!”

black330 · 01-21-2019, 03:14 PM

Sorry guys I have been busy (snow, work, its 9 below zero today!) but the trans fluid is draining as I type. BMW dealership was replacement only (no authorized work on transmissions I was told). Trans shop worked with me as best they could but here is my plan now...
1) got the new bridge seal from trans to valve body and plan to install that
2) trying to decide if I want to do the solenoids or not. May decide to after mech unit is out.
3) when putting back together I plan to add a little friction modifier (trans specific)
4) then the plan is to have the codes removed (it is in limp home mode as of now, stays on)
5) probably should have it reprogrammed????
Any suggestions or advice? I hope this fixes it because spenng 6 or 7 grand on an 8 thousand dollar car is crazy in my opinion!

Major issue that started all of this was a long lazy shift from 5th to 6th and that ended with a hard bump into 6th setting off the limp home mode. I am hoping it was a pressure issue caused by the trans to valvebody seal I plan to replace.

lowrydr310 · 01-21-2019, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by black330

Sorry guys I have been busy (snow, work, its 9 below zero today!) but the trans fluid is draining as I type. BMW dealership was replacement only (no authorized work on transmissions I was told). Trans shop worked with me as best they could but here is my plan now...
1) got the new bridge seal from trans to valve body and plan to install that
2) trying to decide if I want to do the solenoids or not. May decide to after mech unit is out.
3) when putting back together I plan to add a little friction modifier (trans specific)
4) then the plan is to have the codes removed (it is in limp home mode as of now, stays on)
5) probably should have it reprogrammed????
Any suggestions or advice? I hope this fixes it because spenng 6 or 7 grand on an 8 thousand dollar car is crazy in my opinion!

Major issue that started all of this was a long lazy shift from 5th to 6th and that ended with a hard bump into 6th setting off the limp home mode. I am hoping it was a pressure issue caused by the trans to valvebody seal I plan to replace.

All sounds good except the friction modifier. Don't add anything, just use a good quality fluid. Do you have the GM or ZF gearbox?

black330 · 01-21-2019, 05:25 PM

ZF
My brother worked at american axle and said they had good results with friction modifier on somewhat high mileage transmissions (especially if they had little trans service work over the ears: fluid change got rid of worn clutch material causing slippage) so I figure half the recommended amount shouldn't hurt as I know little about the car since I bought it... although I was told it had an open checkbook policy for maintenance... but no proof of that other than it is in near perfect condition for the mileage

black330 · 01-21-2019, 05:26 PM

It has the BMW fluid in it, only 1000 or so miles on it (plus I bought some extra for this project.

black330 · 04-15-2019, 06:12 PM

OK, so just an update (looking for advice). Took out mechatronic unit. Changed new bridge seal, the 4 tube seals and all the shift solenoids, torqued everything and re-installed (over a time period, been busy!). Battery was disconnected and charging for over a month. After hooking it back up and starting the car after fluid fill, etc. there are a TON of lights on now. 4x4 warning light, barke warning light, its still in limp home mode, needless to say I waasn't exactly pleased! Is there a software code / cord package I should by or would I be better off having someone with knowledge do it? I am assuming i need to reset codes and possibly program the transmission? Any helpful hints would be appreciated!

11-30-2018, 03:24 PM	#1
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	2006 330Xi transmission issues? Newby here! Hello all, just looking for some help if anyone can shed some light on my problem... Recently purchased this BMW (automatic). It had about 92,000 on it when I bought it. At 100,000 did a lot! New plugs New rotors and pads (old ones didn't need it but planned on giving car to my daughter) New electric water pump Changed power steering res/filter/fluid Full transmission service (recently, within last 2000 miles) You get the idea... all it needed and more I think. Now it is "missing" or "hesitating" when driving. Felt like maybe electronics to me but when I had it at the dealer last week for recalls they said the fluid is low, $380 to fill! I passed! And dropped it at the transmission shop who says it is full and had a code in it for slipping between 5th and 6th gear. It went into limp home mode a couple times early on when the issues started after shifting hard in the upper gears. Seems to get better with the DTC off. Any ideas? Trans shop is currently investigating, while I consider selling!
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11-30-2018, 03:28 PM	#2
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	Problems started after all the items were changed... so I am ruling out any of the work as the problem area.
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11-30-2018, 05:04 PM	#3
dakotap80 Private 27 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i xDrive Join Date: May 2017 Location: Montana iTrader: (0)	My old 330xi did the exact same thing after I changed the plugs, it would just occasionally have a hard miss. My guess is that it was due to the gaps on the new plugs being different from the old worn out ones, but either way it eventually went away after a few thousand miles, I'm assuming the computer adapted to the new plugs. The transmission issues however sound pretty serious, it seems like a very very bad idea to be driving while the transmission is low on fluid, I would get that topped off ASAP.
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11-30-2018, 05:31 PM	#4
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	Sorry, I had a lot of information in there... Dealer was wrong. Transmission had the proper level of fluid in it. They were guessing and going to charge me a lot for a guess! Trans shop is trying to figure it out now. I just found it odd that defeating the DTC makes it less noticeable, by a lot.
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11-30-2018, 11:27 PM	#5
colorado.e9x eBay Special 3066 Rep 3,028 Posts Drives: E90 330xi Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Western Slope, Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [9.50] 2006 BMW 330xi [10.00]	I'd also like to know, my tranny slips hard sometimes.. __________________ Common sense is a flower that does not bloom in everyone's garden
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12-06-2018, 05:07 PM	#6
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	Trans shop says its an internal issue. New $7000 and used $4000 Trying to get a few more opinions and options but it doesn't look promising! No clue what to do now. Very unhappy that a well maintained car with only 108,000 miles needs a transmission that is half the value of the car!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-06-2018, 06:05 PM	#7
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	internal issue is pretty vague. is it valvebody? pump? Clutches? If it's valvebody you could slap a reman valvebody on it for less than a grand and roll on. https://revmaxconverters.com/product...y-mechatronic/
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12-06-2018, 06:11 PM	#8
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)
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12-06-2018, 07:06 PM	#9
alfazrus First Lieutenant 101 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 2006 e90 330i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: DC iTrader: (2)	What transmission shop is that? And what is the exact code?
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12-09-2018, 04:58 PM	#10
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	Well, dealer said new only (stated BMW doesn't want dealer in the transmissions at all). Local transmission shop (which I have had great results with in the past, honest and fair prices) said same thing as the dealer for the most part. Rock auto has one for $5200 but then install price would probably get that to $7000. Here is the history of the symptom /problem: 1) original issue has a hard shift between higher gear changes (like 5th to 6th, it would act like it was confused about upshifting and them slam into gear) that would cause a limp home mode. 2) then had full service to transmission performed (filter, flush, new BMW fluid) 3) after service within a relatively short time it started to stutter, like a miss, I almost thought electrical issue. Hard to describe but almost like a car running out of fuel pressure. 4) with DTC off it seems to help eliminate some of the issue. Fluid level checked out fine. I decided to bring it home. Going to try to add transmission friction modifier. Heck, can't hurt! See if it masks the problems or not. I see this is research if nothing else!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2018, 05:00 PM	#11
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	Sorry alfazrus... I didn't ask the shop what code it set exactly but I think he told me it said slippage in 5th and 6th gear... I will look at the receipt when I pick it up tomorrow.
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12-10-2018, 11:40 AM	#12
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	that's likely a line pressure issue. lowest input shaft speed at the pump, along with highest load in overdrive gears. which could still be a solenoid or valvebody issue. when it was serviced, did they replace the mechatronic seal?
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12-11-2018, 10:52 AM	#13
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	As far as I am aware the service was limited to new pan/filter unit and fluids and then the reprogram. Stored codes had nothing to do with trans, one was steering code, and the other was brake fluid level from when I did the brake job
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12-11-2018, 11:00 AM	#14
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	google the mechatronic sleeve. when it leaks it bypasses pressure back into the pan from the VB, and can cause clutch slipping. recommend sooner rather than later. It won't take long for slipping clutches to destroy the trans, and then you will be looking at big money.
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12-26-2018, 12:03 PM	#15
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	OK, going to try the Mechatronic sleeve myself! Looks fairly easy. Am I to understand that the trans will need a programming after I complete this? Or will clearing the codes with a scan tool get me on the road again assuming the sleeve was the problem... I am also adding some friction modifier when I have it apart. Thanks for any input!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-28-2018, 01:58 AM	#17
Bali E46 Fanatic 42 Rep 152 Posts Drives: E46 E84 F15 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Riverside, CA iTrader: (0)	Never ceases to amaze me how ignorant repair shops are about automatic transmissions. The solution to any problem inevitably seems to be, “Ya need a new transmission buddy, $7,000 please?” I mean, you don’t replace the whole engine whenever there is some engine issue, do ya? Wonder if rocket scientists, while discussing a simple problem, comment: “Hey, it’s not automatric transmission science!”
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2019, 03:14 PM	#18
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	Sorry guys I have been busy (snow, work, its 9 below zero today!) but the trans fluid is draining as I type. BMW dealership was replacement only (no authorized work on transmissions I was told). Trans shop worked with me as best they could but here is my plan now... 1) got the new bridge seal from trans to valve body and plan to install that 2) trying to decide if I want to do the solenoids or not. May decide to after mech unit is out. 3) when putting back together I plan to add a little friction modifier (trans specific) 4) then the plan is to have the codes removed (it is in limp home mode as of now, stays on) 5) probably should have it reprogrammed???? Any suggestions or advice? I hope this fixes it because spenng 6 or 7 grand on an 8 thousand dollar car is crazy in my opinion! Major issue that started all of this was a long lazy shift from 5th to 6th and that ended with a hard bump into 6th setting off the limp home mode. I am hoping it was a pressure issue caused by the trans to valvebody seal I plan to replace.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2019, 05:25 PM	#20
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	ZF My brother worked at american axle and said they had good results with friction modifier on somewhat high mileage transmissions (especially if they had little trans service work over the ears: fluid change got rid of worn clutch material causing slippage) so I figure half the recommended amount shouldn't hurt as I know little about the car since I bought it... although I was told it had an open checkbook policy for maintenance... but no proof of that other than it is in near perfect condition for the mileage
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2019, 05:26 PM	#21
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	It has the BMW fluid in it, only 1000 or so miles on it (plus I bought some extra for this project.
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04-15-2019, 06:12 PM	#22
black330 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 330XI Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Mid Michigan iTrader: (0)	OK, so just an update (looking for advice). Took out mechatronic unit. Changed new bridge seal, the 4 tube seals and all the shift solenoids, torqued everything and re-installed (over a time period, been busy!). Battery was disconnected and charging for over a month. After hooking it back up and starting the car after fluid fill, etc. there are a TON of lights on now. 4x4 warning light, barke warning light, its still in limp home mode, needless to say I waasn't exactly pleased! Is there a software code / cord package I should by or would I be better off having someone with knowledge do it? I am assuming i need to reset codes and possibly program the transmission? Any helpful hints would be appreciated!
	Appreciate 0 Quote