Automatic transmission hole?

Hi, this is my first post. Glad to be here.

I just got my first bmw a 1990 525i black w/ black leather interior. 280,000 miles. Many problems as you can imagine, but I'll enjoy working on it and keeping it rolling for a few more years. I'm not a mechanic, I try to do as much of possible on my cars, but I'll leave transmission and engine overhauls to a pro if I need it.

I saw something very unexpected on the transmission, a hole or access hatch, that seems to be missing its cover, but there's no cover? I've searched all over the web, but cant even find a diagram that shows the hole. Is it supposed to be open? Seems crazy to be getting all that dirt and water inside the transmission!

I've searched for the BMW id, A4S-310R and the GM 4L30E.

Glad to be here, there's alot of great information on this site, I've been reading it all, but I can't find any mention of this hole.

Anyone know why this is open?

Originally Posted by beaterbimmer

Hi, this is my first post. Glad to be here.

I just got my first bmw a 1990 525i black w/ black leather interior. 280,000 miles. Many problems as you can imagine, but I'll enjoy working on it and keeping it rolling for a few more years. I'm not a mechanic, I try to do as much of possible on my cars, but I'll leave transmission and engine overhauls to a pro if I need it.

I saw something very unexpected on the transmission, a hole or access hatch, that seems to be missing its cover, but there's no cover? I've searched all over the web, but cant even find a diagram that shows the hole. Is it supposed to be open? Seems crazy to be getting all that dirt and water inside the transmission!

I've searched for the BMW id, A4S-310R and the GM 4L30E.

Glad to be here, there's alot of great information on this site, I've been reading it all, but I can't find any mention of this hole.

Anyone know why this is open?

thats where the flywheel and the torque converter attach . The teeth are the flywheel and thats where the bendix gear on your starter meets to start your car , and that is where you loosen the bolts that attach the flywheel and the torque converter , you take those bolts appart when the tranny is being removed and nothing else ( converter bolt access door )

You can purchace a plastic cover for that at any tranny shop !

Thanks for the quick reply, I'll go get a cover on Monday.

What's happens if you just leave it open?

Originally Posted by Iggy27

What's happens if you just leave it open?

You don't want any road debri gettting in there and damaging the teeth . If the teeth get damaged the starter won't have any to grab and start your car ! The bendix gear on the starter make contact on the flywheel . And worse case scenario you put a hole on that torque converter

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My hole is located on the passenger side and more towards the top of the casing

Originally Posted by Iggy27

My hole is located on the passenger side and more towards the top of the casing

Take a photo

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