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    Transmission Issues

    1989 E30 automatic. Just had the brakes serviced yesterday: new pads, calipers and rotors (replaced the originals). I also know that the mech tried to fix the faulty brake lining sensor. When I brought the car in, no issues with shifting/driving.

    Driving down the shore to North Wildwood this morning and suddenly the tranny starts slipping. Then all of a sudden I lose everything above 2nd and have to shift the car down to 2nd manually to get the transmission to engage 2nd. Every time I pulled off and turned her off and turned her on again, the problem went away briefly, but not for longer than maybe a minute, then it was back to high revving, no moving. The Check Engine and Engine Oil lights also all came on around the same time.

    How the hell am I going to get back to philly on Sunday? That aside...is this "limp mode"? I've read about it, but I also read that e30s don't have limp mode, so I'm not sure...If this isn't limp mode, is my tranny just shot? I'm not about to pay to get it rebuilt, and don't have the skill to purchase AND install a used one myself.

    Finally, and most importantly, concerning getting home, can I limp back to philly? She won't go over 35 mph and 3000 RPM, which spells a long trip for me, but I need to be back in philly.

    Any thoughts/advice are appreciated. Open to ideas/solutions. Happy 4th!

    #2
    Sounds like the tranny is toast. I'd start by checking the fluid first though. If it is severely low, you will have issues. Any leaks?

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      #3
      I have a use trans you can have for free. Just come and get it, I'm in Wilmington, De.
      sigpic

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        #4
        Looks like the transmission fluid is real low, so perhaps that has A LOT to do with it, and I guess I have a leak somewhere (though I haven't seen spots under the car...). Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor tools to address the issue, and need to leave Wildwood today. I'm going to limp her as far as she'll go and then take her back to the mech for an assessment. Barring a miracle, the tranny's prolly shot and I'm out a car...

        @bmwstudent, appreciate the generous offer, but it looks like it's time to let go of this old girl. Need a reliable DD and don't have the money/time for a project car.

        Anyone want to buy a parts car?

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          #5
          FWIW, for those you holding your breath to find out what happened, the old girl didn't make it 10 miles out of wildwood before second gear went and I was coasting to a stop on the side of the road. Reverse still worked, but driving backwards all the way to Philly seemed like one of those silly decisions I'm not supposed to make now that I'm a "grown up."

          Anyway, there she sits, waiting to be towed...

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            #6
            Should have at least topped up the fluid. Could have poured it down the dipstick tube if you had no other way of filling it.

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              #7
              Did that. Didn't help, unfortunately.

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