DCT leaking 3rd time.

[383backinblack]

Originally Posted by sjk9671

Yes, they have pulled the trans 4 times already.

Oh good grief.

[sjk9671]

Originally Posted by 383backinblack

Oh good grief.

I'm starting to lose faith in the transmission. As fun as it is, it sux to keep taking it once or twice a month now.

[383backinblack]

Originally Posted by sjk9671

I'm starting to lose faith in the transmission. As fun as it is, it sux to keep taking it once or twice a month now.

I can take the transmission out of my race car in less than an hour without a lift, and I still hate doing it. I'd rather not tackle that job.

[dtla1]

I had noticed some oil residue on the Transmission oil pan also. They told me it was leaking from the seal where one of the sensors comes in.

[sjk9671]

Originally Posted by dtla1

I had noticed some oil residue on the Transmission oil pan also. They told me it was leaking from the seal where one of the sensors comes in.

Did they fix it? I can attest that if it leaks enough, it will start shifting odd.

[houtan]

Originally Posted by 383backinblack

If these are under warranty, no brainer having a dealer fix them. But, how difficult is it to change the gaskets/seals? Does it require pulling the the trans to do it?

The trans has to be removed to replace the mechatronic seal because it's on the upper side of the trans.

[383backinblack]

Originally Posted by houtan

The trans has to be removed to replace the mechatronic seal because it's on the upper side of the trans.

I'm guessing that's not a huge deal on a lift, but probably sub-optimal on the floor.

[houtan]

Originally Posted by 383backinblack

I'm guessing that's not a huge deal on a lift, but probably sub-optimal on the floor.

I am not sure it's possible without a lift. Your car would have to be really high on jack stands to clear the height of the tranny. But even with a lift, it looked like a pain. I have pictures somewhere when they replaced that seal. It looked like a bitch. the mechanic had one socket that basically was an extension six feet, yes feet, to get to a bolt at the top of the tranny. And that was after loosening motor mounts and tiling the engine backwards to get to it. I'll try and find the pictures.

But maybe that is just standard issue for transmission removal. I still hope I don't have to do it at home haha. I'll try and find the pictures.

[383backinblack]

Originally Posted by houtan

I am not sure it's possible without a lift. Your car would have to be really high on jack stands to clear the height of the tranny. But even with a lift, it looked like a pain. I have pictures somewhere when they replaced that seal. It looked like a bitch. the mechanic had one socket that basically was an extension six feet, yes feet, to get to a bolt at the top of the tranny. And that was after loosening motor mounts and tiling the engine backwards to get to it. I'll try and find the pictures.

But maybe that is just standard issue for transmission removal. I still hope I don't have to do it at home haha. I'll try and find the pictures.

That would be sick. I'm sure it's possible. I've pulled transmissions out of cars in parking lots at race tracks ... it might really suck, though. Working on a lift, in a bay you usually have the perfect tool for everything. It's generally just a matter of what you're willing to deal with to get the job done elsewhere.

However, one of the primary rules of wrenching, is to always learn from those who've done it before you and had to learn the hard way.

[houtan]

Does not sound fun but good to know it's possible. Pictures below. Unfortunately, I do not have one of the crazy long socket. But you can see the location two seals that probably require removal of the DCT. One is the mechatronic plug location, and the other is the panel on the side. Obviously the lower pan can be done without removing the DCT. You can also see the transmission jack pushing on the subframe to angle the motor a little bit to get to the top bolt.

Originally Posted by 383backinblack

That would be sick. I'm sure it's possible. I've pulled transmissions out of cars in parking lots at race tracks ... it might really suck, though. Working on a lift, in a bay you usually have the perfect tool for everything. It's generally just a matter of what you're willing to deal with to get the job done elsewhere.

However, one of the primary rules of wrenching, is to always learn from those who've done it before you and had to learn the hard way.

[383backinblack]

Nice pics! Great to see that stuff apart as a gearhead.

Yeah, I need about a 4' long extension to get get the bolts out of my explosion proof belhousing when I pull out the trans in my race car.

Now, I'd never do this in a newer car like these, but if it was out of warranty ... I'd be tempted to cut an access hole in the trans tunnel and install a sealed trap door to get at that stuff without taking the driveline apart.

[sjk9671]

The pan on the side is where it appears to be leaking from again.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by sjk9671

The pan on the side is where it appears to be leaking from again.

Sorry about your woes. I just saw this thread now. Did your shop ever try to replace the trans pan ? Its made from plastic, as you probably know. Also... while BMW says you do not need to use a gasket sealer... sometimes using a sealant like Loctite #518(or the like) that can fill in gaps or cracks up to 4mm's is a good product to you. No idea IF its ok to use on a ATF pan... but I would ask Loctite.


The California Transmission Supply Company seems like a good place to buy service kits and trans parts from.

http://www.thectsc.com/catalog/kits-109.html

Since your car is still under warranty(CPO) just have your dealer replace the trans. I mean how many MORE times do they expect you to keep bringing the car back in for this.

IF they don't do anything for you... I'd head for the next closest dealer. Maybe even talk to BMW NA.

Good Luck
Dackel

[Gangplank]

If it's under warranty bring it back. Lemon law in your state? Keep documenting it.

[sjk9671]

It is under warranty. My SA said they will be asking BMW for a new trans now. I am also going to ask if they can push to get the PPK installed to deal with the throttle issues. I will report back as soon as I hear something.

[sjk9671]

Just heared back from my SA. They are opening a case with BMW to replace the transmission. I also have my Sales guy looking for a 235i for me so I can "propose" a deal to BMW to trade this one in.

Stay tuned.

[sjk9671]

So A quick update. The Pan was leaking again and they cannot got it to seal. Long story but they have decided to replace the transmission under CPO.

Total bill for BMW is about $13,500. SA says he cannot get the PPK comped to deal with the throttle lag issues and advised me to call BMW NA. Any thoughts on getting them to approve it before I call?

[dtla1]

I have no idea if it fixed the issue or not. I need to get under the car and remove under belly covers to take a look.

[sjk9671]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Sorry about your woes. I just saw this thread now. Did your shop ever try to replace the trans pan ? Its made from plastic, as you probably know. Also... while BMW says you do not need to use a gasket sealer... sometimes using a sealant like Loctite #518(or the like) that can fill in gaps or cracks up to 4mm's is a good product to you. No idea IF its ok to use on a ATF pan... but I would ask Loctite.


The California Transmission Supply Company seems like a good place to buy service kits and trans parts from.

http://www.thectsc.com/catalog/kits-109.html

Since your car is still under warranty(CPO) just have your dealer replace the trans. I mean how many MORE times do they expect you to keep bringing the car back in for this.

IF they don't do anything for you... I'd head for the next closest dealer. Maybe even talk to BMW NA.

Good Luck
Dackel

I will be calling BMW NA later today to talk to them about my throttle lag and how to get it fixed. I'm hoping for the PPK or a good discount on it. I would settle for a DME update with the waste gate box unchecked.

It usually drives great for a week or so after I get it back from transmission service, until the adaptation kills it again.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by sjk9671

I will be calling BMW NA later today to talk to them about my throttle lag and how to get it fixed. I'm hoping for the PPK or a good discount on it. I would settle for a DME update with the waste gate box unchecked.

It usually drives great for a week or so after I get it back from transmission service, until the adaptation kills it again.

I know some of the coder's are offering the PPK sw for N55's only. Seems someone uploaded the sw file onto the interwebs a while ago. Now its in the general domain. I even think some of the remote coders are offering the PPK as well. Just FYI.

Good Luck,
Dackel

[sjk9671]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I know some of the coder's are offering the PPK sw for N55's only. Seems someone uploaded the sw file onto the interwebs a while ago. Now its in the general domain. I even think some of the remote coders are offering the PPK as well. Just FYI.

Good Luck,
Dackel

Yeah I guess I'm thinking of keeping on the "authorized" route since the car is still under CPO for another 18 months.

[sjk9671]

Quick update, transmission came in but it was damaged. They are sending it back and ordering a new one. Still waiting.....