318i uphill struggle

Hi everyone,

Issue going up steep hills in my 318i.
Always need to build up speed before I get through inclined area. Sometimes doesn't kick on 90kph.
Seems like its loosing a lot of power.
Also I've noticed a bit of seal leaking around the bottom of automatic gearbox.


Any thoughts?

Kick on 90kph? Explain please.

Do you know how to check your transmission fluid level? Do so. It may be so low it can't operate correctly, and is burning up the transmission.

It's hasn't been changed since I've bought it. No history with it when I bought it. Running a bit rough as well.
Hard to read on the dip stick as it is black at the end. The colour of the oil is pretty dark too.

Once going steep hill if I'm driving at 100km per hour it drops to 90 and below. And wouldn't go any higher unless the push kick button is pressed.

Is this the M40 engine?

If so you need to convert it to a manual drive....M40 auto is a waste of time unless you are an old granny who only uses it to go to church on Sundays.

First thing to do is drain the autobox and re-fill to see if that helps.

it is a hill with a 4 cylinder. many 4 cylinders will loose speed just because they dont have the power. but if your car is running rough and the tranny fluid is low (already know its old since its dark) that would be the first indicator you need a tune up and potentially a tranny rebuild

you need to be more specific about what motor. my ex's m10 struggles at the first sight of any hill. it's just a lack of torque.

and in this poster's case a total lack of servicing

im going to require a lot more information.

1/ you say it hasnt been changed since you've owned it. thats really useful seeing i dont know you and have no idea whether you've had it for 3 months or 20 years.
2/ a hill. are we talking a 1m-in-30m hill or a 2m-in-5m hill or what??

My 316i doesnt really struggle on hills, but it cant pull it in top gear of course, but 3rd or 4th it will do it just fine depending on gradient

Back to servicing; or lack thereof.

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

and in this poster's case a total lack of servicing

This is the truth^

It has already been suggested that you service the tranny. I can only reiterate that you need to completely flush out the old fluid change the filter and refill with new fluid.

While your already in the mood, change out the plugs/plug wires/air and fuel filter.

Your car is probably in dire need of a tune up from what it sounds like.