E39 Diesel 2002year, automatic gearbox

[Xaalaavaa]

Hello friends,

Maybe some one could tell where is the problem. The problem is simple, when my little bmw friend gets started in the first time (for example he was just standing in one place, switched off for 7 hours), putting in Drive mode, the car won't drive, if i press the gas, the motor is running, but still there is no movement and in about 10 seconds, when i press the gas more than 3500mp the car starts slowly moving and drives like it use to and everything is normal

If the car is turned off for about 2 hours after movement, putting in Drive mode, it starts driving at once, no problems.

The same is if i put in sports drive.

Maybe any ideas what is wrong? The computer is not showing any gearbox problems or other kinds of problems.

Thank you in advance for your advices

[mark.c]

Xaalaavaa said:

Hello friends,

Maybe some one could tell where is the problem. The problem is simple, when my little bmw friend gets started in the first time (for example he was just standing in one place, switched off for 7 hours), putting in Drive mode, the car won't drive, if i press the gas, the motor is running, but still there is no movement and in about 10 seconds, when i press the gas more than 3500mp the car starts slowly moving and drives like it use to and everything is normal

If the car is turned off for about 2 hours after movement, putting in Drive mode, it starts driving at once, no problems.

The same is if i put in sports drive.

Maybe any ideas what is wrong? The computer is not showing any gearbox problems or other kinds of problems.

Thank you in advance for your advices

Funnily enough I am experiencing something very similar in mine (2002 525d). I have downloaded the gearbox manual (GM box in mine) but am having difficulty confirming what may be at fault.(No fault code) I have read that a sticky TCC solenoid on the valveblock can cause exactly our symptoms but normally in reverse gear only. I am willing to change this solenoid to see if if cures it but would rather narrow it down further before pulling the valveblock out.

I should say that my gearbox has done 135K and has had regular fluid and filter changes so I can rule that out. If yours hasnt it may be worth a go.It's also important on these boxes that the fluid level is correct.

I have spoken to a gearbox specialist who has apparently has some more in depth diagnostic equipment to test the valveblock assembly so am hoping to see him next week. I can keep you updated.

By the way, if I cycle the gear selector a couple of times then when I select 'D' then the gearbox will pre-torque as normal.

[Xaalaavaa]

Mark, ok keep me updated.

Last feedback - I changed the gearbox oil and filter, in first 3 days it started driving at once i putted to D, but after 4 and more days the situation was the same.

I had spoken with one of the mechanics, he told me two thins The oil wasn't correctly replaced (he means that it should drilled down when its worm not cold) and the gearbox'es filter is wrong.

Yes about the Reverse, there is not problem with it, it starts instantly.

[mark.c]

The thing with the oil change is that unless you pressure flush the gearbox I suspect that just by draining the box only 60% of the oil is changed.I would be interested to know how the filter can be wrong..I would have thought it either fits or it doesnt.

[Lucs]

Hi, I’ve got e39 525d with gearbox fault not sure whats could be but its lost power and looks like its slipping but changing gears perfect its had oil and filter changed twice since this happen, any ideas whats wrong?thanks

[d_a_n1979]

Lucs said:

Hi, I’ve got e39 525d with gearbox fault not sure whats could be but its lost power and looks like its slipping but changing gears perfect its had oil and filter changed twice since this happen, any ideas whats wrong?thanks

See if you can get the codes read with someone who has access to INPA or maybe Carly for BMW

If no codes; maybe get it to an autobox specialist and see what they say

No point in guessing etc

[Touring442]

The GM box has two solenoids, one for the torque converter and another next to it for main system pressure. Both can fail. I'd be getting proper fault codes first but the main solenoid sounds most likely.

[tonyinbrighton]

Most people will say Martin Hind at Dartford Auto Transmissions is the leading expert on E39s generally and gearboxes in particular...