Help for a tranny newb....lol

[jex]

Seriously though, when it comes to the transmission, I am clueless. I have never done any work on a transmission.

Anyways, My car is a 91 318is. It has a z3 ssk...not sure which one because a PO installed it. Supposedly it has a new clutch (centerforce), and the m20 flywheel. (This is Daniel Coop's old car for those interested).

Some symptoms: Sometimes it is very hard to shift into gear. Usually reverse, first, and second are the worst. If I accelerate hard and shift quickly, it feels like the clutch slips a little. It slipped real bad once, so I take it easy now. You dont notice any slipping on mild to moderate acceleration/shifting.

Also, (not sure if it is transmission or not), I can hear a very slight sort of grinding noise when I accelerate. If I let off of the gas pedal, it stops, but the slightest touch of the pedal and I hear it again.

I decided to change all the fluids in the car. I got underneath my car to search for a label to determine which transmission fluid to use. I never found a label (so I'm open to suggestions as to which fluid to use). What I did find was much more discomorting.

The bottom of the pics is the front of the car




Yep...a leak! It looks like motor oil, but I'm not sure. I dont know what kind of transmission fluid is in it.

So my question is, could my problems be caused by low transmission fluid...or could it be beyond that? Also, how difficult is the task of replacing this seal (Tranny input seal...correct me if I'm wrong) and what else should be replaced while I'm digging in.

Please advise! This is now my #1 maintenence priority. The last thing I want is major transmission problems.

All help and advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[NC325iC]

looks like a rear main seal on the engine to me

[jlevie]

A problem with the clutch hydraulic system or the clutch itself that prevents full disengagement will cause problems selecting the lowest gears. That may, or may not, be the cause of the slipping.

To completely diagnose or fix the leak the transmission will have to come out. Once the transmission is out the source of the leak (transmission or main seal) should be pretty obvious. That would also be a good time to inspect the pressure plate, pilot bearing, clutch disk, etc.