318i Auto gearbox problem

Sat May 15, 2010 11:27 am

Hello, I have just purchased my second E30 of my lifetime, it's a 1989 318i touring automatic with 175k on the clock, in the mornings when the engine is cold the gearbox won't change out of first until you stamp the pedal and it hits 6,000 rpm, what is causing this problem, many thanks, Adam.

Sat May 15, 2010 12:14 pm

Anybody?? Need to get this sorted asap

Sat May 15, 2010 12:48 pm

Low oil pressure in the gearbox, check the amount/condition of the oil.

Sat May 15, 2010 2:59 pm

I topped it up with oil and it didn't sort it out, the oil on the dipstick is quite dark.

Sat May 15, 2010 6:43 pm

Bassmaster23 wrote:I topped it up with oil and it didn't sort it out, the oil on the dipstick is quite dark.

Change the oil it needs to be red

Sun May 23, 2010 1:04 pm

Changed the oil, no different. Is there anything else it could possibly be? Like a dodgy sensor or something similar, cheers.

Sun May 23, 2010 1:28 pm

You need to change the filter and the fluid at the same time.

Sun May 23, 2010 2:16 pm

Think it's time for an overhaul ;)
I had this problem myself and it went away when i changed the oil pump.
I would also change A and B clutch while you have it down, and probably change torque converter.
Not hard to fix really the hardest part is to take the box down and up again.
You won't need to take the car to 6000rpm you can drive for 3-5 mins in 1st gear ;)
I don't think changing oil and filter will fix it, but it's wort a try.
I believe that the pump can't build enough pressure when cold to change gear, but it could also be that your valves need an overhaul but this wasn't done on mine, so i don't think this is the problem, valve's is usually hard gear shifting.

Mon May 24, 2010 3:57 pm

Thanks for your reply mate, it sounds like alot of money needs to be spent so ill prob just scrap it or sell it on for spares or repairs! cheers

Mon May 24, 2010 7:55 pm

Full overhaul cost around 600-1000. Then the workshop will use 2 hours to take down then 2 hours to take it up.

Tue May 25, 2010 3:54 pm

Yeah thats way too much to spend, the rest of the car isnt exactly mint, will need new shocks and springs all round and a new exhaust too so i prob sell it and buy another one! cheers.

Tue May 25, 2010 4:46 pm

But first i would try changing oil and filter, doesn't cost much and takes you an hour.
If you are lucky the problem could be filthy filter, so when cold it can't suck enough oil to change gear but when you give allot of rpm it managed to suck some oil in and change gear.
It's a small chance but worth a try.