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ZF transmission woes

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
Ted
Posts: 4
Joined: Jul 10, 2007 11:04 AM

Post by Ted »

Hey guys, Ted here - the one who started this whole deal. Pleas help me sort all this info out...sounds like the 'A' clutch pack to me. The car has 103,000 babied miles on it, went to the referee for its last smog due to the rev past 1500 in D or N, etc. Trans. service on Jan. 30 2007 (changed filter, new fluid, etc. The old fluid was carmel colored, but no burned look or smell. So, no indication that it should take a dump. This car has really been taken care of! But I guess that's the way it works sometimes - ZF or otherwise.

Anyway, knowing the car was well taken care of, and now that I've decided to move it, should I try replacing just the 'A' clutch pack, (or perhaps look at other things like control switch?) or go through the whole trans.? Or, just move it as is? If someone has the tools and knowledge to do the work (I don't, so it would be expensive for me), it would be a heck of a car.

Thanks to all who have provided great info!
steve 87 535is
Posts: 868
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Hamburg, NY

Post by steve 87 535is »

If the "A" clutch did go, there will be a lot of black clutch material in the bottom of the pan.

I think I would try another fluid & filter change first, clean up the electrical plug going into the tranny, clean and tighten all the grounds and then make my decision on where to go from there. Although if when the pan is dropped and you see the black sludge, you can stop there. If the pan is pretty clean, then I would chase something electrical.
Ted
Posts: 4
Joined: Jul 10, 2007 11:04 AM

Post by Ted »

To Steve - thanks for the great advice. I didn't realize that if the 'A' clutch pack went, there would be a black sludge inside. Checking the pan while changing fluid/filter would be a huge indicator. I have also had this gut feeling that it may be something electrical, so it is definitely worth checking before cracking the thing open. Thanks again.
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