Adaptive 5 speed (E34) clunk

[LynnSegal]

I have 1995 BMW E34 530 V8 with 5 speed automatic transmission.
I bought it new... now has 100K miles. Runs terrific except:

For about a year, upon slowing down and almost at a stop the transmission makes a clunk sound as it makes the final downshift. It is worse when hot. This does NOT happen when in "Sport" mode". I had the transmission fully serviced by my long time reputable independant shop...and the symptom continues. Any ideas?
Lynn

[632 Regal]

Call this guy, he will know what your talking about...

Kirt Koeller
europetransman@hotmail.com
direct (616)748-5735

[jwarcop]

Lynn - What information have you found out about this? I have a 95' 525i with the exact same problems you just described. The trans has recently been replaced with a rebuilt model. Any info would be very much appreciated.

Josh Warcop
joshwarcop@knology.net

[Elekta]

I had that clunk, and I had my tranny fluid changed. They found that the valve body had one bolt warble itself all the way out, and another was a couple turns from the whole thing falling into the pan..torqued it down, and all was well.

Can't hurt with a little exploratory. The fluid change is under a hundy...which is a whole lot less than a newish 5speedautobox

I still get the periodical hunting for 4th and 5th gear going uphill at about 50 mph....

geoff,

94 530iT

[Mike Rogers]

Seriously. This is a procedure that I tried that basically erases the memory in the computers.

It fixed the exact same problem your having in my car.

You won't believe it.

I think it just reset the downshift point to a much slower speed.

Car shifts smoother all around now...

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e34/4985982-1.html

[jwarcop]

Well the reboot didn't help too much. I notice a slight difference, but the problem is still there especially during fast braking.

[632 Regal]

did ya call Kirt? Probably valve body issues if the bolts are tight.

[LynnSegal]

Kirt told me to "rest the adaptive learn values".
I haven't done that yet...but I did do the shogun reboot.
I've driven about 500 miles...no noticeable difference.
I will try to find a mechanic to do the reset with the "special tool".
Anyone know of a mechanic in Woodland Hills, CA? ls

[LynnSegal]

...the more I read, the more I recognize that you do have the same problem as me...keep me posted on your progress...

[632 Regal]

you mean "RESET the adaptive learn values" right? Did kirt say that is the first thing to do before going any farther? I think any qualified transmission shop should be able to reset the trans computer since its a glorified GM trans.