Off Topic, 5L40E help needed (GM/BMW) [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: Off Topic, 5L40E help needed (GM/BMW)


2fast2
01-30-2007, 11:02 PM
Sorry for the non-truck post but I'm hoping someone can contact me off list if necessary to advise me about this transmission. This is a GM, made in France, 5 speed automatic in a 1999 BMW 323i E46 chassis 110K miles,that I'm trying to fix for my son's girlfriend. I have a P0731 error code, and the transmission seems to be in limp mode in one gear. Reverse works fine. I've drained the fluid which didn't smell bad and didn't appreciate any signs of catastrophic failure, put in a new filter and new Dex III and the first start seemed to go through the gears properly but then it "stuck" in whatever gear (4th maybe??) and won't shift into any other forward gears. Like I mentioned, reverse works normally, indicating to me that the torque converter works OK. I'm suspecting a servo or sensor or something has stuck. BMW says replace the transmission for $5000 but this young lady doesn't have that kind of money. I'm thinking SOMEBODY can point me in the right direction to attempt to repair this thing. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Jim

Mike L.
01-30-2007, 11:08 PM
Forward clutches are gone and it will require a rebuild. Very few trans shops can work on this trans. Dex 3 is a no no in this trans but at this point it makes no differece. P0731 is a first gear slip.

2fast2
01-30-2007, 11:19 PM
I was afraid that was the case but hoping it was something easier. Any recommendations for rebuilders? There are some national companies who will do this, even using this core if necessary. Nobody local will touch it, too difficult I'm told.