1994 BMW 525i transmission shifts

1994 BMW 525
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IGGYJUNIOR
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1994 BMW 525i and the transmission recently started shifting weird. It holds a shift longer than it should and when it clicks into gear, it goes in harder than it should. It also downshifts rougher than it should. It has 130,000 miles and has the 2.5 inline 6 engine. I was told the transmission has lifetime fluid in it, so a flush is out of the question. Please give me a suggestion. It was driving just fine till recently.

Iggy
Sep 21, 2007 at 9:44 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 9,606 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Iggy, whoever told you that the fluid in that transmission is lifetime is full of s**t. It's regular DEXRON fluid.
There is a possibility that changing the fluid and the filter might help, but it really sounds like something has failed inside the shifting body. Call around to some transmission shops and see if you can get a "feel" for someone who really knows those trannys.
Dropping the oil pans and cleaning/inspecting the shift body inside and out and reinstalling it correctly is not difficult but does require a lift and some mechanical skill.
Sep 22, 2007 at 12:45 AM
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