E36 320I fault codes tranny problem

[rally1]

Hi Guys

my 320i started shifting up and down while driving on a constant road and went into limp mode.
i have taken it to a transmission shop and they have found the following fault codes:
16
42 anomalous engine speed signal
100 gear monitoring

they want to remove the tranny and strip.
Is this the right thing to do as they are asking quite a hefty price, and i dont want to spend all that money to find that it was a sensor fault.

thank you

[whiskychaser]

I am an E34 owner and just noticed your post. Sounds like you have the 5HP18 (A5S310Z) gearbox. Check it on realoem. If so, ask your garage to check the resistances of the two speed sensors. It can be done at the EGS socket so you dont even need to get under the car. The readings should be around 325 ohms but the important thing is they are the same. If one is faulty, it can be replaced in a couple of hours. It involves draining the gearbox and lowering the valve body as they sit on top of it.

[rally1]

thank you
I will go and see them now and get them to carry out the test.
Craig

[rally1]

hi guys, i have sourced a low milage used gearbox.
only one problen is that while i have got a new Zf 5hp18 for a E36, it is a model: 1056 000 090 instead of a model: 1056 000 072 originally fitted to my car.
according to what i can find out, the guts are all the same between the 2, just the valve body's use a differnt plug.

Is it possible to use the new gearbox and fit the new plug to the existing wiring loom?

thank you.

[whiskychaser]

From what I can see the 1056000090 is out of a E39 (03/95 to 12/98 523i or 528i). Not sure if your 320i would like the gearing in it. The later box will also have a different TCM which in a 5 series is normally behind the right floor speaker. AFIK its under the bonnet in the 3 series? So wiring wouldnt be much fun. Havent looked to see if the torque converters are the same yet.
You may be able to use your old valve body and wiring but as this might have been part of the original problem I wouldnt recommend it.
The 1056000072 was one of the last ones fitted to the 320i before the changeover in Sep 1992. The last one before they changed the plug type in was 1056000074. So I'd suggest if you really want something that is plug and play you need to go for one of those.