HELP 2011 535i transmission issue

Surly73 · 09-03-2020, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

Bmw535iva posted a link to the rebuild kit. They are also available already remanufactured on eBay

I bookmarked that link right away, but hope to never need it

NJQG · 09-03-2020, 07:35 PM

Small update drained the fluid and pulled the pan. Fluid was pretty much black. There were also metal shavings in the pan. So it was definitely time for some service.

BrandBMW · 09-04-2020, 11:54 AM

Sounds like the previous owner lied about changing the fluid right before selling it. The fluid will always appear black when drained, just how dark black and how much the green hue can be seen is how to judge it.

Surly73 · 09-04-2020, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJQG

Small update drained the fluid and pulled the pan. Fluid was pretty much black. There were also metal shavings in the pan. So it was definitely time for some service.

Earlier in the thread someone mentioned possible solenoid problems if the wrong fluid was used. If the PO used in something "typical red" it may look black in the end when mixed with the red of the dirty original green ZF LG8.

The metal shavings bit doesn't sound good. Any evidence based on date stamps whether the pan was changed? The filter is integrated into the pan, of course, and is a key part of keeping things working properly.

BrandBMW · 09-04-2020, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly73

Earlier in the thread someone mentioned possible solenoid problems if the wrong fluid was used. If the PO used in something "typical red" it may look black in the end when mixed with the red of the dirty original green ZF LG8.

The metal shavings bit doesn't sound good. Any evidence based on date stamps whether the pan was changed? The filter is integrated into the pan, of course, and is a key part of keeping things working properly.

That was me, but yeah like you are saying, check for the red tint.

NJQG · 09-14-2020, 09:59 AM

Thanks everyone for the help Got the car up and running this weekend. Ended up replacing all the solenoids and fluid. Figured might as well do them all while in there even if it was just the one. Does anyone know if these things can be rebuilt? Might be worth keeping the old ones around if so.

Surly73 · 09-15-2020, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJQG

Thanks everyone for the help Got the car up and running this weekend. Ended up replacing all the solenoids and fluid. Figured might as well do them all while in there even if it was just the one. Does anyone know if these things can be rebuilt? Might be worth keeping the old ones around if so.

And everything is working perfectly now?

NJQG · 09-15-2020, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly73

And everything is working perfectly now?

Yea everything is working great so far. I've driven it to work a few days roughly 35 miles each way. Through city and highway and no issues feels great.

Surly73 · 09-15-2020, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJQG

Yea everything is working great so far. I've driven it to work a few days roughly 35 miles each way. Through city and highway and no issues feels great.

Well, I'd say that's a huge improvement over stuck in 6th gear

Glad to hear about the improvement, and you did it yourself I assume? It would be interesting to know what you found etc...

beegeezy · 09-15-2020, 11:54 AM

Where did you end up buying the solenoids?

NJQG · 09-15-2020, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly73

Well, I'd say that's a huge improvement over stuck in 6th gear

Glad to hear about the improvement, and you did it yourself I assume? It would be interesting to know what you found etc...

Yea i ended up doing it myself and I'm glad i did. I had never actually done a trans flush on my own. So it was good to see it wasn't that difficult. Taking out the valve body was also fairly straight forward. And there is definitely a good amount more fluid swapped when dropping it.

NJQG · 09-15-2020, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beegeezy

Where did you end up buying the solenoids?

I ended up getting a whole valve body with solenoids on eBay. Seller claimed it was entirely rebuilt. I was skeptical but took the chance as i had no other options. Buying just the solenoids seemed to not be available. My problem seemed to only be one solenoid, but i had it out so why not swap them all. I would have swapped in the whole valve body but read somewhere that required some coding.

Surly73 · 09-15-2020, 07:24 PM

Nice work! Take any pics?

NJQG · 09-16-2020, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly73

Nice work! Take any pics?

unfortunately no pics

BMW535iva · 09-16-2020, 07:44 AM

If you dont mind what was the cost for the valve body from he ebay seller. and his name ?

09-03-2020, 07:35 PM	#24
NJQG Enlisted Member 33 Rep 38 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Small update drained the fluid and pulled the pan. Fluid was pretty much black. There were also metal shavings in the pan. So it was definitely time for some service.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2020, 11:54 AM	#25
BrandBMW Private 31 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2011 535ix M-sport Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Chicago and DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 535ix Msport [0.00] 1992 850i [0.00]	Sounds like the previous owner lied about changing the fluid right before selling it. The fluid will always appear black when drained, just how dark black and how much the green hue can be seen is how to judge it. __________________ '11 535ix M-Sport - FMIC, CP, BM3 engine & trans, CQuartz Finest Ceramic, Poly tension bushings, Dynamic, Active Roll, Flappy paddles, HUD, Premium(s), Cold, Convenience, 5-cameras, 4-zones, Driver's Assist, Auto high, Hex trim '92 850i, '08 XC90 3.2 Past: '93 525i w/ S38B36 M5 engine/trans swap, '99 540i/6sp Sport, etc.
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09-14-2020, 09:59 AM	#28
NJQG Enlisted Member 33 Rep 38 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone for the help Got the car up and running this weekend. Ended up replacing all the solenoids and fluid. Figured might as well do them all while in there even if it was just the one. Does anyone know if these things can be rebuilt? Might be worth keeping the old ones around if so.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-15-2020, 11:54 AM	#32
beegeezy Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2013 535i M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: New Orleans iTrader: (0)	Where did you end up buying the solenoids?
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09-15-2020, 07:24 PM	#35
Surly73 Lieutenant Colonel 534 Rep 1,873 Posts Drives: '11 535xi 8AT KWv3 MPE MHD xHP Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oakville, Ontario iTrader: (1)	Nice work! Take any pics?
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09-16-2020, 07:44 AM	#37
BMW535iva Major 280 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: NC iTrader: (42)	If you dont mind what was the cost for the valve body from he ebay seller. and his name ?
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