How to Repair the Automatic Transmission in Your BMW
Posted on July 3, 2019 by europewpadmin
BMW is a vehicle manufacturer with a long history of producing top-of-the-line, quality cars. This reputation keeps customers returning to purchase newer models. However, even the most well designed cars are not without their problems. When you are able to notice signs and symptoms of parts failure, you are able to keep your vehicle in better shape.
In this article, we will look at some of the signs and symptoms automatic transmission failure in your BMW and what you should do about making repairs.
What does the transmission do?
The transmission is an integral part of all vehicles, no matter the make or model. This important machinery is responsible for distributing the power generated by the engine to the wheels of your car, thus achieving drive. It is also in charge of regulating engine speed to help keep fuel efficiency standards high. Without a fully working transmission, your wheels will struggle to get the power needed from the engine for superior driving. Also, your fuel efficiency will certainly drop noticeably.
Signs and Symptoms of Transmission Failures
There can be many signs that your BMW’s automatic transmission may be failing or is faulty, and none of these symptoms should be ignored. Issues with the transmission can have a trickle-down effect on other parts and systems of your car. This can result in a costly repair bill if left ignored. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of failure such as:
Shifting Gears
If your transmission isn’t working properly, you are likely to notice that your BMW unnecessarily shifts out of gears. This will definitely impact your fuel efficiency. Your vehicle won’t perform optimally, as expected.
Slow Response Time
If your automatic transmission takes its time when changing gears, resulting in the engine revving, it is likely your transmission fluid levels are running low. To check this yourself, you can watch your BMW’s RPM gauge when shifting gears. If you notice a spike, it is likely that fluid levels are to blame.
Grinding Noise
If you notice a grinding noise when shifting gears, it is almost guaranteed that you have some type of transmission issue on your hands. Your next step will be to try to identify the specific nature of the problem. You should consider potential culprits such as low fluid and worn parts. If you are unsure as to how to proceed, you should certainly seek professional diagnostics at an auto repair shop.
Transmission Fluid Leak
There can be many causes for patches of fluid appearing under your vehicle. If you notice it, your first task will be to ascertain the type of fluid that is leaking from your BMW. Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid can all indicate different problems. In the case of transmission fluid, you are looking for a fluid that is reddish in color that has a slick texture when touched. You’ll also notice that if transmission fluid is leaking, the patches on the ground will be under the front and middle of your car, not its rear.
Causes of Automatic Transmission Failure
There are many causes of transmission failure, and as it is a part that is directly impacted when driving, the transmission can often become damaged by poor driving habits, such as:
● A vehicle which regularly overheats
● Low transmission fluid levels
● Old/unchanged fluid
● Accelerating harshly
● Braking sharply
● Leaving the shift lever in park without the parking brake on
● Using the shift lever instead of the brake
● Starting to drive without giving the engine a chance to warm up
● Towing weights heavier than recommended in the owner’s manual
Seeking Repairs
It is possible to make transmission repairs at home if your mechanically savvy. However, since the transmission is an integral part of your car, it isn’t recommended to attempt repairs yourself unless you are completely sure about what you’re doing. Poorly-repaired transmissions could not only put the valuable systems of your car in danger of damage, but it could also make your car unsafe to drive.
Luckily, if you live in or around Glendale, CA, Entirely Exotic Motorsports are on hand to help you with any transmission issue you might experience. We are specialists in imported vehicles such as BMWs and will become your trusted mechanics with expert skills and state-of-the-art tools at your service.