Deni

Hi all,
I just got a 2003 530i (e60) with about 240K km. The shifts are smooth both up and down nor any strange noises when going from D or R to P or N.
I do have the issue of revs fluctuating when holding in gear at around 1600-1800 rpm (4th, 5th and 6th). Keeping them at 2000+ rpm seems to "fix" the issue. Unfortunately I don't know the history of the car. I suspect it is the TC clutch. What is your opinion?
Thank you in advance.

Deni

Jnelson1182

does it sort of feel like you are also running over small bumps with the front end of the car? also if u either press down on the pedal harder or let off of it completely then press ot again the issue stops, or at least gets better for the time being?

Deni

It feels as if the throttle is not being kept constant, i.e. pressing and releasing.

It works smooth under acceleration, both hard acceleration or steady acceleration. After letting off the throttle and reapplying it continues ok for about 5 seconds and starts "hunting" again.

jtbgonesailing

seanjordan20

Going to the clutch is a bit far. My friend had this same issue. He took it to BMW and all they did was update the computer. Of course that did not help. I have it a try and could not find the issue. Tried new MAF, thought it was a compressor issue, cleaned almost everything I could think of that had to do with air and due mixture. The only thing I did not try was changing out fuel pump because it was working.

If you track it down let us know. BMW was at a lost. He had an 06 525i. This is the first I've seen it in a 3.0 engine.

Deni

Hi all. Thanks for taking the time to write. The reason I think is the trany is because the enging runs smooth otherwise with no apparent flat spots.
I thought about the TC lock up clutch being worn and engaging and disengaging when I experience the issue.
The car is new to me and I don't have any previous maintenance record. I will hook it up to INPA and check the tranny temperature. Generally, as far as I read, TC issues lead to higher trans oil temps.
Trying to tackle the issue before changing the trany oil and filter as it makes no sense changing the oil only to do it again if I have to recondition the TC if the issue is not solved.

​​​​​​Will keep you posted anyways.

Deni

Deni

The reason why I think it is the TC lock up is because the engine seems to be running fine, pulls strongly without any flat spots.

It just makes sense to me that the TC tries to lock up only to let go again and this leads to the revs going up and down.

Anyways, will keep you posted as it goes.

E60Japanese

Hello
I had a very very similar situation
During cruising speeds the revs would fluctuate about 3 to 4 hundred revs

In the end my transmission needed only 800 millimeters of fluid but it completely fixed the problem

Deni

Hello. Thanks for the input. I just got the car so I don't know the maintenance history. I will check the levels and add some if needed to see if it fixes the issue.

Not my car but same issue as in this video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SNNdsBploDg

Thanks again,

Deni