rebuilt BMW trany, reverse issue

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This is on a 95 bmw 525i automatic. Car has about 211,000 miles. Now has about 3,000 miles on rebuilt transmission.

Following is a description of the problem
Problem usually happens on first start of day. However it has happened at end of the work-day about 9-10 hours after first start. Problem seems more pronounced if car sits for a couple of days. Also, problem happens randomly but seems to occur more often on a colder day when temperature is below 40 degrees especially when near freezing.

Follows is a typical cold start. Start car, put in reverse and use “moderate” throttle.( problem is less if you let car move with no or very light throttle), car starts moving and engine revs as if in neutral, then gear engages. I have not changed throttle position. This can happen 1 to 3 times (If I reduce throttle, gear engages). Car can die at that point or may operate normally. Puzzling.

Left it with my indy over the weekend. He even drove it home and tried it two cool mornings. Lowest temp was about 22 degrees. As I have said before, my going out of gear in reverse is random and did not happen for him. We relaced the shift cable and rechecked fluid levels. He is most concerned and he is going to contact the rebuilder Precision European Transmission in Ca. They may start with replacing the valve body. Thoughts?
 
I recall my son having a similar problem with a BMW ZF transmission and it was a problem with the reverse drum. A common problem from what I was told. He totaled the car shortly after so I don't have anymore info to offer you.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I recall my son having a similar problem with a BMW ZF transmission and it was a problem with the reverse drum. A common problem from what I was told. He totaled the car shortly after so I don't have anymore info to offer you.


Thanks. Mine is the French made GM transmission! Not sure if that is good or bad.
smile.gif
Since it was just rebuilt that should not be an issue. it is under warrenty so I am not worreied about it costing me more money.
 
The GM transmissions have issues with the reverse solenoids plugging up. You can search for the issue on e46 boards as it's very common there.

If it's the solenoid, they can be replaces without a huge amount of difficulty with the unit still in the car.

The ZF transmissions tend to split their reverse drums when people drop it into a gear when the car is moving in the other direction.
 
Originally Posted By: antonmnster
The GM transmissions have issues with the reverse solenoids plugging up. You can search for the issue on e46 boards as it's very common there.

If it's the solenoid, they can be replaces without a huge amount of difficulty with the unit still in the car.

The ZF transmissions tend to split their reverse drums when people drop it into a gear when the car is moving in the other direction.


I sort of suspect the reverse solenoid.
 
Latest attempt to resolve issue.
The rebuilder stated that the valve body parts are new and one or more components appear to be sticking when temperatures drop near freezing. They usually "work loose" with mileage. For example it was perfect today with a low temp in the 50s.

However, before they replace components that want my shop to use Lubguard red transmission additive to help free up the sticking component. I see no problem with this as there is no cost to me. From all accounts this is an excellent product. See link below

http://lubegard.com/~/C-112/LUBEGARD+Automatic+Transmission+Fluid+Protectant
 
BMW indy shop (rebuilder provided another transmission)replaced my transmission free of charge and 36 month warrenty starts again. Car runs fine and we will wait until winter to see if my cold start reverse issue starts again.
 
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