E46 325ci Auto Gearbox Issues

[kyleppret]

Good day all

I am having gearbox issues with my E46 325ci gearbox [think it the GM (5 speed) gearbox not the ZF]

It recently put itself into limp mode which im told is 3rd and 4th gear and the cog light appears next to the D light.

I then changed the ATF with the correct oil from the agents and cleared the error code.

The car then drop for about 40km without and issue then placed itself in limp mode once again.

We reset the the error code once more then, car drove fine again for about 40km and then the limp mode returned.

I then got a new Transmission Control Box (Computer Box) and replaced the old one and the exact same thing happened after about 50km.

Guys im stumped, can anyone help me?

Thanks

Kyle
0836507182

 

[AdiS]

Good day all

I am having gearbox issues with my E46 325ci gearbox [think it the GM (5 speed) gearbox not the ZF]

It recently put itself into limp mode which im told is 3rd and 4th gear and the cog light appears next to the D light.

I then changed the ATF with the correct oil from the agents and cleared the error code.

The car then drop for about 40km without and issue then placed itself in limp mode once again.

We reset the the error code once more then, car drove fine again for about 40km and then the limp mode returned.

I then got a new Transmission Control Box (Computer Box) and replaced the old one and the exact same thing happened after about 50km.

Guys im stumped, can anyone help me?

Thanks

Kyle
0836507182

The gearbox is most likely stuffed and requires replacement or rebuild. A fluid change will not solve the issue. You can alternatively consider a manual conversion (speak to Gizmo), but each option will cost circa R20-25k.

This is a common failure point of E46.

 

[kyleppret]

Thanks Adis

Been to Gizmo before great guy. Ill find out if he can take a look for me as its already cost me R6k and im still stuck with the same problem.

Regards

Kyle

 

[AdiS]

Thanks Adis

Been to Gizmo before great guy. Ill find out if he can take a look for me as its already cost me R6k and im still stuck with the same problem.

Regards

Kyle

Yea look, I think acknowledge that there is more than likely no saving the current gearbox - so don't spend any more towards that. A manual conversion is the safest option as a replacement or rebuilt box could still fail. I would only do a rebuild if it was done by a reputable place (like ZF), and it will cost around the same as a manual conversion.

 

[kyleppret]

ZF told me its a heat issue with the gearbox (Thanks to Adis & Gizmo - Nico at ZF really helped me at no charge, insisted on buying him and is colleague lunch though). Rebuild is "about" R22k through ZF. Nico was impressed that my car got 230000km before any gearbox issue materialized .

Also went to Budler Motorsport where a mate of mine took his E46 M3 SMG and they sorted it out proper. They say that they can rebuild the gearbox for R13k cash price with a 12month guarantee and they told be they do about 2 to 3 a week.

Any thoughts?

 

[rodga]

Dont have any advice to give you, but thats the reason I decided not to do the oil change on my 525i and rather keep aside that cash for when the box fails and will most likely do a manual conversion instead.

 

[AdiS]

ZF told me its a heat issue with the gearbox (Thanks to Adis & Gizmo - Nico at ZF really helped me at no charge, insisted on buying him and is colleague lunch though). Rebuild is "about" R22k through ZF. Nico was impressed that my car got 230000km before any gearbox issue materialized .

Also went to Budler Motorsport where a mate of mine took his E46 M3 SMG and they sorted it out proper. They say that they can rebuild the gearbox for R13k cash price with a 12month guarantee and they told be they do about 2 to 3 a week.

Any thoughts?

Well I suppose a 12 month gaurantee is not bad, but beyond that it's still a risk as I am not sure how good budler are at rebuilding gearboxes.

 

[Blue Shirt]

An oil change will not cure a worn-out gearbox which it probably is at 230000 km.

The cost to rebuild a GM box is only about R12 - 15k at Executive Transmission in Edenvale which is where ZF sends all the GM boxes brought to them.

 

[Peter@AEW]

I had a chat with Niko about the purported lifetime oil in the boxes and he insists that it is only good for 60 000Km before an oil change is required.

The cost of R15k as quoted by Budler is not much really considering that a manual car needs that much for a clutch job

If it were my car I would certainly consider doing the overhaul at Budler.

 

[kyleppret]

Well I've decided to go the Budler route next week so will report back and let you guys know how it turns out. At least we will be able to rate Budler then.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Well I've decided to go the Budler route next week so will report back and let you guys know how it turns out. At least we will be able to rate Budler then.

Be mindfull that he will in all likelyhood use aftermarket parts for the box.

I picked up a seal kit from ZF for the HP5-19 at R5500 and clutches at R6400.
Torque converter another R2000/3000 to overhaul and one is pretty much at the R16k mark.
Not too sure as to what the costs for the GM would be however I expect not much less than that.
btw there was a GM box advertised recently for sale you may wish to look at the SALE threads?

 

[Pho3niX90]

12 month is not bad at all. ZF only gives 6months guarantee

 

[DieselFan]

12 month is not bad at all. ZF only gives 6months guarantee

That's ridiculous considering what the charge to recon the newer autos

 

[kyleppret]

Okay guys so I've just collected my car from Budler Motorsport.

R15k with 12 month warrantee (unlimited km)

Budler did 300km plus testing the car and all is well. Took the car in on Tuesday 18/11/14 (no deposit) and they called me on Friday 21/11/14 to say it was all done. Only collected it today and as I arrived car was cleaned and waiting. Before any business was conducted I was handed the keys and told to test drive it without anyone accompanying me. Then returned and paid, excellent service I have to add.

Thanks to Morne @ Budler Motorsport 011 434 5158
110 Hay Street, Turffonein

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Oh yeah by the way the box was a ZF box