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Writer's pictureZac Ferry

What are Some Common BMW Transmission Problems?

Updated: Nov 11, 2023

BMW cars are synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, performance and luxury. However, as in case of any other vehicle, the transmission has an important role to play in ensuring reliable operations. It helps in changing the engine gears, allows the car to move and go fast. The transmission problem in BMW arises when you have problem in shifting the gears. The right way is to technically handle the clutch-squeak and the gear-shift hesitation. Here are some of the common BMW transmission problems that owners experience often.

Slipping Transmission

Whether you have an automatic or manual BMW, it can slip in and out of gears in case of a transmission issue. In case this occurs, there will be a mismatch between the actual speed of moving of the BMW and its RPM speed. It will feel as if the car is slipping. It can be likelier to occur while driving on sharp declines or inclines. You have to be more attentive to how it feels like while driving your BMW on hills. Even a low fluid level may lead to such BMW transmission problems.

Odors and Rough Idling

There is no need for you to even drive your car, to detect such initial signs – which are indicative of BMW transmission problems. You have to start your BMW and step out of it. Do you find a rough sound coming out? It might mean that the transmission is not performing up to the mark. There can either be abnormal noise, or sudden stopping of the car, or problem in changing the speed of the car in sudden variations. If there is a burning or sweet smell coming out of your car, the BMW transmission fluid could be the issue, and it might have to be replaced. That should be done anyway between every 30,000 – 60,000 miles.

Look for ‘On’ Engine Light

The BMW engine light might not be too specific, but if you find this to be turned on, it is a good idea to take your vehicle for an inspection. It might be one of the BMW transmission problems. In case there is a transmission warning signal or light in your BMW, it could be clearly indicative that your transmission might be affected. In such cases, the vehicle should be serviced.

Leakage of fluid

If you find a fluid being leaked by your BMW, you might feel that it is oil leaking out. But that could instead be the transmission fluid. Such kind of fluid is often:

  1. A shade of red

  2. A shade of brown or

  3. Possibly very dark

Keep a cardboard under the car overnight and check the color in the morning. You can evaluate the color better that way. You might like to take the car to a mechanic shop.

Poor Accelerating and Shifting

The handling is among the biggest pleasures of driving a BMW. Thus, in case you experience poor handling, it is obviously a problem. Potentially, this could be one of the BMW transmission problems. In case the shifting appears to be delayed or rough, there could be an issue with your BMW which has to be taken care of. In case you have a manual transmission, you might suddenly find a hard transmission shifting. Transmission fluid leaks can also be a problem and you need to take the car to the nearest repairing centre to enhance the on-road flexibility of the vehicle.

You can also find BMW transmission problems while trying to accelerate. In case the BMW appears to be less responsive at green lights than normal, or if you are pulling out of driveway, transmission issues could be there. Check for coolant and oil leakages and ask the repairing specialist to work on it accordingly.

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