Slow Mechatronics Sleeve Leak
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SE, Michigan
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 530xi
Model Year: 2007
So I have had a mechatronics sleeve leak for a while (20k miles or so). However it is very slow, more of a seep, there is just a light coating of oil on the tranny pan. I have had no drips from the car at all. I am considering replacing the sleeve but at the same time I would also do the pan/filter and 6 qt of new fluid. The dealer flushed 5 qts at 100k miles for the last owner (I have 114k miles now). My question is, do I need to drop the pan and do the sleeve now or can I wait until more like 120k-130k miles when the trans would actually be due for new fluid. Sometimes I will get slightly rough 1-2, 2-1 shifts, but no slams or anything very worrysome.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
#2
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The State of Southern NJ!
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So I have had a mechatronics sleeve leak for a while (20k miles or so). However it is very slow, more of a seep, there is just a light coating of oil on the tranny pan. I have had no drips from the car at all. I am considering replacing the sleeve but at the same time I would also do the pan/filter and 6 qt of new fluid. The dealer flushed 5 qts at 100k miles for the last owner (I have 114k miles now). My question is, do I need to drop the pan and do the sleeve now or can I wait until more like 120k-130k miles when the trans would actually be due for new fluid. Sometimes I will get slightly rough 1-2, 2-1 shifts, but no slams or anything very worrysome.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
So, I recommend having it repaired now.
When mine was done under warranty the dealer only had to add one liter of trans oil to top it off.
#3
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SE, Michigan
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 530xi
Model Year: 2007
Yeah, is a very good point. The filter wasn't done at 100k so I was thinking I probably should just do the filter/pan too and 6 qts of fluid. Or should I not bother with the new fluid?
#4
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The State of Southern NJ!
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks like you're intending to hold on to your 5'er for a while and we all know how finicky (frail) recent BMW automatics tend to be. Since your mechanic (or you) are going to be under there anyway might as well go with the new pan/filter + new trans oil + seal the sleeve. Even if you decide to sell / trade the car in the future any knowledgeable BMW buyer will appreciate this preventative maintenance step and you're likely to recoup the cost of the miracle fluids and replacement parts! .
#5
Members
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '04 530i: Bone stock
I had this issue for a while and I put it off for about a year or so. After getting an oil change, the dealer told me they topped off the trans fluid because it was a little low. That was the point in which I realized it was probably time to address the issue to avoid paying $8k for another transmission. I had the job done at the dealership for about $550 if I remember correctly. The peace of mind was well worth it in my opinion.
#6
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SE, Michigan
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 530xi
Model Year: 2007
Yeah I am about to order the pan, gasket, 6 qts of ZF fluid and sleeve from: http://www.thectsc.com/
They are a ZF distributor.
It is ~$250 for the parts and my indy said he can do the work for about $200 labor. I figured it makes no sense to risk an $8k tranny when I could just spend $500 now and have piece of mind.
They are a ZF distributor.
It is ~$250 for the parts and my indy said he can do the work for about $200 labor. I figured it makes no sense to risk an $8k tranny when I could just spend $500 now and have piece of mind.
#9
Members
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had this issue for a while and I put it off for about a year or so. After getting an oil change, the dealer told me they topped off the trans fluid because it was a little low. That was the point in which I realized it was probably time to address the issue to avoid paying $8k for another transmission. I had the job done at the dealership for about $550 if I remember correctly. The peace of mind was well worth it in my opinion.