E64 Automatic Transmission Refurb/Service
Discussion
Hi - I have a 2006 BMW 630i Convertible (E64) and am experiencing the usual lumpy gear change on the auto box as a result of needing servicing. There are a number of useful videos on YouTube which show you how to carry out the service and refurbishment, from which I have been able to source OEM Parts at a fraction of the normal retail price. My question relates to how far to you go with the refurbishment? As I will be dropping the Mechnatronic unit off of the transmission is it worth replacing the solenoid switches whilst the unit is out. (This procedure is straightforward and easy - just not convinced by the expense approx. £185 for parts). My gut feel is whilst you are stripping everything out to replace the four sleeves and adapter gasket etc that it may be false economy not to change the solenoids as they govern the pressure switching and regulation. Does anyone have any recommendations or experience they would like to share? Also I'd like to hire a garage facility with a hydraulic lift in the Marlborough area in Wiltshire does anyone know of anyone who hires out facilities? Many thanks
I take it that is the ZF 6HP26 gearbox?
If so, first thing I would do is simply change the oil.
I have done a few of these now on BMWs and Range Rovers and Discos.
Couple of things I have noticed.
Every single filter I have taken apart, even with 150k miles of original oil have been fine inside when you pull it apart, they are pretty amazing.
Changing filter and oil without getting it all out is not as good as just a flush and leaving old filter in there.
Do not reset the gearbox completely unless you change ALL the oil. 7 litres even with new filter can cause issues if you reset adaptations.
Resetting adaptations with a complete flush, even with old filter in place has always been fine and feels like a new gearbox.
I undo the oil cooler pipe, put a garden pump on the end and push the old oil out.
Undo pipe, pump in new oil and the other end pumps old oil out.
It normally takes around 12-14 litres before it starts to come out a nice clear yellow.
Just keep an eye on how much is coming out.
I have a 5 litre pump, so pump 5 litres out as I am pumping 5 litres in.
Keep going.
I buy the ATF AG55 off eBay for £70 for 20 litres delivered.
Anyone can do this at home.
Might be worth doing first, for the sake of £50 worth of oil, you might not need to do anymore than that.
I did a Disco 3 with 172k miles on it, it was going into limp mode between 3-4th and some grumble from TC.
He bought all new solenoids.
I convinced him to simply do a flush first.
You have to lift engine on Disco to get sump off.
He did a full flush, we reset gearbox adaptations, it genuinely feels like new. Smooth as silk changes, no flaring and TC has no grumble.
He is now at 210k miles.
If it doesn't feel like new, it will, then change the solenoids etc.
I have a complete set sat there, £100 if you need them. Not needed to use them yet.
I think most people just buy all the bits, as they have errors relating to solenoids and if stripping may as well. But reality is I bet 99% of gearboxes would feel like new with new oil and then resetting adaptations if needed.
If so, first thing I would do is simply change the oil.
I have done a few of these now on BMWs and Range Rovers and Discos.
Couple of things I have noticed.
Every single filter I have taken apart, even with 150k miles of original oil have been fine inside when you pull it apart, they are pretty amazing.
Changing filter and oil without getting it all out is not as good as just a flush and leaving old filter in there.
Do not reset the gearbox completely unless you change ALL the oil. 7 litres even with new filter can cause issues if you reset adaptations.
Resetting adaptations with a complete flush, even with old filter in place has always been fine and feels like a new gearbox.
I undo the oil cooler pipe, put a garden pump on the end and push the old oil out.
Undo pipe, pump in new oil and the other end pumps old oil out.
It normally takes around 12-14 litres before it starts to come out a nice clear yellow.
Just keep an eye on how much is coming out.
I have a 5 litre pump, so pump 5 litres out as I am pumping 5 litres in.
Keep going.
I buy the ATF AG55 off eBay for £70 for 20 litres delivered.
Anyone can do this at home.
Might be worth doing first, for the sake of £50 worth of oil, you might not need to do anymore than that.
I did a Disco 3 with 172k miles on it, it was going into limp mode between 3-4th and some grumble from TC.
He bought all new solenoids.
I convinced him to simply do a flush first.
You have to lift engine on Disco to get sump off.
He did a full flush, we reset gearbox adaptations, it genuinely feels like new. Smooth as silk changes, no flaring and TC has no grumble.
He is now at 210k miles.
If it doesn't feel like new, it will, then change the solenoids etc.
I have a complete set sat there, £100 if you need them. Not needed to use them yet.
I think most people just buy all the bits, as they have errors relating to solenoids and if stripping may as well. But reality is I bet 99% of gearboxes would feel like new with new oil and then resetting adaptations if needed.
Many thanks for the advice - I have 14 litres of ATF AG55 (Mannol) which cost me £100, but your supplier seems a lot cheaper - do you use the same supplier each time?
I will go for the flush first - as you say it is a lot quicker and easier than a strip down.
Once completed and tested I will let you know the results. Thanks again for the advice
I will go for the flush first - as you say it is a lot quicker and easier than a strip down.
Once completed and tested I will let you know the results. Thanks again for the advice
I use these guys....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-1x20-Litre-Mannol-Ag...
Usually turns up in 2 working days.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-1x20-Litre-Mannol-Ag...
Usually turns up in 2 working days.
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