How to Spot Transmission Problems in Your BMW

The BMW brand is synonymous with excellence, high-quality engineering and design, and durability and longevity. While these are some of the reasons that drivers invest in BMW vehicles, they might be disappointed to discover that even BMWs are susceptible to wear and tear. When your BMW encounters transmission issues, they can be expensive to repair; however, it’s important to know that transmission issues account for a good portion of BMW problems serviced worldwide. As a BMW driver, it is essential to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a failing transmission so that you can take preventive measures as soon as possible—as waiting to address the issue will likely make it worsen quickly. Here are some of the ways you can spot a transmission problem In your BMW:

 

Check Engine Light Illuminates

Your BMW can detect the difference between a general engine problem and a specific transmission issue, and will likely let you know if there is a transmission problem by illuminating the transmission warning light; however, because transmission problems can have a direct effect on other parts of the engine, you may notice that your check engine light illuminates when there is a transmission problem at the source. The check engine light is a catch-all warning sign that BMWs utilize to alert the driver that they need to take their car in for a diagnostic procedure. It is important that the codes being reported when dashboard lights illuminate are read by a professional with the proper diagnostic equipment. Additionally, having a BMW specialist attend to the issue will provide you the most accurate diagnostic and repair results possible.

Car Vibrating or Shaking

Perhaps one of the most concerning symptoms of a transmission issue, is when the car noticeable shakes or vibrates. If this symptom is directly related to a transmission issue, you might notice the problem worsen when accelerating or when traveling at especially slow or fast speeds. If you notice any troubling symptoms like this, it is critical to have the problem checked out immediately—foregoing automotive care will only make the issue worse, and it can cause damage to other parts of your BMW’s engine.

Difficulty Shifting Gears

Whether you drive a manual or automatic BMW, if your car is encountering transmission issues you might notice some difficulty when your car shifts gears. You may experience an intense jerking when shifting gears, clutch squeaking or troubling noises, or gear-shift hesitation. This can leave you at a high or low RPM for an awkward amount of time, or it can cause the car to stall. In worst cases, the car might even go into limp mode, where it cannot be driven, but must be towed to the nearest auto shop. This is a preventive measure that BMWs employ to keep the driver from continuing driving under unsafe conditions, and therefore, the engine from becoming further damaged.

Transmission Fluid Leaks

Another concerning sign that your BMW might be experiencing transmission trouble is a fluid leak beneath your vehicle. It can be helpful to know a little bit about what the common fluid leaks could be due to, including coolant leaks and oil leaks, and how they differentiate from transmission fluid leaks. If your BMW is leaking transmission fluid, you might notice a reddish-brown or vibrant red liquid beneath your car. This will require a thorough inspection to locate the source of the leak, fix the leak, and then replace the transmission fluid. This should be performed by someone who specialized in BMW care so that the problem can be efficiently diagnosed and treated.

 

How We Can Help

At Ultimate Bimmer Service, we are familiar with the wide range of BMW-specific issues that drivers typically encounter, including various transmission difficulties. We have all the necessary high-tech equipment in our facility and only employ highly-qualified and certified technicians in order to perform accurate diagnoses—which is where effective and efficient automotive repair work begins. For more information about our BMW-specific services, or to schedule an inspection or consultation, call us today. We look forward to helping you uphold the BMW brand and get the most out of this wonderful machine.

BMW M2 Engine image credit goes to: teddyleung.