BMW Bible » Gears

Golf V GTI vs BMW E36 320

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:49:50 +0000

Sultinys asked:

Golf V GTI Pirelli Edition (230 BHP) vs BMW E36 320 (M50B28 – I named so myself) – 246 BHP. BMW wheels spinning badly on the 1st and 2nd gears at the beginning of the 1st test. Second try is more successful. Cars are equal from the rolling start. more info on www.bmw-passion.com Don’t post stupid comments like this is impossible to have such amount of power. Car has been dynoied and now it has even more BHP – 261 HP at the crankshaft.

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SERIOUS EXPERIENCED ANSWERS PLEASE: Does the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) of BMW have a clutch pedal?

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:05:17 +0000

An ordinary manual transmission car has 3 pedals: gas, brake, and clutch. How about the DCT? Does the DCT only have gas and brake? Does it have paddle shifters? Please answer all questions and how do you drive it? Is the procedure just like the SMG in the BMW M5 and M6?

From a driving perspective yes it’s the same as the M5 and M6 with SMG as there is no clutch pedal. The biggest difference is the uninterupted flow of power.
The M DCT with Drivelogic combines two gearbox
components in one common housing with the same compact dimensions as a conventional manual gearbox. The “heart” of the new M double-clutch transmission in technical terms is formed by the two oil-cooled wet clutches.
One of the two clutches is for the even (2, 4, 6), the other for the uneven (1, 3, 5, 7) gears and, in addition, for the reverse gear. While driving, one of the two clutches is always closed, the other is open.
When accelerating – and when shifting down – the clutches are activated in an alternating process, one after the other. When shifting gears, the first clutch opens just as the second clutch is closing. This ensures an absolutely smooth and comfortable and at the same time an incomparably
fast gearshift without the slightest interruption in the flow of power.
This interaction of two clutches ensures a super fast rate of gear change in particular because the transmission control unit pre-selects the next gear with the transmission ratio matched ideally to engine and road speed and keeps this
gear waiting for immediate operation.
So when you’re accelerating, say, in third gear, an immediate flow of power is ensured by the appropriate clutch and the gearbox component controlling the uneven gears.
While all this is happening, the gearbox segment responsible for the even gears shifts to the gear required, in this case to fourth gear. The only operation required for this purpose is to close the clutch for fourth gear, at the same time opening the clutch for third gear, the power of the engine then being transmitted through the new gear with its different ratio to the wheels.
This entire process takes only a few milliseconds, meaning that in the time a skilled driver takes to press down the clutch pedal the DCT has easily completed the entire process of shifting gears, continuing to accelerate in the next gear higher up.
There are also 11 programs of driving styles ranging from auto comfort to super sport.

Oh – and of course launch control! Houston – we have lift off….

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1993 BMW 740 i lost reverse automatic?

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:34:33 +0000

when i put my car in reverse nothing happens . All the forward gears work fine. the car has 200,000 on it. If I have to change the tranny ,well the car is through. too bad cause its black on black all tinted , but tranny replacement is 3500 . Could it be throttle body fluids changed

One thing you can check out is this.
When you put it in reverse does the "R" pop up on your dash? If it does not you have a bad shift selector unit. This unit is inside the car wrapped around the shifter. If that part is faulty for the (R) position. Also unplug the shift program switch and try reverse. It to can cause problems. Don’t worry the trans will not blowup if you unplug it and try shifting.

That is one common fault. BUT the 740 trans is a weak transmission. They go out often and its a nasty job changing them. The exhaust alone is like 400 lbs..

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why wont my BMW 740 I go in reverse ??

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:34:11 +0000

I own a 1993 740 I IT has 200.000 mile on her but she runs great. This past year have put over 3000 in repairs. sencers,vacume, and intake problems to get her to pass smog. Finally I got all that done . The other day when I put her in reverse I got nothing. Whats strange is all the forward gears shift smoothly like new. Is this something that is electronic, ?I know that trannys for these cars cost allot so if I need a new one well the car will be totaled. It would cost more than shes worth. I am hoping that someone out there who is a bmw expert can tell me something simple that I can do or check to solve my problem. Even if I can get the reverse to barely work I would be happy with that. I only useit to back out of my garage to leave Any ideas at all I would be willing to try the car still looks great It all Black on black leather tinted windows help!!
oh by the way its a automatic

Hi there you don’t say if its auto or manual?
If manual, I suggest you check out the selector lever, and work out just what it is doing that isn’t happening with forward gears.
Hope this helps a bit.

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1997 bmw m3 reverse is hard to go into?

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:33:44 +0000

it seems fairly hard to go past the gate and get into reverse all the other gears seem fine to go into what is the problem?

Is it the gear that’s difficult to get in, or just that you have a tough time getting it past the spring-loaded detent that stops you selecting reverse by mistake?

If it’s the latter, change your technique a little. Actually wind up (only a little!) and slap the lever over to the left, through the detent. It’s easier than trying to push it sideways.

While it’s possibly it’s your clutch on the way out, I’d suggest changing your transmission fluid first. It may help, and it’s much cheaper! Use a quality synthetic: BMW’s own fluid, Redline D4ATF, Mobil 1 ATF or Royal Purple Syncromax. When you do this, be sure to loosen the fill plug before the drain plug! You don’t want to drain the fluid only to find you can’t get it back in.

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I’m selling my 1986 BMW 635csi/a?

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:40:43 +0000

What is a reasonable asking price? I have it up for 2,500 OBO and haven’t had any results. There are only 6 of these within 200 miles of where I live, so they are definitely rare. Here’s the specs…

‘86 635csi/a
5 speed manual
New paint – black
Dinan performance chip
Supersprint exhaust
Stock/original metric rims/tires
Body is in near mint condition
Front interior needs work. It is cracking/tearing from use. The rear seats are absolutely flawless!
The speedometer stopped working last year, I use my GPS for speed (or just guess by what gear I’m in)
I have new clear OEM turn signals for the front
M badges front and rear
M series front air dam
M series rear spoiler (not mounted, sitting in the shop)
186k miles on body/engine/tranny
Tranny needs 2nd gear synchro. All gears work fine but 2nd grinds when going from 1st to 2nd unless you’re really easy.
0-60 is around 6 or 7 seconds (never timed it)
Car has a GREAT exhaust tone, LOTS of power, and handles like a dream.

I need it gone as soon as possible. I’ve got to pay my tuition in the next couple months. For some reason, no one seems to be interested.

Here’s a few pictures…

–Black and white from the front–
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m5/bigbadfireman_2006/bmw_bw_anglefront_rs-MS.jpg

–Front angle–
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/56/l_988030cdf16090b5518c252fe7ba950c.jpg

–M series shift knob–
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/l_274babaa620066f6c0f2f81a49766518.jpg

–At the garage–
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/45/l_8a4589c0f0ed942d6a21b9be6f80e17f.jpg

–Opened up–
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/78/l_73b4063a792274e01a69fde07450b5fe.jpg

–From the rear–
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/107/l_5d07ba9eaf009199f645237489494283.jpg

–View of the M series vents–
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/82/l_5d5d154825811a58e065ec2f6404f546.png

Nice car man, I always enjoyed later model BMWs, but $2500 is a little much. Id say $1500 for what you have listed.

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How do I use the manual mode on a BMW 4L30E transmission?

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:18:00 +0000

I am going to buy a 325i with the 4L30E transmission,this is the automatic with a manual mode, and I don’t want to learn how not to use it and end up buying a new one. If anyone can give me a link or if you own one yourself any help would be appreciated.
By the way its 1992 325i.
I want to know how to use the damn thing not get someones opinion about it.

I have the same transmission in my ‘98 Z3. The trans has manual mode, sport mode, and "normal" mode. In manual mode, the transmission stays in whatever gear you have selected on the lever. It does not down shift or up shift. If you have it in 3rd and stop the car, it tries to take off in 3rd. If you up shift it manually, it has the normal delay – it isn’t instant. If you try to shift on the engine redline, then you have to shift "early" to allow for the delay and avoid hitting the rev limiter.

I prefer sport mode (selector on "3"). The trans stays in gear longer before up shifting. If you accelerate full throttle (in sport mode), the trans will shift right on the engine redline (at least mine does). Sport mode is also good for small autocross type courses – it seems to select the proper gear most of the time.

I don’t use manual mode very much, mainly because of the shifter – which does not have an indicator in the instrument panel, and does not have a stop for each gear, or neutral. If you lose track of which gear you are in, you have to look down at the shifter – and it’s easy to up shift 2 gears (or into neutral) if you aren’t real careful.

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BMW E39 528i steptronic?

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:41:25 +0000

1. Does anyone know why BMW changed the final drive ratio from 4.10 to 3.46 from 9/99?
2. If I change mine (7/2000) from 3.46 to 4.10, what is the downside?
3. I use Dinan s/w and so the RPM limit is raised, please keep this in mind, in case it has a bearing on your answers. Thank you very much.
Thanks very much for that Vince.

Additional questions.
(1) Is it safe for the car to make this modification?
(2) I assume its a straight swop – how long would it take?
(3) The process is reversible, correct?

1. The pre 09/1999 models have a A4S 310R transmissions. The "4" in A4S refers to 4 forward gears. Post 09/1999 models have A5S 360R transmissions, ie 5 forward gears. This is also the same transmission installed on several other BMW models. The transmission gear ratios have changed hence the drop from 4.10 to 3.46.

2. Downside is subjective. 1st gear will be shorter nad most likely rendered useless. Top speed will be reduced as well. And in some of the gears, while cruising, you may rev a little higher.

3. Dinan transmission or engine s/w or both? The car will still shift as needed.

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1991 BMW 535i suddenly will not go into reverse. acts like it’s in nutral when in reverse. what’s the problem?

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:33:29 +0000

All other gears work fine. If I put the car in reverse & rev the enginge I get "Transmission program" error on the dash and the car goes into limp mode (locked into 3rd gear). This all happened suddenly. transmission was working fine. I backed up, drove down the street, third gear shifted a little funny, like it was slipping. after that no reverse. all other gears including third work & shift fine. what do you think could be the problem & how do I fix it?

some wicked gremlins or chub chubs took control of your car??
hahaha

no seriously… I agree with the other comment, you should scan your car for a diagnostic to know for sure what is the malfunction.
hope it is nothing serious.
good luck

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BMW No Reverse Problem

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:31:18 +0000

If you have an e46 BMW with no reverse you will find thousands of pages online about the problem. Most of the information is from angry owners complaining about how much it costs to replace the transmission and not much info about the actual reason for the failure.

I understand your frustration, but I also understand why the dealers want to replace the trans rather than fix it. The dealer is concerned with customer satisfaction first and price second.

The ZF trans in the e46 contains very expensive parts and the dealer doesn’t want to be put in the position of charging $2,500 for an overhaul then three months later one of the shift solenoids goes bad and costs you another $1500 and more time without your car.

I have probably done hundreds of ZF overhauls and the majority of the problems come from the reverse drum breaking.

There is a snap ring that in my opinion is too close to the edge of the drum considering the amount of pressure that is used for reverse, the edge of the drum cracks off just above the snap ring allowing the piston to push the clutches out too far which lets the piston in the reverse drum get crooked in the bore and shears off the seal which reduces the fluid pressure.

The car might still have reverse when the fluid is cold because it is thick and can still apply enough pressure to the clutches cold, but not when it warms up.

The forward gears will still work because that drum and clutches is only used for reverse.

I get the drum with seal kit for $650 and I very rarely replace the clutches even with 100k they usually still look like new. Hopefully you don’t need any solenoids or the wire harness, since the harness is $225 and the solenoid’s are $850. I can usually get a rebuilt valve body with solenoids for $580. Once in a while I can find a used trans for $1700 and break it down for parts, but they are getting harder to find.

The hard part is finding someone to fix the trans with customer supplied parts. Most trans shops want to use their parts so they can charge what ever they want.

Getting parts from the dealer is not an option, because of the cost and most companies that sell trans parts will only sell to trans shops. The actual time for removing and overhauling is like 6.5 hours.

If you are having trouble finding parts email me at zfparts {at} gmail {dot} com and I will see if I can help you get what you need.

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