Transmission leak, 2004 545i

The transmission on my 2004 545i started a very small leak a while back. The leak got progressively worse over a couple of weeks (but still not much oil each day) so I dropped the oil and changed the gasket on the pan. It still leaks, not nearly as much - about what it was at the very beginning. Has anyone else run into this?

Hey Pual17, the trans pan on my 545 was leaking when I bought it a few weeks back...I had the dealer replace it for me since it was being done for free. However, there are numerous posts regarding this issue for many other owners on this forum that I've come across...and from what I've gathered is basically if you're going to replace it then you should replace the entire Pan & Gasket & New Bolts...and OEM...providing you intend on keeping your car!

Hope this info helped you in some way!

Originally Posted by Paul17

The transmission on my 2004 545i started a very small leak a while back. The leak got progressively worse over a couple of weeks (but still not much oil each day) so I dropped the oil and changed the gasket on the pan. It still leaks, not nearly as much - about what it was at the very beginning. Has anyone else run into this?

You need to isolate the leak problem, what common on ZF 6HP26 and 6HP19 was sealing sleeve leaks. item 1 on the picture, the cost is about $700 to replace and refill the fluid (I assume you have not lost much of it cause the fluid is rather pricey at the dealer).

I just got the same $800 quote!!

Ddi you end up doing it?

How much does it leak?

I have no drops in my driveway.

What happens when the fluid gets low, does an idiot light go on? or does the trannsmission blow up!

It started with a very small leak and got progressively worse. You don't notice at first because the oil gets held in the underarriage shrouding. The oil level didn't get low enough to set off the warning light but when that happens you pretty much can't drive the car (more on this later). I noticed the leak doing a regular maintenance check so first tried just replacing the gasket. No problems filling the oil level this time. The leak persisted so next I replaced the pan and gasket. This time there must have been an air lock in the tranny because the warning light came on and the car wouldn't move much. I topped up the oil again and took the car to a shop and the oil level checked out fine. No problems since. Refilling the tranny with oil is a bit of a challenge because the filler opening is under the car. It can be done if you have an oil gun or McGiver a long tube. Also the level has to checked when the tranny is at the correct temperature.