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Automatic Transmission
Electronics are used to control the operation of these auto-
matic transmissions. Steptronic transmission functions are
also programmed into the transmission control module
(TCM). The TCM monitors transmission operation for faults
and alerts the driver by illuminating the transmission fault indi-
cator on the instrument panel. Diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) stored in the TCM may be downloaded and interpret-
ed by trained technicians using special BMW diagnostic
equipment.
Some minor automatic transmission problems can be cor-
rected by changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
and filter. Begin by checking ATF level and condition.
Checlc
to see if the fluid is dirty or has a burned odor indicating over-
heated fluid. The burned odor may be the results of burned
discs in theclutch paclts. The friction material from the burned
disc can clog valve body passages.
NOTE-
The E39 automatic transmission is not equipped with a dip-
stick.
Checking the ATF level must be done while monitoring
the ATF temperature with the engine idling. The
BMW dealer
is equipped with the special equipment to make this check.
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240-6
I Automatic Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
The E39 automatic transmission is filled with either Dexron Ill
ATF or Texaco 80728, a life time oil.
CA UTIOI\C
Use only the transmission fluid that is approved for use by
BMW All other fluids will cause non warrantable transmis-
I sion damage.
Mixing different types of transmission fluids will lead to
transmission failure.
NOTE-
The type of transmission lubricant used can be found on a
stickeron the transmission pan. Dexron
111ATF (blacksticker)
reads "ATF-Oil': Special life time oil (green sticker) reads
'Life-Time Oil': If in doubt, consult an authorized
BMW dealer
for alternate fluid use and current information regarding
transmission operating fluids.
ATF level, checking
Check ATF level if there is evidence of a leak, a complaint re-
lated to fluid level or afler transmission repairs.
The automatic transmission is not equipped with a dipstick.
Checking the ATF level requires that the transmission be at
operating temperature during the checking procedure.
NOTE-
Vehicle must be level throughout tests
- Drive vehicle to warm up ATF to operating temperature.
- Connect BMW diagnostic scan tool DiSplus, MoDiC, GTI or
equivalent to determine transmission oil temperature.
ATF level checking
Fluid temperature
30' - 50°C (85' - 120" F)
- With engine running, switch on air conditioning to increase
engine idle speed.
- Apply parking brake.
- While applying foot brake firmly move gear shift selector
lever through
all gear positions, pausing in each gear briefly.
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Automatic ~ransmissionl
II I
4 Install engine support across engine bay. Raise and safely
support vehicle.
Make sure the car is stable and
we1 supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjaclc stands designed for
CAUTIOI\C
Removal of transmission will cause engine to tip unless en-
gine support is used.
- Remove splash shields from underside of vehicle.
- &cylinder models: Detach front stabilizer bar from stabilizer
bar
links. Swivel stabilizer bar upward.
- Drain ATF from transmission as described earlier.
- Remove exhaust system and exhaust heat shield. See 180
Exhaust System.
- Disconnect driveshaft from transmission and hang to one
side. See
260 Driveshaft.
4 With selector lever in park:
Hold
linkage clamping bolt (A) stationary when loosening
selector lever cable clamping nut
(6).
- Loosen cable clamping nut and remove cable from bracket
(ASS
3252 transmission shown).
- Where applicable, disconnect vehicle speed sensor harness
connector.
4 Disconnect main electrical harness connector(s) from trans-
mission by turning bayonet lock
ring(s) (arrows) counter-
clocltwise.
A4S
310R transmission: Harness connector at right rear of
transmission.
ASS
360R / ASS 390R transmission: Harness connector
(arrow) at right rear of transmission.
ASS 3252 transmission: Two connectors (arrows) on left
side of transmission.
ASS 5602 transmission: Harness connector at right rear of
transmission.
- ASS 4402 transmission: Harness connector at top left rear
of transmission.
- Remove wiring harness from transmission housing
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240-1 3
Automatic ~ransmissionl
- Blow out oil cooler lines with low-pressure compressed air
and flush cooler with clean ATF twice before reattaching lines
to transmission.
CA UTIOG
Wear safety glasses when worling with compressed air:
@ Do not reuse ATF used for flushing.
- Remainder of installation is reverse of removal, noting the fol-
lowing:
Reinstall driveshafl using new nuts.
Install new sealing washers on transmission cooling line
banjo bolts.
Install new O-rings on transmission cooler lines, where
applicable.
Inspect engine drive plate (flywheel) for cracks or elongat-
ed holes. Replace
if necessary.
Be sure bellhousing alignment dowel sleeves are located
correctly. Replace damaged sleeves.
Checlc to be sure torque converter is seated correctly in
transmission during final installation.
Use
BMW special tool 24 2 300 to align three mounting
tabs on torque converter with indentations on drive plate
(flywheel).
Fill transmission with clean ATF until oil level is even with
fill hole. Then check fluid level as described earlier.
Adjust gearshift mechanism. See
250 Gearshift Linkage.
NOTE-
In order to avoid difficulties in transmission removal at a fu-
ture time, use washers with Torx-head mounting bolts.
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. .
l~utomatic Transmission
Tightening torques
ATF drain plug to ATF pan
A4S 310R 25 Nm (I8 ft-lb)
A5S 360R I A5S
390R (M14) 18 Nm (14 ft-lb)
A5S 3252 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
A5S 5602 50 Nm (37 ft-lb)
A5S 4402 (M
16) 30 Nm (23 ft-lb)
ATF fill plug
to transmission housing
A4S 310R 33 Nm (24 ft-lb)
A5S 360R I A5S 390R (M14) 18 Nm (14 ft-lb)
A5S
3252 30 Nm (23 ft-lb)
A5S 5602 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
A5S
4402 (M18) 35 Nm (26 ft-lb)
Flex-disc to transmission output flange
MI0 (8.8 grade) 48 Nm (35 it-lb)
MI 0 (1 0.9 grade) 60 Nm (44 R-lb)
MI2 (8.8 grade) 81 Nm (60 ft-lb)
MI 2 (1 0.9 grade) 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
MI4 140 Nm (103 it-lb)
Torque converter to drive plate 45 Nm (33 ft-lb)
(flywheel)
(MIO)
Transmission crossmember to chassis or transmission
M8 21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
MI0 42 Nm (32 it-lb)
Transmission cooler lines to transmission
Banjo bolt
(M18. A5S 4402 transmission)
Banio bolt
(M16)
25 Nm (18 ft-lb)
37 Nm (27 ft-lb) . . Banjo bolt cap screw
(M18, A5S 4402 transmission) 20 Nm (15 it-lb
Compression fitting
(MI4 or M16) 37 Nm (27 ft-lb)
Oil cooler
bracket to transmission
(M8) 21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
Transmission to engine
21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
42 Nm (31 ft-lb)
72 Nm (53 ft-lb)
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250-2
I Gearshift Linkage
This repair group covers transmission gearshift and linkage service for both manual and automatic transmission
equipped vehicles.
To gain access to the complete gearshift mechanism it is
necessary to remove the exhaust system and the driveshaft
as described in
180 Exhaust System and 260 Driveshaft.
NOTE-
In models with automatic transmission, the electronic immo-
bilizer
(EWS) prevents starter operation unless the gear po-
sition is Park or Neutral.
Special tools
BMW suggests the use of one special tool in the removal
of the gear shift lever for manual transmission equipped
I I vehicles.
Manual transmission
gearshift linkage
--
4 Gearshift linkage
1. Inner rubber boot
2. Shift lever mounting ring
3. Bushing
4. Shift console
5. Shift lever
6. Selector rod
7. Spacer ring
8. Circlip
9. Dowel pin
10. Locking ring
11. Washer
12. Gear selector rod coupling
13. Locking pin
14. Bushing
4 Sh~fter spanner
(Tool No. BMW
25 1 11 0)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEARSHIFT
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Gearshift ~inkaael
Gearshift lever, removing
(manual transmission)
Use the accompanying illustration as a guide when removing
and installing the gearshift linkage.
- Remove shift knob by pulling knob straight off shift lever.
NOTE-
Pull up on the shift knob with about 90 lbs. of force. Do not
twist
knob or locating key can be damaged.
- Squeeze sides of shift boot to unclip from center console.
Pull boot up and off shift lever.
- Remove sound insulation at base of shift lever.
- Raise vehicle to gain access to underside of vehicle.
- --
WARNING-
Male sure the car is stable and well supported at all tfmes.
Use a professional automotwe hft orjaclc stands designed for
the purpose.
A floorjaclc 1s not adequate support.
- Remove complete exhaust system. See 180 Exhaust
System.
- Remove driveshaft. See 260 Driveshaft.
- Support transmission with transmission jack. Remove
crossmember from rear of transmission.
- Lower rear of transmission to access gearshift linkage.
CA UTIOI\C
Tilting the engine to lower the transmission can lead to
damage to various components due to lack of clearance.
4 Working above transmission, disconnect selector rod:
* Pull off shift rod retaining circlip (A).
Remove washer (6).
Disengage selector rod (C) from gearshift lever.
Page 603 of 1002
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Gearshift Linkage
- Connect selector rod to shift lever. Lift transmission, install
crossmember and tighten crossmember bolts.
Install driveshaft and heat shield. See
260 Driveshaft.
Reinstall exhaust system. See 180 Exhaust System.
. Lower vehicle. Install shift boot. Push shift ltnob on lever.
Tightening torque
Driveshaft
CV joint to final drive flange
. MI0 (Tom bolt)
70 Nm (51 ft-lb)
. M8 (compression nut) 32 Nm (24 ft-lb) - Driveshaft clamping sleeve
- MI0 ribbed nuts
80 Nm (59 ft-lb)
MI0 compressed nuts 64 Nm (47 ft-lb)
Flex-disc to driveshaft or transmission flange
MlO (8.8 grade) 48
Nm (35 ft-lb)
. MI0 (10.9 grade) 60
Nm (44 ft-lb)
- MI2 (10.9 grade) 100 Nm (74 ft-ib)
MI4 140 Nm (103 fi-lb)
Transmission crossmember
. to transmission 21 Nm (15 ft-lb)
. to chassis 42 Nm (30 ft-lb)