EH auto reverse problem

[tourer-dan]

The auto EH on my car is a bit of a mystery.

When I checked the oil level, it appered to have too much in, so I sucked about 1/2 litre out and rechecked and all semed well. Next time I drove the car it wouldn't change into 4th and left changing to 3rd until about 4500 rpm. Warmed it up anyway and rechecked and level was low. Put about 300ml back in and all was OK again. Next time I drove the car it was misbehaving again, so I added another 200ml and all has been fine since, including the level. I realise I obviously didn't check the level properly the first time, which I did according to the book.

Now I've acquired a problem with reverse. Sometimes it doesn't engage at all, sometimes it jumps out of gear(only reverse) and sometimes nothing happens when I select reverse, but when I rev the car it kind of kicks in suddenly.

So any tips on correctly and accurately checking the oil would be great and any other ideas.

Lastly, Is it right that 4th gear is locked out in sport mode?

[MONSPORT42]

Last question first! Sport mode is only 1 2 & 3. Even if you select 4th it won't change until you select 'E'.
These auto boxes are really sensitive to clean and correct oil fluid levels. The fluid needs to be clear pink at all times. Muddy brown is a sign of problems. A fairly simple DIY service is a filter change via the panel directly acessible from underneath. Other than changing the fluid completely, there's not a great deal more the 'average' owner can do.
How many miles has it done? The EH boxes aren't as as durable as the non switchable ones.
I spent a lot of time, effort and quite a lot of money trying to salvage mine but eventually had to get a box rebuild which was a lot less than I thought it was going to be and I wish I had done that first with hindsight.

[Guest]

Hi

Just a thought.... but when you first checked the ATF level, was the car running and to temperature? Taking a reading with the engine off will give a false reading.

HTH
Al

[tourer-dan]

yep, all nice and warm and running. I think I'll change the fluid as although it doesn't smell strange it is darker than the fresh that went in.

Just to double check, I'm correct in adding 10W40 right?
Just a joke. dexII.

The car shows 137000 and I'm not sure of the history for the past 40,000. I've just done engine fluids and belts, plugs, PAS fluid and head rebuild. I've got to do the HG again though as the car is drinking it's coolant but that's another story.
Planned to do the ATF and brake fluid after the head went back on, but I've had to postpone obviously.

How much did a box rebuild cost BTW? and did you give them the box or just drive the car in?

[MONSPORT42]

Hi Dan,
Had me going with 10w40
My gearbox eventually went completely. Fortunately I was on the way to Bexley Motor Works to have another job done. Wasn't far away and I was towed in within 20 mins! Because it wasn't planned I had to send my box in to be rebuilt. As these cars are getting older, auto specialists don't always have one lying around, so mine was rebuilt. With more time I could have phoned round and found one ready for a straight swap. I haven't got the bill to hand but I think the actual rebuild was about Ԛ£500 plus the in and out costs, etc.
I couldn't believe haow much sharper and much more traction I got with the new one. That's the trouble, they deteriate so slowly we don't notice it.

Sounds like you're taking your E30 seriously which is great to hear!
Malcolm

[tourer-dan]

Sounds like you're taking your E30 seriously which is great to hear!

I've missed my old 318is since I sold it 2 years ago. It really was the most mint E30 I have ever seen and I spent an absolute fortune on it. It looked like it just left the factory in Brilliant red.
I picked up this Tourer for Ԛ£500 from a guy on ebay after it didn't sell for the reserve of Ԛ£800 needing a new camshaft. I'm so sick that it's white, but I couldn't pass it up as there's no rust and it's got air con.
Since I've got it not a day has gone by when I haven't been fiddling with it; it's like coming home!!!! I'll sell it and get a red 325i touring with A/C and manual box eventually tho, as I think these would be much more fun with 3 pedals.(and I'm usually so pro auto!!)

This is a great forum, loads of help, tips and reassurance!!