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View Full Version : What type of transmission does a 95 525i have in it?



thunderman
04-02-2004, 08:43 AM
I was reading that it is a GM tranny, is that true?

sbcncsu
04-02-2004, 08:51 AM
I was reading that it is a GM tranny, is that true?

Yes, the automatic transmission is made by GM in France, it is called the 4L30E in GM speak. BMW calls it the A4S-310R, but it is still a 4L30E.

ryan roopnarine
04-02-2004, 09:03 AM
it doesn't say BMW like the later bmw models with GM trans in em (wonder why??????:^) it mentionl opel

http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/transmissions/hydra/apps/4l30.htm

the heartbeat of america in your e34 (ehhhhhh)

thunderman
04-02-2004, 09:10 AM
So, What does this mean for my "New" '95 525i?

sbcncsu
04-02-2004, 11:56 AM
So, What does this mean for my "New" '95 525i?


It means you have the GM Transmission, the good, the bad, and the ugly...

The 4L30E started life as the 3L30 in mechanical form as found in the... you ready for this???? The Chevrolet Chevette and Pontiac T1000. Then, there was a need for an overdrive so, GM added the overdrive to the FRONT of the transmission and didn't bother to tie the two pans together resulting in the 4L30 with two pans. Electronics were added and it became what we know, the 4L30E.

There are only a couple of real weaknesses in this transmission. Mechanically the hard parts (gears, shafts drums, etc) are really well made and strong. The gaskets (and to a certain extent the bolts) that seal everything are crap. Over time the intermediate housing gaskets (overdrive to pump to main case) harden, buckle and leak causing delayed gear engagement, pendulum shifting and leakage of ATF from the case.

This is what it looks like:
http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/sbcncsu/Overdrive%20Housing%20w%20Gasket.jpg


http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/sbcncsu/Center%20Support%20w%20Gasket%201.jpg


http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/sbcncsu/Center%20Support%20w%20Gasket%202.jpg

Other than that, the transmission works really well in these cars.

MO525
04-02-2004, 09:39 PM
My Bentley shows the same auto. from '91-'95 in the 525.
So an A4S 310R is essentially a GM 4L30E?

If not, what are the differences?

Thanks.

sbcncsu
04-02-2004, 09:42 PM
My Bentley shows the same auto. from '91-'95 in the 525.
So an A4S 310R is essentially a GM 4L30E?

If not, what are the differences?

Thanks.


From my post above:

Yes, the automatic transmission is made by GM in France, it is called the 4L30E in GM speak. BMW calls it the A4S-310R, but it is still a 4L30E.