E46/E39 Auto' boxes - Problematic?

[Dan320is]

Chaps, are auto' boxes problematic in E46's/E39's?

[capri_rob]

I hope not I've just bought one

Apparently they have "Lifetime" fluid, but a change before 100k does them good - I'm looking into the cost of this now.

[Andyboy]

They're okay in general. A fluid and filter change isn't a bad plan, but don't do it at too high a mileage. They break D&G drums leading to no forward or reverse drive depending on which one split. I know of cars with 200'000 miles and the original box and fluid so they aren't weak as such. Given the choice I'd have a manual however.

[andyp]

mine has had the fluid and filter changed twice now

[ross_jsy]

My e39 shat it's box, wouldn't go into reverse. Went at 80k

[B7]

My e39 shat it's box, wouldn't go into reverse. Went at 80k

Thats rare. overall as Andy says, they are a fairly relaible box. as above oil changes befoe the magic 100k comes up is a good idea. Also ensure any leaks are dealt with ASAP.

Knew of one ('99 528) that had been spotting the drive for a few months. With no dipstck thers no way of knowing how much it had left in it. Guy eventally books it into dealer to get it sorted and you've guessed it, Shat it's pants on the way in!!!!

And he then gave the car away!!!!!!

[capri_rob]

Mines just coming up to 73k - any idea how much a dealer charges to do this ?

or if I ask them will they tell me im being stupid because its got "lifetime" fluid in

[Andyboy]

Judt go to a good autobox specialist. You'll be looking at around £250 with oil, filter and sump gasket.

[Brianmoooore]

How come the oil level is considered so critical in these boxes? The older ones, with dipsticks, would work happily with the level +/- a litre or two.

[Andyboy]

It's not quite as critical as it's made out to be but you don't want the level too high or too low. Without a dipstick, you cannot check the oil so there is a set procedure to fill the box involving measuring the temp of the box etc. In the real world you fill it cold, run it for 10-15 mins in P or N to get it halfway warm (30 - 50 degrees C), remove the refill plug and add oil until it starts to run out. Holding a glass thermometer (the type they stcik in your mouth at the doctors) against the sump is pretty accurate.
There's pros and cons with changing the oil on these. The oil used is very good and is capable of lubricating until 200'000 miles or more. Most failed sealed for life boxes do so because something broke rather than wore out. The filter is important, but if you broke one open and unfolded the filter matting, it has a lot of filtration area. By the time it's blocked, the box is on borrowed time anyway.
In reality, the old 4HP22's used to go wrong as well and not many of those would get past 150'000.

[alpina123]

The later 3.0 petrol diesel onew in the e39 and e46 are shit earlier 523/528 096 gearboxes are allright