Owning a BMW takes diligence and requires effort in order to enjoy its impeccable performance and maintain optimal condition. German engineering is exceptional when it comes to design; however, these special machines still require routine care. One aspect of scheduled maintenance for all BMWs that is often overlooked is transmission care. Transmission problems can act as warning signs that your BMW’s transmission is in danger of needing a replacement, but before you allow it to get to that point it’s better to address the issue preventively with ongoing maintenance and care. Often the suggested treatment of transmission issues is to perform a transmission flush; however in more severe instances your BMW may need to be replaced. If you are concerned that your BMW may be having transmission issues, take a look at some of these common warning signs that might tell you it’s time for transmission maintenance.
SLUGGISH MOVEMENT
BMWs are known for their power and speed; when your Bimmer isn’t responding quickly or accelerating at its normal rate, this may be an indication that it’s time for a transmission flush. While this symptom can also be the result of a different issue, it is important to keep in mind that the longer the issue goes unaddressed the more likely it is that damages will occur to other parts. While sluggish response might be normal for most cars, BMWs are known for their quick pick up. It can be disheartening when it isn’t performing its best.
HEARING NOISES
Transmission problems can create different noises that will alarm the driver of an issue. You may notice a grinding noise or other odd sounds coming from your transmission; when these noises occur it is critical to bring your BMW in for an inspection. These noises often indicate that the transmission fluid is contaminated with dirt and debris. You can check the transmission fluid yourself to make sure that it is the right reddish color and not a darker brown liquid filled with gunk.
DIFFICULTY WITH GEAR SHIFTING
Whether you own an automatic or a manual BMW, the transmission can cause problems with gear shifting. If you are noticing a struggle for your car to shift gears and experience a lot of gear slipping, this could be due to a failing transmission. The problem can usually be fixed with a simple transmission flush; however, if the problem goes on long enough it can lead to a full replacement.
SMELLING BURNED RUBBER
One of the common indications of transmission problems in BMWs is the smell of burnt rubber. When we smell burning rubber while driving most of us assume that the smell is coming from another vehicle on the road or could be tire rubber on hot pavement. Unfortunately, because the smell of burnt rubber isn’t very uncommon to smell while driving in traffic, this symptom often goes ignored by drivers. It is important to pay close attention to the way your BMW behaves; you may want to pull over to get a closer smell if you notice a burnt rubber smell on the highway.
TRANSMISSION SERVICE LIGHT
One of the advantages of the technological era is the ability for our cars to tell us when something is going wrong before it turns into a serious problem. Most newer BMWs include a warning light in the dash that will indicate the presence of transmission problems. The codes that your BMW’s computer expresses can only be read with the proper diagnostic equipment, so be sure to take your BMW to a skilled expert BMW automotive specialist.
OUR APPROACH TO TRANSMISSION CARE
Preventive auto maintenance is critical in order to extend the life of your BMW and extend the life of the various parts, including the transmission. At Autobahn Automotive we are highly familiar with the various routine maintenance schedules set forth by the BMW manufacturer. With over four decades of expertise in German engineering, we continue to serve the areas of San Antonio and Longhorn, Texas, with pride and integrity. We can perform any work on your BMW transmission including diagnostics, flushes, repairs, and replacements. If your BMW is expressing any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact us to schedule an inspection.
Featured image credit goes to:Reimphoto.