New Gear box? - Auto Hard Gear Shifting??

[Jay07]

Alrite People!

Since I've had my 3.20i auto she has always shifted heavily as she changes up gears and a bit of a thump when it drops into 1st...There obviously something wrong! Whats the verdict can an expert fix this prob or am i looking at replacing the g-box?

What do i need to know?

Much appreciated!

Jason

[MONSPORT42]

Your ATF is the key. Firstly make sure you are topped up to between the two lines on the autobox dipstick. Do this when the engine is warmed up and running. The fluid should be nice and pink and fairly clear. Brown and muddy is not a good sign! I'm guessing you've got the 4 speed box which tend to last a long time. I did about 220k on mine in the 323i and it was still going strong. The EH switchables tend to not last as long. Had to replace my current one at about 190k but that was with high torque 2.7 lump.
If it's still lumpy, I'd go to a garage/autobox specialist. There are some small service items that can be done like changing the sump filter which might be worth doing because it will mean a complete change of ATF. Otherwise it can be a lot of expensive trial and error unless you know what you're doing.

[Jay07]

Alrite Mate!

Thank-you for that detailed reply -much appreciated. I need some help with a couple of things you said.

The sump!! what does it do? I checked with my haynes but its not clear?
I've change the square shape oil filter under car - is that the one?
ATF = auto transmission fluid (easy one) by the way without checking im sure mines the dirty colour!! I'll change that for starters.

what is the EH you moentioned?

ah the joys of being a newbie!!

All the best

Jason

[mrLEE30]

is a switchable or non switchable auto (switchable has a switch with S-E-123 next to selector.)

thumping/hard shifting can be caused by:
1. a misadjusted selector/accelerator cable
2. faulty clutch (bad news)
3. blocked valve body (this can be replaced)
4. faulty electronic control system (only on switchable)

if you have changed the rectangular filter then i am assuming you put new fluid in there so that is not the problem, in what condition was the old fluid? red and clear or brown and dirty?

the sump holds fluid which bis circulated by the ATF pump.

the next thing to try is to adjust the accel cable, best bet (and if you plan on keeping the car) is to throw the haines in to the nearest bin, and invest in a Bentley manual (zone shop or amazon), it covers all the proceedures for auto trans adjustment. if not this then i hope it is the valve body, if not that then the trans is junk and by that i mean it will cost more to repair then to replace, if so just live with it till it dies then either get a scrapper or convert to manual, bad news is auto transmissions are normally above the capabilities of most home repair jobs and even beyond most garages, thus it is a specialised job and thus costs thrice!

good luck

mrlee

[Jay07]

Alrite MrLee! Cheers for the post mate!

Dont suppose you can stop the rain?? -

Its not switchable unfortunately! I dont have the sport option. The atf is not quite pink - rather more golden brown but better than i first thought. You check the levels when the cars warm right? - There might be too much in there. I've got to check the levels again.

I binned the haynes(well put it back on the shelf) - The bentley manual doesnt list the 3.20i as one of the models covered?

I'm going to work through all the other suggestions mentioned and hope for the best. I hate paying garages for things i can't do - never know when im being screwed. However i appreciate that this could be a major problem!! - I would like to keep the car, besides this its in really good cond. And since i got it ive been hooked on it and the zone!!! -

I blame you guys coz now i have my eye on getting a sport/cabrolet!!

First things first! - Thanks for the help Mate!!

[spiderrm]

I had exactly the same problem on my 316i. The governor valve was the problem. Not hard to put right. You need to remove the exhaust, heat shield, prop shaft front connection, output flange (30mm deep socket required) rear casing held on by 9 bolts and you may need a puller to remove the spacer between the governor and output flange.

The governor valve slides off the output shaft. Dismantle and wash parts with warm soapy water, then fix back together and lubricate with AFT Dextron 3. Make sure the brass counter weight is securley fitted.

After a new strainer, cleaning out the sump and magnets, gasket etc should be as good as new.