The most vital elements of your vehicle include the engine and the transmission which, while separate parts, work in tandem with each other so you can enjoy a smooth and safe drive. But, when problems arise with your transmission, such as a transmission leak, it’s very important to seek auto repair for your BMW from an experienced mechanic.
Signs of a Transmission Leak in BMWs
You may know that transmission leaks are bad, but how do you spot them on your BMW? Here are a few signs that you can look out for so you can get your transmission leak fixed as soon as possible.
- Dashboard Warning Light. Most vehicles are able to detect an issue with your transmission and signal this to the driver with the dashboard warning light. If you see a light on your dashboard, check your BMW user manual to narrow down the cause or, more importantly, take it to an auto repair shop for a detailed inspection.
- Transmission Fluid Dipstick. Quite simply, if there is a leak, your transmission fluid would be low. If you suspect that your vehicle may be experiencing a transmission leak, check your transmission dipstick and look for signs that the transmission fluid is brownish, rather than the normal pink and clear. Better yet, make it a habit to check all the fluid levels on your vehicle on a monthly or more frequent basis. That way, you can spot issues with your vehicle much more proactively.
- Fluid Leaks on Pavement. Before driving away on your next errand, take a look where your car was originally parked to see if there are signs of fluid leaks on the ground.
- Abnormal Sounds. More specifically, a clunking sound in the front end of your BMW often indicates that there is an issue with your transmission. This occurs because your transmission isn’t functioning properly, such as gear grinding. This means that your transmission synchronizer is damaged and you should seek attention for your BMW from an auto repair mechanic.
- Burning Smell. Clearly, using your senses while driving can help you determine if there is anything wrong with your vehicle. In terms of transmission issues and leaks, if you smell a burning scent, that can be a strong indicator that your transmission is overheating and, therefore, burning the fluid in your transmission.
- Acceleration Delays. One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a BMW is experiencing the vehicle’s powerful ability to accelerate quickly. But even when you are accelerating normally, if you experience delays in acceleration, that is a strong indicator that your transmission is not able to switch gears as instantly as it should.
- Transmission Running Hot. if your front end is omitting extreme heat, particularly from the transmission, that is another sign that the transmission is not getting enough fluid to perform as it should and, as a result of this poor working condition, the transmission is overheating.
Unfortunately, if you have noticed any of the above signs, this means it is time to take your BMW into the auto repair shop for a closer look.
Causes of BMW Transmission Leaks
Typically a transmission leak occurs when there is a gap in your transmission, but this can be caused by many things. For example, it could be a space in a pan gasket, torque converter, fluid lines, the transmission pan, or the seals.
Transmission leaks aren’t uncommon. For example, a leak in the pan of your transmission is often caused by simple wear and tear but nonetheless is an auto repair that needs to be attended to by a mechanic. Driving conditions are commonly the cause for leaks in transmission lines when there is damage caused by debris on the road hitting the undercarriage of your BMW.
As mentioned, finding the source of a transmission leak can be difficult, so it is always best to take your BMW to a mechanic that is not only experienced with vehicles in general but is experienced with European vehicles and BMWs in particular.
Transmission Issues No More
The last thing that a car owner wants on their mind are issues with their BMW’s transmission. Luckily, transmission issues can be assessed and fixed, especially when caught early.
Let us help you get your BMW back to working order! AutoScope serves the Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Irving areas with high-quality auto service for European vehicles such as Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, and, of course, BMW. Schedule your appointment at AutoScope today! Contact us online here.