psam550

Hi Fellow Members,

Just sharing some information about changing some seals in the tranny while you are changing the ATF. In addition to changing the pan/filter and the Mechatronic sleeve, you may also want to consider changing the Mechatronic adapter seals while you are in there. I found old SIB 24 01 08 on line that describes the potential leak at the adapter seals between the transmission housing and the Mechatronic. (Copy attached). My Indy shop proposes to replace these seals while they are changing the ATF, the pan/filter and the Mechatronic sleeve for about $900. I also attached a helpful document from an outfit that sells replacement mechatronics that shows all of these seals and parts. It sounds like a good idea to replace these seals while they are in there.

My '06 550i drives great w/ 150k miles. Take care of it, and it will take care of you!

Psam550

dingolfing

Yep, that internal mechatronic adapter seal can fail because of "high-quality" German rubber. The seal is used to contain fluid pressure and when the seal leaks internally, erratic tranny operation occurs.

Because it is so cheap, might as well replace it when doing an ATF service. I replaced mine and my occasional reverse gear engagement "slam" is gone and has never returned. The rubber seal was still in good condition, however it probably was not providing a complete seal anymore.

KyleB

shame, shame, SHAME on ZF for using such an inferior part that can lead to total transmission failure.

Mine also looked OK at 100K, but was not functioning properly (along with multiple solenoids).

Why BMW continues to source transmissions from ZF I'll never know. They are utter garbage.

rotracing

Thanks for the heads up guys, I'm getting ready to do this job on my car and I'm reading everything I can find to prepare. I'm having my valve body re- built and will do the work install myself. Fresh fluids, filter and oil pan as well as as many seals as I can get whil I'm in there. This is a great tip since I did not know about this problem. Thanks again, Ozzie

donut545

wow im glad i saw this thread . my wifes 545i has strange drive issues . once the car is nice and warmed up (25 miles or more) right around 40 mph it surges. the rpm dips slightly and a small bump . i had all the adaptations cleared and it got better for a week or two but now back surging . and when its cold if your not on the brake all the way it will jump into reverse. so i think i will perform all the inspection of the sleeves and change the seals , fluid filter and pan before a spend 1500 buck on a whole mechtronic replacement . if you guys have any other insight i would love to hear it.
thanks
Matt