97 auto tranny help... please?

///A3 · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 08:31:31 PM

Ok, so here's my problem: A couple months ago, I started hearing a very loud rubbing/squeaky noise (under 25-30mph) which sounded like a worn out brake pad that may have been seized. I quickly realized that I could only hear it when going straight or turning right, no noise at all with the wheel turned even slightly to the left. So I ruled out the possibility of it being a brake problem and after a lengthy conversation with one of my mechanic friends, decided it must be the bearing assembly.

I was planning on ordering a pair of new front bearings until, a few days ago, I was leaving work on a pretty cold morning (obc said 29*F) and noticed that the squeaky noise was gone, but it sounded like I had a flat tire (rubbery thumping sort of noise). I got out and checked the tires and all were fine. So I drove home with no stereo and just listened. I realized that the noise was coming from the tranny, and must have been all along! I went back and talked to my friend again, and he suggested that it might be the transmission mounts.

Sorry for the long winded story, but I didn't want to leave out any details that might be helpful. So has anyone had this same problem or have any ideas what I could do myself before taking it in to a professional? This is my first bmw, and it's got almost 150K miles now. I'm pretty mechanically savvy, but I certainly can't rebuild a transmission myself.

**KnudsonsM3** · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 08:32:32 PM

ask m3_858

he runs an auto trans

BleedsBlue · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 08:50:43 PM

Sounds like checking your tranny mounts would be a good first step, at 150k it is very possible they could be bad.

I'm in Boulder, and there are a couple more E36 guys here and in Golden if you want any help

fitchesbass · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 09:15:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnudsonsM3

ask m3_858

he runs an auto trans

zing

**KnudsonsM3** · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 09:17:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitchesbass

zing

///A3 · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 09:54:16 PM

Hey, I knew I'd be up for some flames here about my auto, But I didn't feel I needed to justify it.... But ok, if any of you have had as many broken arms and and shoulder problems (hockey and snowboarding injuries) as I have, you would want your only vehicle to be an automatic too

But I digress. Thanks BleedsBlue, I appreciate your mature comment.

BleedsBlue · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 09:57:15 PM

You caught me on a good day, trust me; normally I'd be flaming you worse than these guys haha

**KnudsonsM3** · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 10:06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///A3

Hey, I knew I'd be up for some flames here about my auto, But I didn't feel I needed to justify it.... But ok, if any of you have had as many broken arms and and shoulder problems (hockey and snowboarding injuries) as I have, you would want your only vehicle to be an automatic too

But I digress. Thanks BleedsBlue, I appreciate your mature comment.

sure i can compete......

i have 2 plates 1 rod and 18 screws in my body right now. Im still driving a manual.

Oh btw I wasnt flaming you in my posts

MaxRpm · Thu, Dec-04-2008, 01:37:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitchesbass

zing

105,000 on mine trans works great no problems whatsover .Will soon put 3.91diff in with a Dinan chip and we'll see who "Zings" who

///A3 · Tue, Dec-02-2008, 10:27:07 PM

hehe, I wasn't looking for a competition here, just some advice from all of you wiser than myself. Luckily enough, I've been able to heal on my own with no additions. I am missing a good deal of meniscus though.

Tue, Dec-02-2008, 08:31:31 PM	#1
///A3 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Age: 31 Posts: 111 Reputation: 0 Location: Denver	97 auto tranny help... please? Ok, so here's my problem: A couple months ago, I started hearing a very loud rubbing/squeaky noise (under 25-30mph) which sounded like a worn out brake pad that may have been seized. I quickly realized that I could only hear it when going straight or turning right, no noise at all with the wheel turned even slightly to the left. So I ruled out the possibility of it being a brake problem and after a lengthy conversation with one of my mechanic friends, decided it must be the bearing assembly. I was planning on ordering a pair of new front bearings until, a few days ago, I was leaving work on a pretty cold morning (obc said 29*F) and noticed that the squeaky noise was gone, but it sounded like I had a flat tire (rubbery thumping sort of noise). I got out and checked the tires and all were fine. So I drove home with no stereo and just listened. I realized that the noise was coming from the tranny, and must have been all along! I went back and talked to my friend again, and he suggested that it might be the transmission mounts. Sorry for the long winded story, but I didn't want to leave out any details that might be helpful. So has anyone had this same problem or have any ideas what I could do myself before taking it in to a professional? This is my first bmw, and it's got almost 150K miles now. I'm pretty mechanically savvy, but I certainly can't rebuild a transmission myself.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
96 328is auto tranny blown engine. want to swap 98 m3 sedan engine and manual tranny.	misaelv005	E36 M3 (1992-1999)	5	Tue, Mar-20-2007 10:39:17 PM
Help! Auto Tranny light came on	KD_B	Faults, Fixes and DIY	0	Wed, Nov-29-2006 09:08:50 PM
Auto Tranny	chiphomme	Off Topic	5	Sat, Nov-12-2005 09:39:40 PM
Auto tranny?	Mbb1279	E36 M3 (1992-1999)	6	Sat, May-21-2005 05:02:08 AM
FS: E36 M3 Auto Tranny	Spencer	Parts for Sale/Wanted	0	Sun, May-30-2004 02:33:53 AM

Tue, Dec-02-2008, 08:32:32 PM	#2
KnudsonsM3 Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Age: 26 Posts: 10,168 Reputation: 0 Location: Vista, CA	ask m3_858 he runs an auto trans

Tue, Dec-02-2008, 09:54:16 PM	#6
///A3 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Age: 31 Posts: 111 Reputation: 0 Location: Denver	Hey, I knew I'd be up for some flames here about my auto, But I didn't feel I needed to justify it.... But ok, if any of you have had as many broken arms and and shoulder problems (hockey and snowboarding injuries) as I have, you would want your only vehicle to be an automatic too But I digress. Thanks BleedsBlue, I appreciate your mature comment.

Tue, Dec-02-2008, 10:27:07 PM	#10
///A3 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Age: 31 Posts: 111 Reputation: 0 Location: Denver	hehe, I wasn't looking for a competition here, just some advice from all of you wiser than myself. Luckily enough, I've been able to heal on my own with no additions. I am missing a good deal of meniscus though.