01 740iL Transmission problem

Several of the above sound like the problem we are having with our 1998 740il so I just wanted to see if anyone who had similar issues found a definitive solution. Car has about 180000 miles and has been well taken care of. When holding highway speed or slight acceleration at highway speeds car seems to slip/fluctuate back and forth between 4th gear and o/d accompanied by a sort of rubbing..not exactly a grinding noise. Switching from Automatic to Manual stops the problem as the car stays in 4th.

Hello everyone. Please read my previous posting and if you have the same issue with your 740iL, I was able to find the problem. It took almost 2 months - the BMW dealers I visited could not figure out what was wrong, as the code did NOT show up (and you know how it is - no code "no problem"). I finally saw a Russian mechanic - during his immigration journey, he worked as a mechanic in Germany and now owns his service center for the past 30 years in US. When he saw my car, he said:

"Don wory - I fix". He said that the scraping noise was 100% NOT transmission, took the computer, connected to the socket under the navigation and started driving my car with the computer in his hand. 10 minutes later he came back smiling "I tell you I fix it - it's yur ABS pompa, when I drive, it's give me code". Who would have thought that a Russian mechanic, who barely speaks English, would have more knowledge and experience that 3 or 4 BMW certified delerships. After he looked up the code, it turned out that the ABS pompa is actually called DSC Compressor (Dynamic Stability Control Compressor) and the part number (for 2001 740iL) is 34516781435. The BMW dealer wanted $854.29 for this part new, I was able to find it used on the ebay for $107 + shipping. Problem SOLVED.

The other funny thing is that I never changed transmission oil and at 160,000 miles asked this Russian mechanic if it is true that you should not change oil, because, as many of you know, the BMW in USA tells you that you do not need to change it. The Russian mechanic (Alex) told me that the BMW person who tell me that, needs to be sent to Siberia. In Europe, the transmission fluid is changed on BMW cars every 30,000 miles, Alex said and "in Amerika zey wont to change transmishan for 5000 dolars, not yur oil for $250". What an experience. So, the moral of the story - if you have the same issue as I described, it is most likely the DSC compressor, and if you never changed your trans fluid - go ahead and do that and replace the filter too. Oh, by the way, do not listed to those who say that your car will not drive after you change it - anothe bunch of garbage ...

Hope I was able to help someone out there.

Originally Posted by Mathpro2001

Hello everyone. Please read my previous posting and if you have the same issue with your 740iL, I was able to find the problem. It took almost 2 months - the BMW dealers I visited could not figure out what was wrong, as the code did NOT show up (and you know how it is - no code "no problem"). I finally saw a Russian mechanic - during his immigration journey, he worked as a mechanic in Germany and now owns his service center for the past 30 years in US. When he saw my car, he said:

"Don wory - I fix". He said that the scraping noise was 100% NOT transmission, took the computer, connected to the socket under the navigation and started driving my car with the computer in his hand. 10 minutes later he came back smiling "I tell you I fix it - it's yur ABS pompa, when I drive, it's give me code". Who would have thought that a Russian mechanic, who barely speaks English, would have more knowledge and experience that 3 or 4 BMW certified delerships. After he looked up the code, it turned out that the ABS pompa is actually called DSC Compressor (Dynamic Stability Control Compressor) and the part number (for 2001 740iL) is 34516781435. The BMW dealer wanted $854.29 for this part new, I was able to find it used on the ebay for $107 + shipping. Problem SOLVED.

The other funny thing is that I never changed transmission oil and at 160,000 miles asked this Russian mechanic if it is true that you should not change oil, because, as many of you know, the BMW in USA tells you that you do not need to change it. The Russian mechanic (Alex) told me that the BMW person who tell me that, needs to be sent to Siberia. In Europe, the transmission fluid is changed on BMW cars every 30,000 miles, Alex said and "in Amerika zey wont to change transmishan for 5000 dolars, not yur oil for $250". What an experience. So, the moral of the story - if you have the same issue as I described, it is most likely the DSC compressor, and if you never changed your trans fluid - go ahead and do that and replace the filter too. Oh, by the way, do not listed to those who say that your car will not drive after you change it - anothe bunch of garbage ...

Hope I was able to help someone out there.

Ha! great post

So, any idea where the compressor is and how difficult it is to change

I've been plagued by this problem off and on for some time and no one can accurately troubleshoot this to definitively say what the problem is. It's really the only problem the car has but it's kind of a big one.

I was thinking maybe if I turn off the DSC from the dash button would this take the pump out of the loop? My thought is that if the problem disappears, voila that's what we need to look at.

In my case you can be driving along generally fairly low speed 25-35 mph. may or may not feel a slight shudder. Then instant limp mode. Pull over, remove key. wait 20 seconds and then fine again for a while.

Originally Posted by Mathpro2001

Hello everyone. Please read my previous posting and if you have the same issue with your 740iL, I was able to find the problem. It took almost 2 months - the BMW dealers I visited could not figure out what was wrong, as the code did NOT show up (and you know how it is - no code "no problem"). I finally saw a Russian mechanic - during his immigration journey, he worked as a mechanic in Germany and now owns his service center for the past 30 years in US. When he saw my car, he said:

"Don wory - I fix". He said that the scraping noise was 100% NOT transmission, took the computer, connected to the socket under the navigation and started driving my car with the computer in his hand. 10 minutes later he came back smiling "I tell you I fix it - it's yur ABS pompa, when I drive, it's give me code". Who would have thought that a Russian mechanic, who barely speaks English, would have more knowledge and experience that 3 or 4 BMW certified delerships. After he looked up the code, it turned out that the ABS pompa is actually called DSC Compressor (Dynamic Stability Control Compressor) and the part number (for 2001 740iL) is 34516781435. The BMW dealer wanted $854.29 for this part new, I was able to find it used on the ebay for $107 + shipping. Problem SOLVED.

The other funny thing is that I never changed transmission oil and at 160,000 miles asked this Russian mechanic if it is true that you should not change oil, because, as many of you know, the BMW in USA tells you that you do not need to change it. The Russian mechanic (Alex) told me that the BMW person who tell me that, needs to be sent to Siberia. In Europe, the transmission fluid is changed on BMW cars every 30,000 miles, Alex said and "in Amerika zey wont to change transmishan for 5000 dolars, not yur oil for $250". What an experience. So, the moral of the story - if you have the same issue as I described, it is most likely the DSC compressor, and if you never changed your trans fluid - go ahead and do that and replace the filter too. Oh, by the way, do not listed to those who say that your car will not drive after you change it - anothe bunch of garbage ...

Hope I was able to help someone out there.

I took your advice and tried this. It was a waste of time and money. My car does exactly the same with the new DSC compressor. The DSC controls the ABS system so I was doubtful it would work. I purchased it and installed it. I test drove it and the same problem was there. Shutter when shifting between 3rd and 4th gear and the scraping noise. I still have not found a fix for it. The dealer said needs a new trans. I am about to dump it. I will not put more money into the car than i can get out of it. Other than that the car is beautiful. It has 140000 miles on it and is fully loaded. My 1995 740il has 300000 miles on it. Still runs good. Never touched the Trans.

Originally Posted by bruce r

I just bought a 2001 740IL that I love, but it seems to have a transmissin issue. The car has high mileage but a very good service history. It has been serviced by a BMW specialist. At about 40 - 50 mph, in drive, it feels like the tourque converter is trying to lock up and then releases constantly. There is a scraping type noise at the same time coming fron the transmission. If I drive the car in the manual shift mode it does not do this. It seems like it has a bad sensor or the tourque converter might be on its way out. Has anyone else had this same problem? If so , what was the end result? Thanks Bruce

This is exactly what my car is doing. Please help!!!

Change tranny oil with mobil one synthetic oil.. Put a quart of Lucas for tranny and I promise no problem ...I did that to my 98 740i 50000 miles a go ... Got 160000 now and runs like a champ...

Was your car having the same problem? If this would work I would do it in a heart beat.

Was your car having the same problem as mine before you changed the oil? If so I would do this in a heartbeat. Let me know.

need help!
I recentlychased a 1997 740il, ran great for the first three weeks then the car wouldnt start! took it to mechanic had diagnostic done and was told the neutral safety switch needed replacing. Replaced it with a used one and the car started and ran great!
Now the car is doing the same thing again except, that the battery light is on, as well as the car not starting and i replaced with another switch , but that hasnt helped? I hooked two wires to the starter so that i can bump it without crawling underneath, which works great! the car starts like that and runs, but only in fourth gear. there are no lights showing on the drive area of the dash(eg: 1st, 2nd...D..) i have ordered a brand new switch but have concerns as to other issues that could be causing this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I love this car (first beeamer) really want to fix this problem asap.

I'm having same problem with grinding noise and rear end flutters when going to 3rd gear. I'll try the transmission fluid change. Thanks.

okay so my 98 740i was slipping in and out of gear, like what most of you have described. so i pulled the tranny out and disassembled it to find that one of the clutch plate baskets had begun to break off and fall in between the clutch plates cause the transmission to slip. so we ordered the parts and seals we needed all for about $1200 dollars. but note that my transmission was going into failsafe mode where the transmission is locked into 3rd gear that was cause by the slipping because of the weakly built clutch baskets. if any of you have questions email me at 12dorr@gmail.com

another note my grandfather owns a body show that works on bimmers so i had access to all of the specialty tools that BMW uses on their cars, so it may be harder for others to fix this issue them selves like i did

Hi this is only my third post. I purchased my 740 August 2011 with 120,000 miles on it for $3200. The car had been driving fine until recently when I go between 35 and 40 miles a hour the car hesitates then drives fine. It only hesitates between 35 and 40 then drives fine. Any suggestions on what to do. Thanks for any suggestions. Walter, Conover, N.C.. Buy the way what is a better car the 740 or 528.

My transmission don't slip. I get a shudder and grinding noise. Could this be something with my drive line? Any info is helpful thanks

My 740i shudders between 35 and 40 miles a hour and drives fine before and after that. I wonder what I need to do? Presently has 163,000 miles on it. Walter, Conover, Nc

The first and cheapest fix i would try is add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank and see if the car improves at all

I have a 2000 740 IL with 167k miles. After the water pump was replaced, it now makes lots of noise. In addition, I keep getting a Transmission Failsafe. However, the car still runs. After reading the posts, I plan to DIY the transmission. Can you recommend what type of ATF oil and filter and where to buy it. I normally buy from RoackAuto or Advance Auto parts.

Bump since I am having some kind of problem similar to this...sounds like the shaking/shudder/slipping is coming from the rear of the car. Any more info on that? I plan on doing a diff fluid change real soon so I'll check mine driveshaft out for anything abnormal.

Mathpro - what was the shops name that you went to? I'm in the loop so I went to RN Bavarian Motors once for diagnostics for speed sensors...

@gonzo40 and gsoman
Change the filter and fluid in your transmission. Your problem is caused by low fluid pressure resulting in poor torque converter lock up (shudder). Get the OEM filtran filter, 6 quarts of transmission fluid, Lucas trans fix, transmission pan gasket, and filter o ring. The fluid change steps can be found on this forum and can be performed in under two hours. A lot of guys on this forum use Redline D4, Mobil 1 ATF, or Maxlife. I've had great results with Maxlife (red bottle).

Originally Posted by FABOCH

I say service your tranny........even tho BMW says you neve have to- Tranny fluid good for life- not true ......I spent $ 4500.00 for New tranny @ 98k miles.....
the way my tranny went it never gave me any trouble or sign what so ever......damn thing ran good , smooth until 1 day driving my 3 yr old in the parking lot going 5mph. I then heard a High rev----------........instant tranny burned.....went into Trans Fail Safe mode......damn thing was suppose to put me in 3rd or 4th gear but it didnt...I couldnt go in reverse or forward. I had to tow the car.......Service guys told me that there were burned pieces at the bottom of the tranny pan How did I burn tranny? espec @ 5 MPH?....I was getting quotes from BMW 7500k range............Dont be guessing that its just going to fix itself...........for peeps sakes take it to the mech.

Yea the bmw people are telling me not to change my tranny oil and filter, but im getting the shudder, and i dont have any service info from the last owner, i think imma just go for it, what do you guys think?

If it goes out, buy used with lower mileage and do a fluid change. No need to rebuild for thousands of dollars; below is a link to helpful info. I would've thought people would learn "Lifetime" means warranty. Period.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1499438

Dose this work on e38?

Sent from my DROID4 using Bimmer App

From my limited diagnostics I was able to do on my 99 740il I determined the problem I have (same symptoms as Bruce R) is faulty Vanos Adjuster Units. My car has what feels like a perfectly timed misfire/shudder most noticable around 40 or 45 when the transmission is in overdrive and torque converter locked up. The harder you accelerate the harder it pounds and makes that grinding noise. I had noticed on my road trips to seattle for parts that if I shift into sport mode the shudder is gone. Though the shudder is there at higher speeds it seems to be less harsh the closer the rpms are to 2k.

My explaination is as follows. I have had a P01519, and P01522 cam adjuster codes since i bought the car. Reset them and they are back as soon as i start the car up. I diagnosed this as a vanos issue based on some of the characteristics of how the engine runs. It seems to be a little sluggish at low rpms and kicks you back in your seat above 3k. The shudder is gone over 2k which is getting closer to where the vanos system is backing off. At low rpms vanos is fully active and thus the worn out components are slipping the timing and having to be readjusted over and over. I have replaced both vanos solenoids with no change.

My old auto instructor clued me into the "logic" built into these luxury car transmissions. In the case of a large misfire or loss of engine power the transmission computer slips the torque converter clutch to keep the car from jolting. If you pay attention to the rpms you can see when the clutch releases and then locks back up. Some times going up a steep hill with the low rpms i will get a prolonged shudder where the torque converter clutch doesnt reengage because the engine is running too rough.

Now as with everyone else, I am human and I could be wrong but id be willing to wager that im right. I am a newbie to BMW and there was a sharp learning curve but I think im starting to understand some of it now. The internal camshaft adjuster unit on the m62tu is something like 600 dollars apeice so for 750 i bought myself a new engine (102k miles.) My engine has 229k miles and is ready to retire. I have the new engine on an engine stand and am waiting on some new gaskets and seals for it. As soon as I tackle the job and swap out the engine I will be back to post my results. In any case now I got 4 spare vanos solenoids. :P

This is my first post and after reading everything on this forum I am still wondering what to do next, My problem with my 740il 2001 with 143k miles is when stopping, slowing down then accelerating it fills like the transmission slips out of gear, rpms go up on engine then suddenly it catches the gear abruptly. One mechanic says fluid is ok and another mechanic says the transmission needs rebuilt.
Please give me some suggestions what to do next, Thanks.