BMW E70 Transmission Problems – The Worst Issues and Repair Cost

The guide below will outline the typical BMW E70 transmission issues and what customers can do to fix them before they worsen. Most BMW E70s' Transmissions now feature automated transmissions; therefore, shifting gears does not necessitate any manual effort. Different sensors and mechatronic technologies work together to shift gears autonomously.

BMW E70 automatic transmission highlights

• Average lifespan:190,000-220,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,700-$2,800
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$8,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:overheating, chaotic shifting, not available gears, no reverse, punching.

Common Problems With BMW E70 Transmission

The following are the typical BMW E70 transmission issues:

• Trouble shifting through gears
• Overheating of the transmission
• Loud and unfamiliar noises
• Fluid leakage
• No response

1) Trouble Shifting Through Gears

Even when applying low pressure on the gas, people expect a smooth and effortless shift; therefore, if the BMW E70 transmission shifts violently or with difficulties, even at slower speeds, there is certainly a problem. If the BMW transmission is switching with difficulties from one level to another, the car's driver will quickly see and sense it.

Solution

Replace the BMWs transmission oil pressure sensor first; if that does not work, one should look for leakage in the specific gear's servo component. These are the two ways to fix this issue.

2) Overheating of the Transmission

BMW gearboxes are extremely complex and leak-proof systems, but the transmission might overheat if there are any leakages. It is unmistakably an indication of an issue that could bring someone major problems in the future.

One could be presented with an error code such as P0842 or anything on those borderlines, which has something to do with the pressure of the fluid in the transmission. If such sensors show a low pressure, it indicates there is not enough fluid in the transmission and a leak somewhere in the system.

Solution

The most obvious approach to address this symptom before it creates mechanical damage to the vehicle is to find where the leakage is and close it. A fluid loss is usually caused by deteriorated or cracked gaskets or sealing in the transmission.

3) Loud and Unfamiliar Noises

These BMW E70 transmissions were not designed to create such loud and odd noises, and if someone hears them while moving, they should consult their mechanic since they may have a significant damping problem. These sounds will be audible while driving and are extremely unpleasant to one's ears, indicating that the transmission has a fault.

Solution

The sound usually indicates that a part inside the system needs to be changed because it is broken or severely damaged. To fix this situation, the complete assembly from the location the noise is emanating should be removed and reassembled.

4) Fluid Leakage

If the fluid leaks, it may lead to overheating, too bad friction, poor oiling, etc. Transmission fluid should always be in the needed level. If not, you are getting problems with your trans. But the big problem is that the transmission doesn't have any sensors of oil pressure like in the engine. So, you will never know that there is a lack of fluid.

We recommend taking any leaks seriously. If you see some oil drops under your vehicle, make sure they are not dangerous for the units of your vehicle. If you see it's trans fluid, consult with the specialists and see what you can do with this problem.

Solution

Finding and closing the leak is the most straightforward way to handle this problem before it causes substantial damage to the car. Damaged or fractured gaskets or seals mainly cause fluid loss in the transmission.

5) No Response

If someone notices a lag or poor response while pushing the accelerator or moving from one gear speed to the other while driving, it could be a sign of a transmission problem. A common symptom is when the driver tries to shift; they usually receive a hesitant dragging feeling or a slow response from the car.

Solution

Examining the gear ratio sensors or reloading the program settings could be a remedy. Also, because there could be a significant transmission problem, the only sure way to fix this issue is to go to the local support center or to see a trusted mechanic.

BMW E70 Transmission Services and Costs

The common transmission services offered for BMW E70 include:

• Fluid Change
• Filter Replacement
• Transmission Flush
• Transmission Replacement

1) Transmission Fluid Change

The replacement of the transmission fluid costs about half as much as the flush. It could cost someone less than 150 dollars to do it. Gearbox fluid replacements on the BMW E70 are quite trustworthy in keeping the vehicle's transmission in a good condition and oiled.

If a person does not change their fluids at least once every 30,000 miles, the transmission could start to slip. For further specific details on mileage durations at which the gearbox fluid needs to be replaced, one should consult their car's owner's manual. 

2) Transmission Filter Replacement

Replacing the transmission filter in a BMW E70 is more difficult than changing other filters in the car. The transmission filter is made up of several parts, the most important of which is the filtering mechanism, which is typically a metallic plate with fibers that trap impurities. Along with the filter, the BMW has a gasket, rubber seal, and pickup tube that would need to be replaced. The BMW E70s gearbox filter will need to be changed after 30,000 or so miles. 

3) Transmission Flush

The flush not only replaces the liquid in the pan but also pulls fluid from the cooling tubes and distant portions of the gearbox, a flush of the transmission is usually twice the cost of a fluid change, up to $300. A transmission flush for a BMW E70 needs roughly 10 liters or 2.5 gallons of fluid to clear and cleanse the system entirely.

The question is how one knows whether they need a fluid change or flush; if the transmission system is clogged with debris or dirt, a transmission flush is necessary. If the fluid is unusually darker or comprises contrasting particles, it is recommended to flush the entire system rather than just replacing the fluid.

4) Transmission Replacement

Transmissions in automobiles are quite complicated. Depending on the car, a new BMW E70 transmission can cost around $5,000, but transmission maintenance services like fluid changes and fluid flushes are much less expensive, costing as little as $150 in some situations. Choosing whether to repair or replace a damaged transmission can be difficult. In most cases, identifying which parts are dangerous or malfunctioning is the determining element. 

The vehicle repair company will totally disassemble the BMW E70s transmission during restoration, cleaning, and inspection of every single item. It necessitates an extensive understanding of the transmission's parts and the expense of maintenance versus replacement. It is also necessary to understand which parts are compatible. Transmissions are a specialty of qualified BMW master mechanics, and they can execute this process quickly and efficiently.

What Should I Go for? Automatic VS Manual Transmission

Both automatic and manual transmissions frequently require maintenance. Transmission fluids for automatic transmissions are often lighter, typically red or green in hue. Owing to additives and other substances that assist in maintaining the gearbox and other elements, manual transmission gear oil is heavier. The frictional environment is high because of how gears are shifted in manual transmissions.

Not only are the lubricants different across manual and automatic transmissions, but so is the amount of heat they endure. Automatics create a lot more heat; therefore, the transmission fluid needs to be replaced more frequently.

If a vehicle owner does not change their BMW E70 transmission fluid, fractured metal shavings and other corrosive particles will travel all through the different parts of the trans. Between lubricant and transmission flush maintenance schedules, one should always check the fluid levels. BMW gearboxes, in many situations, do not come with a dipstick to monitor fluid levels, making it incredibly hard to do so.

Final words

In summary, the transmission system is important in all vehicles. The manufacturers of the BMW E70 have worked hard to create a machine of the highest standard. They have a reputation for quality, durability, and lifespan but are susceptible to a few common problems.

Some of the common transmission issues include trouble shifting through gears, overheating, loud and unfamiliar noises, fluid leakage, and in some cases, no response in the transmission. These are solvable problems that will not take long to repair.

Essentially, how someone services their BMW E70 determines the longevity and functionality of the transmission system. Proper fluid change or flushing and changing the filtration system go a long way in deciding this. After all, a replacement is costly even to those who are well off.