Finally Bought My Dream M3, 48hours later "transmission malfunction"

[Saint_M3]

Hey guy!

Like the title suggest. I finally bought my dream M3! Jerez Black E92 M3, 77k miles, and it is in excellent condition! The car in and of itself is perfect, well almost.

That being the DCT. I noticed around commuting in town or on the highway its fine, But the second I begin to drive aggressively it. The error pops up, "Transmission Malfunction, Limited Gear Selections Possible"

Gears randomly disappear. It will go, 2-4-6, or sometimes 1,2,3,5,7.

The only way to get it to stop is to stop the car completely and restart it.

I also pulled these codes as well

5134
5A64
5131
5A85

I just installed a fresh battery, checked the ground wire from the engine to the body, (lower ground mounted on the oil pan), and that was good!
I do know I have a leak on my pan and it could be dripping from somewhere on the top of the transmission.

With all this being said, what do you guys think is wrong? Any practical steps so figure out whats happeing??

[rcracin]

If it's leaking from the top of the transmission, it could be the mechatronics cover leaking. Bottom pan leaking is a common problem. Look into replacement options, they're all documented on the forum. Should solve your issue.

[tbuck]

DCT's are very sensitive to low fluid levels, so if it is leaking that will cause a number of issues right there. I would top it off (be sure to follow the correct procedure for doing so), clear all the codes and try again. That way you will eliminate any fluid-related issues and can move on to what's left. Leaks are a fact of life with these transmissions, so I would suggest you go ahead and do all of them at once. There is an o-ring at the top, a side cover, a bottom pan and the 2 fluid lines, all of which leak over time. Hit them all and you will likely never have to worry about that again. Good Luck!

[brettcp]

As tbuck said, DCT is sensitive to low fluid levels.. You may want to consider a DCT service - replacing both filters (suction filter and transmission filter) along with the bottom pan and fresh DCT fluid. If I recall, the only special tool I needed was a pair of snap ring pliers for the filter clip ring, I used this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UHUDDE

It wasn't a very difficult DIY job. Be warned, the fluid isn't cheap!

[tbuck]

Originally Posted by brettcp

As tbuck said, DCT is sensitive to low fluid levels.. You may want to consider a DCT service - replacing both filters (suction filter and transmission filter) along with the bottom pan and fresh DCT fluid. If I recall, the only special tool I needed was a pair of snap ring pliers for the filter clip ring, I used this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UHUDDE

It wasn't a very difficult DIY job. Be warned, the fluid isn't cheap!

The reason I suggested to just top off first is for the fact that the fluid is SOOOO high $$$. Once all of the issues are identified then a complete drain and service along with and new gaskets and such. To service first may mean a drain again later to fix other things, wasting the fluid. I think I paid $45 a liter at the dealer, might be cheaper elsewhere but that shit is high!!

[NiBe]

DCT vs manual

[drwankel]

Originally Posted by rcracin

If it's leaking from the top of the transmission, it could be the mechatronics cover leaking. Bottom pan leaking is a common problem. Look into replacement options, they're all documented on the forum. Should solve your issue.

There's also the mechatronics harness sleeve at the top of the transmission that is worth checking as well. Sometimes it can appear to be the mechatronics cover that is leaking, but the fluid is actually coming from the sleeve at the top of the transmission, which makes it look like its coming from the mechatronics cover, but it isn't.

[Saint_M3]

Hey guys! Thanks for the all the advice!

I ended up following tbuck's advice and topped off my DCT (the proper way) It appeared to be 3/4 quart low. The leaks seem to only come from the hoses on the driver side of the DCT, and possibly the pan. When I looked more towards the top of the DCT I didnt see any oil. and passenger side were clear of any oil

So after that, I took the car out for a spin, and still no change. Aggressive driving triggers the "Transmission Malfunction"

Interestingly enough though, Now Its only throwing 1 code which is 5A64. "Shift rod 5/7: error"

Car functions completely normal apart from aggressive driving. Just turning the car on and off again restores the DCT back to normal.

I am going to drive it hard a little bit more, because I saw people with M5s, will say that code usually triggers for them in 4th gear. Not sure if thats the case for me.

I'm thinking it has to be something simple right? Since it only happens when I really push the car. What are some next steps?

[amrazM]

when you start getting those shift rod faults the car is usually gonna need a new transmission. you will want someone to professionally look into this one for you, if youre not getting a code relating to pv1/pv2 then the transmission will likely need to be changed.

[DrFerry]

I suggest trying and testing all of the various S drive and auto shift modes. Start with S1 (snow mode), then S2 up to S5. Do the same with D1, then D2 up to D5 and see IF the code goes away in the softer shift modes. The reason I suggest this test is incase the DCT clutch pack discs are worn and are somehow interfering with shifting.

There are two clutch baskets inside the DCT. One for odd numbered gears (1, 3, 5, 7) and one for even numbered gears (2, 4, 6). The DCT DME 'pre-selects' the next gear it thinks you want BUT the clutches have to engage the basket. There is some clutch slip and as the discs wear the DCT 'adapts' to the thinner (worn) discs.

Anyway, it's worth a try to determine if shift program alters the code and problem manifestation as well as determining if a new clutch might be needed.

[Saint_M3]

Getting a new Transmission is my fear, but I guess its best to eliminate all the options before doing so!

Dr Ferry, Ill give those a shot later today. I notice its mostly at WOT or high speeds where the transmission acts up. Commuting the transmission is perfect.

I also just realized I have at GTS Tune. Would that affect anything? Looks like I bought it that way. Would it be good to flash it back to stock, or possibly get a different GTS Tune?

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by Saint_M3

Getting a new Transmission is my fear, but I guess its best to eliminate all the options before doing so!

Dr Ferry, Ill give those a shot later today. I notice its mostly at WOT or high speeds where the transmission acts up. Commuting the transmission is perfect.

I also just realized I have at GTS Tune. Would that affect anything? Looks like I bought it that way. Would it be good to flash it back to stock, or possibly get a different GTS Tune?

If I recall correctly (and I'm getting old these days) the GTS DCT Tune speeds up the shift interval from the stock tune i.e. quicker / faster shifts. Although the GTS DCT Tune is technically a factory OEM Tune (depending upon where you got it i.e. is it genuine OEM) I'll speculate that over time it 'might' increase wear and tear on the primary and secondary layshafts, as well as the selector fork servo, and maybe even the synchromesh. In summary I think it's worth flashing back to the latest stock OEM E9X DCT Tune, changing the fluid with fresh OEM DCT fluid, ensuring the gearbox oil fluid level is correct, and fixing any leaks prior to rebuilding the Getrag DCT gearbox or spending zillions on a new one.

[Saint_M3]

Originally Posted by DrFerry

If I recall correctly (and I'm getting old these days) the GTS DCT Tune speeds up the shift interval from the stock tune i.e. quicker / faster shifts. Although the GTS DCT Tune is technically a factory OEM Tune (depending upon where you got it i.e. is it genuine OEM) I'll speculate that over time it 'might' increase wear and tear on the primary and secondary layshafts, as well as the selector fork servo, and maybe even the synchromesh. In summary I think it's worth flashing back to the latest stock OEM E9X DCT Tune, changing the fluid with fresh OEM DCT fluid, ensuring the gearbox oil fluid level is correct, and fixing any leaks prior to rebuilding the Getrag DCT gearbox or spending zillions on a new one.

Ok Ill give that a shot! Could you point me in the right direction of Flashing my DCT? I am from the e46 world, and i believe its a different process. I already have KDCAN cable! Not sure if I need a stock DCT bin file though.

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by Saint_M3

Ok Ill give that a shot! Could you point me in the right direction of Flashing my DCT? I am from the e46 world, and i believe its a different process. I already have KDCAN cable! Not sure if I need a stock DCT bin file though.

Sorry. I'm no expert in this area. However, there are plenty on this forum that are. I would start by contacting Mike benvo BPMSport. Flashing back to stock requires the original OEM file as well as a software suite to communicate via the OBD2 port with the DCT DME. Also, use the Advanced Search capability of the Forum to find others who have done this and more information.

Who can locally remove GTS Flash & Go back to stock file ? https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1424055

[torrque]

A very solid reason not to buy a DCT.. they are crap. I had a few good suggestions for some shops to help you out, but seeing that you are in Washingont...

[BayAreaE93]

Don't buy into the new DCT fearmongering until all possible options have been exhausted.

When I bought my M3 with ~113,000 miles, I got the exact same error driving on the highway back home, and I lost half of my gears. I believe it was the odd gears if I remember correctly. I would get the shift rod 4/6 error when reading codes.

I decided to do a drain and fill of new DCT fluid, and new filters as well. This didn't fix the problem. I thought I was f$cked.

And then I re-ran all of the adaptations procedures in ISTA. The clutch slip procedure, torque curve procedure, mechatronics procedure, etc.

Been a year since I did that, and the error never showed up again. Knock on wood!

[Saint_M3]

Originally Posted by BayAreaE93

Don't buy into the new DCT fearmongering until all possible options have been exhausted.

When I bought my M3 with ~113,000 miles, I got the exact same error driving on the highway back home, and I lost half of my gears. I believe it was the odd gears if I remember correctly. I would get the shift rod 4/6 error when reading codes.

I decided to do a drain and fill of new DCT fluid, and new filters as well. This didn't fix the problem. I thought I was f$cked.

And then I re-ran all of the adaptations procedures in ISTA. The clutch slip procedure, torque curve procedure, mechatronics procedure, etc.

Been a year since I did that, and the error never showed up again. Knock on wood!

oh wow! Ill give this a shot and report back

[ATLIEN]

I had the same problems and errors that you are having and went down a real rabbit hole. I had the pan replaced and refilled and that didn't fix it. I had the mechatronics replaced and that didn't fix it. I then had the transmission replaced and well that fixed it. Luckily it was under warranty at the time and done by the dealer. Good luck with your journey.

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by torrque

A very solid reason not to buy a DCT.. they are crap. I had a few good suggestions for some shops to help you out, but seeing that you are in Washingont...

Funny…..170k miles with god knows how many track days on two e92s with Mdct and not a single issue.

To the OP: never confuse people's opinions with facts. Bite the bullet and have a reputable shop or dealer take a look. It won't cost that much and if it's fixable not figuring that out sooner than later may lead to permanent damage. Just my .02 based on 12 years experience with this platform.


Cheers,
e46e92

[neilum]

Originally Posted by torrque

A very solid reason not to buy a DCT.. they are crap. I had a few good suggestions for some shops to help you out, but seeing that you are in Washingont...

Hope no one reads this and thinks this is accurate in any way.

DCT's in these cars are very stout, but things happen.

OP GL, I had transmission malfunction errors a few times during my ownership with my DCT E90, but it went away after resetting adaptations.

Fingers crossed you didnt buy someone else's problem if you just bought the car 2 weeks ago and are experiencing issues.

[Merlin_83]

Originally Posted by NiBe

DCT vs manual

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by torrque

A very solid reason not to buy a DCT.. they are crap. I had a few good suggestions for some shops to help you out, but seeing that you are in Washingont...

Have to disagree here, they are actually quite solid transmissions.