Auto Trans Trouble

katamari3210 · Post by **katamari3210** » Wed May 05, 2010 1:35 pm

I've had my E12 for about two months now. It was driving fine until I changed the ATF. The problems quickly ensued. I lost first gear, and reverse would grind and/or chatter. I poured some Lucas ATF into the transmission, and it started shifting properly again, but started grinding and/or chattering in all gears and gets louder the faster it goes.

Car: 1980 528i
Engine: 2.8 M30
Transmission: ZF3HP22

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Thu May 06, 2010 12:28 am

I have found that it's best to let the people on this website know just what you might do, before you do it. Their experiance is WAY far reaching!
I have a problem with my '81 automatic. It sometimes won't go backwards. but, forward has always been great. I learned that it might be best to not change the fluid, just change the filter & whatever fluid comes out. Then use 'Trans X' instead of the last pint. Maybe not even change the fluid!? Just why did you change the fluid?? Maintainence, right?
I understand;;keep in touch!!! Greg

katamari3210 · Post by **katamari3210** » Thu May 06, 2010 9:14 am

Yeah, I was just doing maintenance. Spark plugs, cap & rotor, coolant, engine oil, rear diff gear oil, and removal of upholstery. I'm turning it into a road racer of sorts.

Chances are, if I can get my hands on enough money, I'll just go manual.
Trans, pedal box, clutch linkage, shifter linkage. Anything else?

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Thu May 06, 2010 10:53 am

Yeah, inside clutch & brake pedals, clutch master cylinder, linkage, maybe more. This is why I bought a 5spd car instead; it takes a lot.
Go to FAQ here. Somebody will post if I missed something, and I prolly did.
Always stay in touch here. The only dumb question is the one you didn't ask.

Good Luck,,,,Greg

katamari3210 · Post by **katamari3210** » Thu May 06, 2010 1:20 pm

More information: sometimes, when the car sits for a few days, I lose first gear, and the grinding goes away in all forward gears. Could that be a sticking 1-2 shift valve? And for that matter, what's causing all the noise only SOME of the time!?!?

On a side note, can anyone direct me to a full rebuild kit for my ZF3HP22?
I'm in a vocational school, where my teacher is a master tech, so he'll be able to help with any problems I have rebuilding it.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri May 07, 2010 1:00 pm

I'm surprised at your troubles. Changing the fluid is usually good for them. Of course it is 30 years old now... I've even had success curing problems with repeated fluid changes.

The 3HP22 is a reliable easy to work on tranny. A quick check showed this place as having kits, but it's the internet, do a search.

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/ZF3 ... s/3206.htm

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Sat May 08, 2010 1:43 pm

I've heard this from reputable tranny shops and also on this board. If you DIY Make very sure the parts are extremely clean of any residue & dirt before installing. Including the residue from cleaning fluids!
Somethin' else, if there are any torque setting, don't guess, and, use new bolts to be torqued. Good Luck,,,,Greg

katamari3210 · Post by **katamari3210** » Mon May 10, 2010 10:49 am

@ Mike W.

Thanks for the link. Now that's something I can afford!

@ GripGreg

Yeah, here at the shop, whe have a "clean room" of sorts that will be perfect for a rebuild. I can use the online BMW repair book for the torque specs.

http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/057en/index.htm

Jeff Dennis · Post by **Jeff Dennis** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:35 am

If you look around you may be able to find a 5 speed parts car cheap! I paid $300 for one a few months ago and will swap the auto down the road. Note the Instrument cluster is different on the manual and auto cars.

katamari3210 · Post by **katamari3210** » Wed May 12, 2010 12:42 pm

Does anyone know what other BMWs came with the same (similar to E12) Manual Transmission?
Also, what is the name of the transmision?

@ Jeff Denis

Do you know what the differences are (about the clusters)?

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Wed May 12, 2010 1:03 pm

Jeff
There is a wealth of info in the FAQ section. Go to home page of 'First Fives.Org'. On the left go to 'FAQ' to 'factory parts exchange' then scroll to I think '5spd transmission'. The best tranny for your car is the 'Getrag 265'. You'll also need a differant flywheel, I think. Greg

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Wed May 12, 2010 1:07 pm

OOPS! Not meant for you Jeff Dennis! I mis-read the previous post. I know that you already know. It must be me again! Thanx for all your input, Jeff. Greg

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Wed May 12, 2010 1:26 pm

katamari3210 wrote:Does anyone know what other BMWs came with the same (similar to E12) Manual Transmission?
Also, what is the name of the transmision?

More than you ever wanted to know.

http://www.firstfives.org/bboard/viewtopic.php?t=1075

don · Post by **don** » Wed May 12, 2010 2:06 pm

For what it's worth I have a 3HP22 with a recent rebuild and torque converter wrapped in plastic in my storage room.$100 takes it.Bad news: It's in Richmond,VA.I removed for a 5 speed conversion.

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Wed May 12, 2010 5:49 pm

Don; in Richmond.
Please email me @ GripGreg@aol.com about your tranny. I'm in 90806 zipcode. Would it be feasible to put the tranny on Greyhound Bus?
Lemme know what that would take. I'll check from this end too.
What is your zipcode? Greg

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Auto Trans Trouble

Auto Trans Trouble

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