You are here:

BMW/1988 bmw 325 i, tranny issues

Advertisement


Question
i was driving down the freeway, then all of i sudden i lost power. the only gear i have was reverse. i took it home ,drained the fluid and removed the pan. in the bottom of the pan was metallic sludge, and it was really thick on the pan magnets. is their any other solution other buying a new tranny or rebuilding it.

Answer
Bryan,
 You can try to flush the transmission and replace the filter, but I think the problem is that the clutches are shot (hence the black sludge).  

 You will probably need to get yours rebuilt, or buy a used, low mileage, replacement.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh

BMW

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Josh Fields

Expertise

I can answer questions related to the BMW e30. These are the cars produced from 1984-1991 (1992 for convertable) in the United states. I am more fluent with the six cylinder models, although few things changed for the 4 cylinder cars. I know most of the problematic areas of these cars, and have found ways to fix them.

Experience

I have owned six different E30's over the last 10 years. I do all my own work, and know about ever nut and bolt on these cars.   

Organizations
BMW Car Club of America

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.