1996 BMW 318ti Tranny Issue
 

Hello to all-I just purchased this car a month ago and the previous owner stated that the transmission was slipping on him in all gears. However, when I test drove and then drove it 200 miles back home, there were no issues.

Just yesterday (21 degrees outside), I needed to swap out the car in the driveway when the automatic transmission would not engage into any gears to move. I let it warm up some more while I googled what the issue was - unfortunately, I could not find any relief to what the issue could be. I went back outside and it didn't shift. I turned off the engine and restarted and then it worked.

I tried today too, it did the same thing as the previous day.

Can any help me in the right direction?

New tranny needed? A sensor? I haven't checked the fluid since there isn't a tranny dip stick (suppose I would need to get underneath and pull the plug - right?)

Oh, the transmission control module light stays illuminated when the gears don't engage.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

Respectfully -
Ironfist1971

"US Navy Veteran (1990 - 1995)"

You can try a fluid and filter change, it's a PITA though. Could be a stuck solenoid/valve/accumulator. A fluid change might help that. However, the trans probably needs a rebuild of it was slipping for an extended time.

All that said, I've put 70K on mine with a slipping 3rd.

mine still has it's issues too...it finds first gear at about 1600 rpm
i thought it might be the fluid level...but now i'm not sure.
i'll keep an eye on this thread tho.

welcome to the Org Ironfist

Ran the OBDII - now a code P0720 comes up - Pulse Generator/Speed Sensor.

I will do the easiest first; flushing out the trans and replacing the PG/SS - car does have 191,000+ miles on it. I don't know much of the history of it though.

I will keep you all posted.

Bought the car for $1300 for my daughter's graduation present, but it is costing me hundreds. Replaced the rotors, calipers, MAF Sensor, Charcoal Canister, Hatchback arms, new rims (had the steel black ones), Knock Sensors, O2 Sensor, Bumper clips, Fog light, driver's side actuator and my time (priceless).

The body overall is 97% no rust - one slight dent on the front corner panel and the clearcoat is coming off the hood and roof.

I have owned 7 other BMWers in the past and have never had issues like this before - and one of the 7 was a 1993 318IS.

Thanks for your replies!!!!!

The Pulse Generator/Speed Sensor is located on the differential cover. Sometimes the wires get damaged or the plug gets corroded. As for the transmission, if the speed sensor isn't the culprit, you could try unplugging the transmission controller and then reconnecting it. It's located in the ECU compartment behind the battery on the firewall. It sits on top of the ECU. Otherwise you may just need to drain/refill the tranny. I'd address the problem in the order mentioned and see if that fixes the issue. Also FWIW, if you're running different size tires/wheels(mix matched), it could freak out the ABS, traction control and possibly the auto transmission controller.