Attention DCT owners, big problem?

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by tock172

Already documented within the thread I've linked below.

My DCT is actually leaking right now. I recently took it in to the dealer for a positive diagnosis. Parts are backordered to Germany but are on the way. Apparently there are some revisions to the problem parts?

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1171239

Interesting reading through that thread. It seems that quite often the pan and seal get replaced b/c the diagnosis is that's what is leaking and then it turns out to be the mechatronics sleeve seal.

It seems they don't replace the mechatronics first b/c it's more costly and time consuming to remove the trans to get to it.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Interesting reading through that thread. It seems that quite often the pan and seal get replaced b/c the diagnosis is that's what is leaking and then it turns out to be the mechatronics sleeve seal.

It seems they don't replace the mechatronics first b/c it's more costly and time consuming to remove the trans to get to it.

I visited the dealership yesterday to see the progress the mechanic was making. BTW, I always enjoying visiting the dealership, because they have fancy coffee machine that serves Peets coffee. And they always have freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for my enjoyment!

The mechatronic sleeve was as dry as a bone, but the gasket on the metal plate covering the right side of the transmission was leaking like a sieve. The pan gasket is probably bad too. Both will be replaced, and I asked the mechanic to replace the mechatronic sleeve too, since it is only $20! Also they assured me they will refill the transmission with fresh fluid.

It is a big time consuming job to remove the transmission. Besides all the plastic panels covering it, the whole exhaust had to be removed. I'll be looking at what the dealership will be charging BMW, but I suspect it will be nearly three days of labor. The price of the parts will be insignificant, but the labor will be a couple of grand.

I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy an extended warranty, or I could trade it in for an M240i? I took one for a ride, and it's a fantastic ride. The damn car goes like a rocket! I'll have to consult my financial advisor:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...jpWQXDi-o7BJ8U

[McPurrs]

Don't buy a faster car. You don't drive the one you have now.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

I should have added to replace the gasket on the side of transmission requires removing it. Unfortunately the top bolts that secure the side plate can't be reached without removing the unit!

Rats! Why is everything so damn hard?

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

I should have added to replace the gasket on the side of transmission requires removing it. Unfortunately the top bolts that secure the side plate can't be reached without removing the unit!

Rats! Why is everything so damn hard?

Ask and ye shall receive. Here are some cute little fellows to lighten the mood. BTW, I keep pet rats and they are wonderful, smart, and affectionate little pets. Like little puppies that never grow up. I know I know... YUCK! Lol

These two aren't mine, I snagged this pic off the interwebs.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by sandlion

it's lifetime fluid, and very expensive, so they reuse it per servicing directions.

This is total nonsense. There are good reasons to replace the fluid. For one, it may have metal particle floating around in it or other debris.

And just how expensive could it be? Perhaps it is made from vampire blood? Anyway, I'm calling you on this BS:

[Esteban]

I asked yesterday when I was leaving the dealer and they will replace it for you with new fluid if you request this but I think it's expensive. Don't remember how much they said it was per bottle and didn't ask what they'd charge to do it.

[Havocsteve]

Well I'm putting my aFe exhaust on this week since the temps are finally t-shirt worthy. Now that paranoia has set in, I think I'll take the belly pan off just to have look for any residue on it.

[WingerRed]

Originally Posted by Havocsteve

Well I'm putting my aFe exhaust on this week since the temps are finally t-shirt worthy. Now that paranoia has set in, I think I'll take the belly pan off just to have look for any residue on it.

Yeah, one more potential leak to worry about...

[Havocsteve]

Originally Posted by WingerRed

Yeah, one more potential leak to worry about...

Agreed. But seeing how I'm already there, might as well check it. Just spent about a grand on a used aFe exhaust and also new fronts for the summer time. Wondering if its leaking a bit, you could just drain and refill it every 100,000km. Really don't want to pull the transmission out, seeing how I'm out of warranty and my mechanic is myself + father. He swears at my BMW while he grins at his 494 big block in his hot-rod lol.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

It ain't that expensive:

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...ad=47433964212

[sandlion]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

It ain't that expensive:

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...ad=47433964212

yeah I think it takes six liters or something?

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by WingerRed

Yeah, one more potential leak to worry about...

You mean you have more than one?

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by sandlion

yeah I think it takes six liters or something?

Thirsty little bugger! But it does last a lifetime!

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

Thirsty little bugger! But it does last a lifetime!

I picked the car up today.

I just wanted to give you an idea of what it might cost you for a similar repair at a dealer. BMW was charged for nine hours of labor, one gasket (the side plate), and one sleeve (mechatronic), and two O-rings which go on the sleeve.
The sleeve wasn't leaking, but I insisted they replace it anyway.

I talked to them about a trade, and the best they'd do is $18K. That isn't a bit surprising, but for that kind of money, I'm keeping the car. I'm now considering an extended warranty.

[KNS]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

Here's another unhappy thought for you, the replacement cost is over $10K! I guess at that point the choice is fixing it or sending it to the junkyard!

Ouch. It's comments like that that make me glad my 211,000 mile E46's manual trans is still shifting smoothly.

[dandandan]

I was having some exhaust work done the other day and unsurprisingly my DCT is leaking again for the 3rd time!

I’m still CPO covered but this is really getting out of hand.

Does anyone know if the gaskets have in fact been updated to handle higher temps and chemical resistance like the SSP set?

Someone mentioned that the parts have been revised.

Thank you!

[quicksilver3121]

I had BMW replace the pan and mechatronics gasket... outside of warranty :-(.

It was $1150 I believe, they did not have to remove the trans to get the mechatronics sleeve out though.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by quicksilver3121

I had BMW replace the pan and mechatronics gasket... outside of warranty :-(.

It was $1150 I believe, they did not have to remove the trans to get the mechatronics sleeve out though.

Yeah from pictures, they can replace it without pulling the transmission. I believe they have to remove the pan to set it in place? If that is true, what did they charge you $1,150 for?

[quicksilver3121]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

Yeah from pictures, they can replace it without pulling the transmission. I believe they have to remove the pan to set it in place? If that is true, what did they charge you $1,150 for?

It's not called the stealer for no reason. I would have taken it to an indy shop, but I have a hunch it will return. I know BMW has their own warranty on repairs, was also hoping to bitch to BMW NA if this thing comes back within the next 2 years.

[tock172]

Bumping an old thread.

The parts for my DCT leak finally arrived last week. My car is in for the repair today. I can confirm that they will reuse your old fluid unless you specify and pay $200 + tax for fresh fluid. Additionally, I wanted to have the filter replaced as well. That's costing me another $215.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by tock172

Bumping an old thread.

The parts for my DCT leak finally arrived last week. My car is in for the repair today. I can confirm that they will reuse your old fluid unless you specify and pay $200 + tax for fresh fluid. Additionally, I wanted to have the filter replaced as well. That's costing me another $215.

how many miles on yours?