BMW 528i Transmission Problems: Avoiding and Fixing the Issues

The legendary 5 Series made by BMW is a great vehicle that nearly everyone dreamt of owning. The 528i version is more than desirable because the engine is superbly powerful and is said to be reliable. But today, we'll mostly look at the transmission of these vehicles to find their common problems and to see if you can safely buy a used BMW and hope its transmission will be OK.

Automatic transmission malfunction highlights

• Level of importance:Medium
• Reasons:Electronic control problems, shifter issues, sensor-related issues
• Needed expertise:High
• Needed tools:Professional tools set
• Time taken:1-8 hours
• Can you drive? Not recommended
• Possible issues: Fatal damage, overheating, torque converter damage, TCU damage.

Common Signs of a Faulty Transmission in Your BMW 528i

For any vehicle to effectively propel its engine, there must be a proper transmission. It is through this process that a car can move. Your BMW 528i's transmission system is expected to last the vehicle's lifespan. You must exercise proper care and maintenance for your car to achieve this. How do you know if the transmission system of your vehicle has issues? You may likely experience the challenges related to the transmission system issue of the BMW528i.

1. Inability to shift from one gear to another

There are instances when you will encounter difficulties changing from one engagement to the next. Similarly, there are times when the gear will appear stuck, and you have to try multiple times before you can affect the change. Such an observation that keeps reoccurring is an alarm that your vehicle's transmission system could fail.

2. The Gears on Your BMW 528i Are Slipping

This occurs when you just drive carefully in a certain gear, but it somehow slips to another gear without you making any changes.

3. Unusual Noises When Your BMW 528i Is in Neutral

You may experience this noise when the vehicle is in neutral mode. Ideally, a car in neutral gear is supposed to be quiet. Any noise could be an indication of a malfunctioning system.

4. Your Dashboard Transmission Lights Are Flashing

As the BMW528i is a highly modern vehicle, any mechanical issue with the car will likely be displayed on the dashboard screen.

5. Jerky transmission, kicking when shifting

This is a standard way to see that your gearbox needs servicing. If your 5 Series jerks when shifting gears or kicks badly when engaging the first or the reverse gear, get ready to repair.

Causes of Transmission Failure in Your BMW 528i

When the transmission system of a vehicle is faulty, there are several mechanical failures that it could be having. Some of the common failures in the BMW528i include but are not limited to the following:

A. Low Fluid Levels

For the transmission system to function effectively, you must lubricate it at all times. The transmission fluid is responsible for the lubrication and primarily serves to cool the system. You must maintain this fluid at a constant optimum level. Over time, however, due to leakage or wrong type of fluid being used, it can fall below the required level. If this happens and not caught in good time, the transmission system will start to overheat. As a result, it may develop some mechanical problems.

The suggestion is that as part of routine maintenance, the transmission fluid needs checking every six months to ensure that the required level is always maintained.

B. Leakage

For the transmission fluid not to leak, the reservoir needs tight sealing using gaskets and seals. Over time and due to the vehicle's wear and tear, the gasket and seal also get worn out. They may therefore fail, causing a leakage of the fluid. You may find some droplets of liquids just underneath your car's parking. The color of this fluid is either pink or dark red. If you spot such liquid, there is a leakage, and immediate attention is required.

C. Blocked/Dirty Filter

During the circulation of the transmission fluid, it may collect some dirt and dust. A filter contains any foreign material to ensure that what gets to the transmission system is clean. Over time during vehicle usage, the filter may have too much dirt that it gets clogged. The clog acts as a block preventing the proper flow of the transmission fluid. This clogging will, in essence, significantly reduce the amount of fluid getting into the system hence a dip in the liquid level.

D. Seal Adapter

Another common mechanical issue that is a common complaint on the BMW528i is the failure of the seal adapter. The role of the seal adapter is to facilitate a smooth shift of gear by preventing pressure loss. Without this component, a change of gear will not be possible. The adapter for this model of BMW is plastic made. Often, the seal tends to crack, allowing fluid to pass through the crack causing leakage. When this happens, there is a reduction in the much-needed pressure, and the change of gear becomes erratic.

The advice is that drivers of the BMW5 Series be on the lookout for any warning signs. The warning signs are concerning the adapter as displayed on the screen. Immediate attention to this problem is crucial to avoid the same extending to the transmission system.

Maintenance of the Transmission System

The transmission system is one of the crucial components of your car. If the system has a problem, your vehicle will likely be grounded. You are encouraged that rather than wait for the transmission system to develop mechanical challenges, it is best to conduct routine maintenance. In doing so, you can avoid a total breakdown.

The first step to maintenance is ensuring the standard regular vehicle service. This process will involve a change of oil and filters and checking the coolant levels. Additionally, you must check the transmission fluid levels to ensure that the levels remain optimum. Further recommendations are that after every 50,0000 miles, you must replace the fluid altogether.

Another precaution is that you can only use transmission fluid specifically meant for BMW. There are various brands of transmission fluid in the market. The assumption among many consumers is that one can use any transmission fluid. However, you take heed only to use those fluids labeled for use with BMW.

It would be best if you also considered checking the vehicle's coolant regularly. When the engine is not cooling correctly, this directly affects the transmission systems. The same also applies to the filters, which, if clogged, will also affect the system. One must exercise general maintenance to avoid such failures.

Other Key Maintenance Points

How you change the gears of your vehicle will determine its durability. The recommendation is that the shift of gear for an automatic vehicle cannot happen when the car is in move - change of stick shift position to be done when the vehicle is not in motion. Also, when parked at a very inclined angle, always remember to use the parking gear. This routine will avoid the car forcefully shifting to the reverse gear.

When you have parked your vehicle for a long time, do not start your car and drive immediately. It is always advisable to allow your vehicle some time to warm. It is especially so when the temperatures outside are low. This procedure enables the transmission time to pick and evenly circulate the fluid.

Most importantly and cannot be overemphasized is the need to have an arrangement for the inspection of your vehicle regularly. It may be quarterly or as you deem fit. This arrangement will ensure that the car gets a regular check-up.

Final words

The BMW528i is one of the classy sedans of our time, combining features from earlier models to bring together an all-inclusive model. If you are a car enthusiast and are particular about the elements of your vehicle, this will undoubtedly be one model you will love. You must, however, take good care of your car to serve you effectively. While recognizing that the latest BMW528i has some reported mechanical challenges, proper and routine maintenance will go a long way.

BMW has several dealers worldwide who can help you should you encounter any challenges. Avoid shortcuts, use only authorized dealers, and purchase genuine parts from BMW. You will enjoy the comfort that comes with this vehicle, and the cost of maintenance is relatively low compared to other models. Within the first ten years of use, if properly maintained, it will not cost you more than $2000, which is considered reasonably cheap compared to other models.

We hope you will find answers to some of the questions that you may have. The article has touched on the significant issues reported regarding the BMW 528i. Always remember that taking good care of your vehicle will likely save you quite an amount of money you would otherwise spend in case of a breakdown.