BMW E39 530i Trans Drop: My Torque Converter Story Continued

[@fjwong7337]

Thanks so much Willie! So this is the continuation of the torque converter replacement. Part 2! I think you should make reference to this video in your torque converter first attempt. Or edit the title to include "torque converter", so people can easily look it up. I especially appreciate your mentioning the 1 1/2 hour to get to that point, so we can gauge the difficulty of the job, as well as to gauge the honesty of the repair shop.

[@fjwong7337]

Also I think your videos are a great supplement to 50skid's! Different perspectives, making the repair (or virtual) more lively, and easier to understand, and to follow. Thanks so much!

[@williefast99]

Thanks! He was spot on on what was wrong with my car. Seems they all have the same problems...

[@Tom-fx7jd]

Hey Willie I enjoy your videos. Since you have some serious experience with e39 transmissions I thought I should ask you a question... My 1997 528 transmission (the 4-speed trans made by GM) blew up at 140K and I had it rebuilt in May of 2024 to the tune of $5k, but now when it shifts in to 4th gear it "bumps". It feels like it's not getting enough clutch action - like it just drops into 4th. This happens consistently when gradually accelerating on a level road, right around 35 mph. It does not happen when going uphill/downhill, or when quickly accelerating. It varies, but it's often a significant bump and is very noticeable. My indie shop agreed there was an abnormal bump, so they replaced the torque converter, the solenoid, and replaced the trans fluid again. But the bump is still there. Very frustrating. Any thoughts you might have on this are appreciated. Thanks.

[@mule666]

Make sure you push in the torque converter in all the way or it can damage allot.. It has to connect to the oilpump

[@mmbirdtoys4633]

Great vid, thanks!

[@davidrussell1812]

I have never commented on KZbin so hope it works. I appreciate your work at recording this big job. I have same 2003 530i and am just into starting this torque converter replacement for P0741. 103,000 miles. How has the redo worked so far? The Transgo part upgrade I presume you consider important to prevent seal blow out again. Did the main rear seal on engine look like it could be leaking? It is certainly the right time to replace if needed. Did the torque converter bushing and/or seal in the transmission need replacement? All these questions are to help planing for ordering parts and trying to prevent repeating the transmission removal process a second time like you had to do. Your cars oil pan is much cleaner than mine. I’m also amazed at how little rust is present under my and your cars.

[@williefast99]

Hey thanks for watching! My car had been working great and I consider it fixed now after a few tanks of gas without the light coming back. I believe the Transgo part is the fix and the torque converter is the result of the bad pressure regulator. My rear main seal was fine. I replaced exhaust gaskets, transmission cooler o-rings and the seal in the transmission. The bushing looked okay on mine. My oil pan is so clean because I replaced that gasket before I started making videos. Good luck with yours!

[@jimfitz6849]

Is there an ispection port to check the torque converter bolts? My son's souds like it might be loose.

[@williefast99]

Yea there’s a rubber plugs to remove and gain access

[@BigTravGill]

I'm thinking about buying one with a bad transmission... watching this video makes me feel even going slow.. 3 hours I should have it on the ground

[@williefast99]

Sounds about right