2010 E60 545IX Changing the Mechatronix sleeve while doing an oil and other seal replacement. Seems there is no way to get the old sleeve out, or the new sleeve in? What is the trick? Drop the Transmission or is there another way to gain enough clearance

? Thanks Much

 

I thought that bracket had to come off

 

I read in a couple different places on line that it can be done, just needs some patience..........I believe you are correct Sean and the transmission bracket needs to be removed in order to make space.......

 

I had no room in my 550i (with the larger 6HP26 transmission) to replace the sleeve, so what I did was reuse the plastic sleeve but replace the rubber sealing rings.

Perform the o-ring transplant with the old sleeve as it sits right there in your photo. Then reinstall the sleeve.

Not sure if that was the best idea, since rubberized plastic can degrade on these cars as well as the rubber, but it hasn't leaked in 5+ years.

 

Hmm, I may try this as it would be much easier than trying to remove the transmission bracket. The thing is, the old one wasn't leaking, it is more of a preventive measure with 190,000 miles on the vehicle. When I dropped the old fluid, I only got about 2.75 liters out. Is that typical? Just wondering how 7 are supposed to fit back in.......it did have a very slight leak but never a spot bigger than a quarter in 5 months........i know that the under carriage pans can hold some oil, but it still didnt seem like very much.......

 

The reason yours isn't leaking is because I believe you have the updated mechatronic sleeve.

If I remember correctly, my old leaking sleeve had orange rubber o-rings, the new sleeve looked exactly like yours, with all black o-rings.

The rest of the ATF fluid is probably still in the torque converter and the transmission cooler and cooler lines.

 

Had the same issue on my 2009 528xi. Ended up towing it to the dealership. Terrible design. Think that one has to drop the transfer case. As for the amount of fluid removed, that seems low. Real low. When I replaced my pan, it took 7 L. Make sure that you top it off with the engine running.

 

On the left, that aluminum lip. How much of that do you think you would have to remove for enough access?

 

It looks like that once you drop that shield the brakes can be removed. I really don't know since I'm not looking at it

 

I ended up dropping the exhaust in order to get at the bolt for the transfer case bracket. May change the O2 sensors while I have it all apart........have a running lean issue that I have been chasing with no success.....have been told it may be the sensors........