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BMW 735 Automatic Drive Problem


Jfw
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I have a 1997 735i and have experienced problems with the automatic transmission. The problem started with the car not pulling away smoothly the drive would snatch as you pulled away. This continued on an intermittent basis until the car wouldn't drive at all. It will however drive in reverse. Can anyone give me any pointers. Is the best option to change the box or could it be an ancilliary part attached to the transmission ??

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Hi and welcome to TSN!

Those BM 7's still are (IMO) the best looking BMW for ages!

I would personally go and get the automatic transmission fluid changed and the pan cleaned.

The 'sealed for life' gearbox ethic when they were built is wrong. The fluid change and pan clean will cost upwards of £300, but it might sort the problem.

It is usually because the fluid gets so dirty, nothing works! So the car doesn't know what the gearbox is doing.

Might also be worth cleaning the MAF as well!

Also, get an independent BMW bod to do it - NOT the main dealer.

Good luck!

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Do you know if changing the transmission unit is a difficult task, I can get access to a pit and have a replacement unit lined up for £250.

Replace the whole gearbox?

That will be a PITA, not sure if the engine has to come out as well.

I'd suggest changing the fluid and cleaning the interior of the gearbox belly pan first of all.

Then with the belly pan off, check all the wiring connectors/sensors are in place.

Then fill it up and try. You might need special equipemnt to make sure you have put int he correct amount of fluid. The ZF boxes can hold 9 litres or more!

Also, there is no guarantee that the replacement box you have ready will be any better?

Can you get the BMW diagnostic codes read at all?

Have a look in teh A8 section and do a search for A8 gearbox fluid change procedure. It's effectively the same box, and will show you what you need to do. BUT get the gearbox fluid brom your friendly BM specialist/dealer. Migth be £10 a litre, but accept no substitutes!

Edited by cruiser647
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