Steptronic gearbox problem.

In article <6pin99F84jvmU1.RemoveThis@mid.individual.net>,
Mike G <metier.RemoveThis@largefoot.com> wrote:
> 2000 reg BMW E46 330i 90k miles.
> Problem selecting reverse gear. Sometimes it does sometimes it
> doesn't.
> All forward gears work as normal.

> Belongs to a friend. He tells me that he has to re-select reverse
> maybe once or twice before it engages. When it does, it works
> normally. When it doesn't, it like it's in neutral. The engine
> revs. Car stays put.

> Sounds more like a g/b ECU problem to me, rather than a
> mechanical one.
> He hasn't got around to having it checked yet. In the meantime.
> Any ideas?

I *think* reverse, neutral and one forward gear are part of the limp home
mode so independent of ECU control. So I'd first check the gear change
cable is in fact selecting the position correctly. Doesn't sound like a
clutch pack fault. More likely something sticking in the hydraulics, if it
is being selected properly.

--
*Generally speaking, you aren't learning much if your lips are moving.*

Dave Plowman dave.RemoveThis@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

"Mike G" <metier.TakeThisOut@largefoot.com> wrote in message
news:6pin99F84jvmU1@mid.individual.net...
> 2000 reg BMW E46 330i 90k miles.
> Problem selecting reverse gear. Sometimes it does sometimes it
> doesn't.
> All forward gears work as normal.
>
> Belongs to a friend. He tells me that he has to re-select reverse
> maybe once or twice before it engages. When it does, it works
> normally. When it doesn't, it like it's in neutral. The engine
> revs. Car stays put.
>
> Sounds more like a g/b ECU problem to me, rather than a
> mechanical one.
> He hasn't got around to having it checked yet. In the meantime.
> Any ideas?


Speak to TES Transmissions in Westbury, Wilts. They remanufuacture boxes for
all the majors and know these things *inside-out*.
My E36 auto box was getting a bit notchy on the change when cold. They did a
full fluid change plus all 3 filters all for £115 incl. while I waited. Box
is now lovely (160k miles)
JB
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in article 6pin99F84jvmU1.DeleteThis@mid.individual.net, Mike G at metier.DeleteThis@largefoot.com
wrote on 12/1/08 10:04 AM:

> 2000 reg BMW E46 330i 90k miles.


300 series is not robust enough for America roads for my tastes, such is
why I do the 500 series ... have 175k miles now for an 8 year old car ...
going real strong ... only an oil leak that has to be fixed again from the
second major service it had to do (time clocked on me, not the mileage) when
the cracked the engine case.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

In article <C55A81F9.25C2%alanb@sonic.net>,
Alan B. Mac Farlane <alanb RemoveThis @sonic.net> wrote:
> 300 series is not robust enough for America roads for my tastes,

You know about all the other roads round the world where the *3 Series* is
popular too?

--
*'ome is where you 'ang your @ *

Dave Plowman dave RemoveThis @davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

In article <gh3k4r$357$1@panix2.panix.com>,
Scott Dorsey <kludge.RemoveThis@panix.com> wrote:
> Sheesh, my objection is the opposite... the 3-series is just too damn big
> these days. Today's 3-series is as big as the 5-series used to be...

On the outside, maybe.

--
*Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups

Dave Plowman dave.RemoveThis@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave.RemoveThis@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message
news:50071ae8a4dave@davenoise.co.uk...
> In article <6pin99F84jvmU1.RemoveThis@mid.individual.net>,
> Mike G <metier.RemoveThis@largefoot.com> wrote:
>> 2000 reg BMW E46 330i 90k miles.
>> Problem selecting reverse gear. Sometimes it does sometimes it
>> doesn't.
>> All forward gears work as normal.
>
>> Belongs to a friend. He tells me that he has to re-select
>> reverse
>> maybe once or twice before it engages. When it does, it works
>> normally. When it doesn't, it like it's in neutral. The engine
>> revs. Car stays put.
>
>> Sounds more like a g/b ECU problem to me, rather than a
>> mechanical one.
>> He hasn't got around to having it checked yet. In the
>> meantime.
>> Any ideas?
>
> I *think* reverse, neutral and one forward gear are part of the
> limp home
> mode so independent of ECU control. So I'd first check the gear
> change
> cable is in fact selecting the position correctly. Doesn't
> sound like a
> clutch pack fault. More likely something sticking in the
> hydraulics, if it
> is being selected properly.

Cheers Dave.
I'll pass your comments on. I can't believe the g/b needs to be
replaced for what appears to be an actuator fault, rather than a
fault with the g/b mechanics, or clutches.

As you suggest, checking the cable is probably the best thing to
check, before anything else, but if it is a sticking hydraulic
clutch actuator, do you know if they can be replaced or serviced
without stripping the g/b?

If it's not the cable, maybe an oil change would help?
I'm trying to think of cheaper alternatives to try, before more
expensive options, like a new g/b..
My friend is not that well off.
Mike.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

In article <6plfd7F8dbkeU1.RemoveThis@mid.individual.net>,
Mike G <metier.RemoveThis@largefoot.com> wrote:
> > I *think* reverse, neutral and one forward gear are part of the limp
> > home mode so independent of ECU control. So I'd first check the gear
> > change cable is in fact selecting the position correctly. Doesn't
> > sound like a clutch pack fault. More likely something sticking in the
> > hydraulics, if it is being selected properly.

> Cheers Dave. I'll pass your comments on. I can't believe the g/b needs
> to be replaced for what appears to be an actuator fault, rather than a
> fault with the g/b mechanics, or clutches.

> As you suggest, checking the cable is probably the best thing to check,
> before anything else, but if it is a sticking hydraulic clutch
> actuator, do you know if they can be replaced or serviced without
> stripping the g/b?

If it's the clutch or actuator I'd say it's a total stripdown job. If a
valve sticking, it might be possible in situ. But that's a guess.

> If it's not the cable, maybe an oil change would help? I'm trying to
> think of cheaper alternatives to try, before more expensive options,
> like a new g/b.. My friend is not that well off.

It would do no harm - but the correct fluid is very pricey. You really
need the advice of a specialist - but I don't know of one. Most will
simply want to fit a recon box.

Secondhand boxes don't seem to go for a fortune on Ebay, though.

--
*Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.

Dave Plowman dave.RemoveThis@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

Scott Dorsey wrote:

>Sheesh, my objection is the opposite... the 3-series is just too damn big
>these days. Today's 3-series is as big as the 5-series used to be...

It's getting a bit big for my tastes, too. The E46 is a nice size.

When the E90 came-out, 3-inches wider and *no* side bump-strips...
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave.TakeThisOut@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message
news:5007949227dave@davenoise.co.uk...
> In article <6plfd7F8dbkeU1.TakeThisOut@mid.individual.net>,
> Mike G <metier.TakeThisOut@largefoot.com> wrote:
>> > I *think* reverse, neutral and one forward gear are part of
>> > the limp
>> > home mode so independent of ECU control. So I'd first check
>> > the gear
>> > change cable is in fact selecting the position correctly.
>> > Doesn't
>> > sound like a clutch pack fault. More likely something
>> > sticking in the
>> > hydraulics, if it is being selected properly.
>
>> Cheers Dave. I'll pass your comments on. I can't believe the
>> g/b needs
>> to be replaced for what appears to be an actuator fault,
>> rather than a
>> fault with the g/b mechanics, or clutches.
>
>> As you suggest, checking the cable is probably the best thing
>> to check,
>> before anything else, but if it is a sticking hydraulic clutch
>> actuator, do you know if they can be replaced or serviced
>> without
>> stripping the g/b?
>
> If it's the clutch or actuator I'd say it's a total stripdown
> job. If a
> valve sticking, it might be possible in situ. But that's a
> guess.

Spoke to him this evening, and things have changed.
Now it appears as if reverse is slipping, and it does it every
time it's selected.
It will reverse at tickover on level ground, but if given any
accelerator, it just revs, and the car stops.
It's beginning to sound expensive.

He rang the local BMW main dealer today. They had similar ideas
as yourself about the fault, but they can't check it until next
week.

>> If it's not the cable, maybe an oil change would help? I'm
>> trying to
>> think of cheaper alternatives to try, before more expensive
>> options,
>> like a new g/b.. My friend is not that well off.
>
> It would do no harm - but the correct fluid is very pricey. You
> really
> need the advice of a specialist - but I don't know of one. Most
> will
> simply want to fit a recon box.
>
> Secondhand boxes don't seem to go for a fortune on Ebay,
> though.

Had a look on eBay. Steptronic gearboxes seem to go for anything
between £300 and £700. Even at £300 it's not going to be cheap by
the time labour costs are added.

I told him he should have bought an E39.
Mike.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

In article <6pmg08F8tfcpU1.TakeThisOut@mid.individual.net>,
Mike G <metier.TakeThisOut@largefoot.com> wrote:
> > If it's the clutch or actuator I'd say it's a total stripdown
> > job. If a
> > valve sticking, it might be possible in situ. But that's a
> > guess.

> Spoke to him this evening, and things have changed.
> Now it appears as if reverse is slipping, and it does it every
> time it's selected.
> It will reverse at tickover on level ground, but if given any
> accelerator, it just revs, and the car stops.
> It's beginning to sound expensive.

Indeed. Recon box time I'm afraid. And could cost just about what the
car's worth in the present climate. Secondhand might be the way to go.

--
*Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot.

Dave Plowman dave.TakeThisOut@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave.RemoveThis@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message
news:50081676aadave@davenoise.co.uk...
> In article <6pmg08F8tfcpU1.RemoveThis@mid.individual.net>,
> Mike G <metier.RemoveThis@largefoot.com> wrote:
>> > If it's the clutch or actuator I'd say it's a total
>> > stripdown
>> > job. If a
>> > valve sticking, it might be possible in situ. But that's a
>> > guess.
>
>> Spoke to him this evening, and things have changed.
>> Now it appears as if reverse is slipping, and it does it every
>> time it's selected.
>> It will reverse at tickover on level ground, but if given any
>> accelerator, it just revs, and the car stops.
>> It's beginning to sound expensive.
>
> Indeed. Recon box time I'm afraid. And could cost just about
> what the
> car's worth in the present climate. Secondhand might be the way
> to go.

Know any good reconditioners? Maybe to repair his existing one?
At least then there would be some sort of guarantee.
Trouble with a s/h box is that you're taking a gamble on it being
a good one, and taking into account the labour cost of fitting,
it could be an expensive option compared to a recon one if it
goes wrong after a few months.
I would find the choice a difficult one to make.

He paid £6,250 for it about 6 months ago. HFM I hear you say.
Must say though that well equipped E46 330i's, like his are still
fetching around 4k.
Mike UK.
 >> Stay informed about: Steptronic gearbox problem. 

in article 50081676aadave DeleteThis @davenoise.co.uk, Dave Plowman (News) at
dave DeleteThis @davenoise.co.uk wrote on 12/3/08 2:05 PM:

> Secondhand might be the way to go.


nawwww ... get it done right if you want to put the time and mileage in.

You can get a box out of the Dismantelers Yard if you like.

Swap it out ... and then drive the Beamer for what ... another 20k or so
until you have to do it again.

Or get it done right ... if the car is worth it ... and get the 90k out of
it.

Penny wise and dollar foolish is the connundrum here.

Some stores will take the trade in and give you an upgrade on a less used
Beamer for the money involved ... and you give them the problem to sort out
.... which they will better then you can.

sumbuddie hopes this helps


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On Thu, 4 Dec 2008 00:56:50 -0000, "Mike G" <metier.RemoveThis@largefoot.com> wrote:

>
>"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave.RemoveThis@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:50081676aadave@davenoise.co.uk...
>> In article <6pmg08F8tfcpU1.RemoveThis@mid.individual.net>,
>> Mike G <metier.RemoveThis@largefoot.com> wrote:
>>> > If it's the clutch or actuator I'd say it's a total
>>> > stripdown
>>> > job. If a
>>> > valve sticking, it might be possible in situ. But that's a
>>> > guess.
>>
>>> Spoke to him this evening, and things have changed.
>>> Now it appears as if reverse is slipping, and it does it every
>>> time it's selected.
>>> It will reverse at tickover on level ground, but if given any
>>> accelerator, it just revs, and the car stops.
>>> It's beginning to sound expensive.
>>
>> Indeed. Recon box time I'm afraid. And could cost just about
>> what the
>> car's worth in the present climate. Secondhand might be the way
>> to go.
>
>Know any good reconditioners? Maybe to repair his existing one?
>At least then there would be some sort of guarantee.
>Trouble with a s/h box is that you're taking a gamble on it being
>a good one, and taking into account the labour cost of fitting,
>it could be an expensive option compared to a recon one if it
>goes wrong after a few months.
>I would find the choice a difficult one to make.
>
>He paid £6,250 for it about 6 months ago. HFM I hear you say.
>Must say though that well equipped E46 330i's, like his are still
>fetching around 4k.
>Mike UK.


One of the best I know is "Mister Transmission" in South London

Units 15 & 16
Ropery Business Park
Anchor & Hope Lane
Charlton
London
SE7 7RX

020 8691 6494 or 6652
Fax 020 8293 5011

Ask to speak to one of the "Fotheringhams" Father & Son own the company.

--

Sir Hugh of Bognor

The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen
hsg.RemoveThis@h-gee.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK
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