BMW X3 Transmission Making Unusual Noises Described by Auto Experts of Tolleson

The transmission provides the driving force to the engine to pull the car. BMW cars remain to be some of the most popular imports worldwide. Routine upkeep has a large hand to play in maintaining performance standards and increasing the longevity of your BMW. When you find that the transmission is making unusual noises, take your car to a BMW specialist who will properly diagnose and repair the issue.

As BMW X3 owners, it is more stressful to hear a mysterious noise coming from your transmission. The unusual noises coming from the transmission of your BMW X3 always indicate a serious problem. Make sure that your vehicle is receiving the maintenance it needs in Tolleson. Here are some of the causes for your BMW X3 transmission to make unusual noises.

Old transmission fluid

The transmission fluid should last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Old transmission fluid leaves varnish debris on the moving components of the transmission. Due to the presence of debris, you hear those strange noises, especially if the filters are clogged. The transmission noises can be due to the fluid burning. If the fluid is black or you notice a smell similar to burnt toast, then this is the likely culprit. Burnt fluid can happen when the transmission overheats. In this case, you will need to quickly swap out your transmission fluid. Also, consider having a technician inspect your transmission to ensure there is no further damage.

Worn-out bearings

Whining indicates a problem with the transmission fluid pump and can be due to a low oil level. Humming is usually an indication that there is a bearing going bad in your transmission. Transmission issues deserve immediate attention from an experienced mechanic. Metal bearings connect your gears in the transmission. Check to see if one of these bearings is broken or worn out. This can happen over time, especially if you run the engine high, particularly if it has ever overheated. If one of your bearings is worn out or broken, you will have trouble engaging the gear connected to that particular band.

Bad torque converter

The transmission depends on the torque converter to allow it to shift gears properly. There are needle bearings in the torque converter which may get damaged or worn out. The transmission will make unusual sounds & grinding noises whenever you’re driving gear is set. The torque converter converts the engine's power so it is torque, which is the form of power that the transmission can use. Over time, the torque converter can wear down. When functioning properly, fluid will flow through your torque converter. If the fluid does not flow properly, the transmission will start to slip while in use.

Low fluid level

Clunking or rattling in any system in your BMW X3 usually means if you've got a low fluid level. Low fluid is one of the most common causes of problems for transmission oil pumps. Without a sufficient amount of transmission fluid, the transmission oil pump will overheat. The transmission is a hydraulic system that uses pressure from the transmission fluid to shift your gears. If you are low on transmission fluid, the gears will struggle to shift, and your BMW may even overheat. If it is low, you must refill it and you should also try to figure out why it is low.

Bad transmission fluid pump

The transmission oil pump is attached to the front of the transmission case. It is connected to the torque converter housing and supplies the transmission with the oil. If the drive gears, stator shaft or bushings are worn, the transmission oil pump will not be able to perform its job properly or maintain correct fluid pressure. This results in friction and grinding noise from your BMW transmission. Problems with the oil pump on transmission are fairly rare and can be caused by several different issues.

Remember

Unusual transmission noises ultimately lead to total transmission failure in your BMW X3. Humming, buzzing, whining, or clunking is most commonly used to describe transmission failure noises. Therefore, it's extremely important to diagnosis the unusual noise correctly in Tolleson. The unusual noises coming from the transmission of your BMW X3 always indicate a serious problem. Whining indicates a problem with the transmission fluid pump and can be due to a low oil level.

We at Ultimate European Repair located in Tolleson, AZ are European auto repair specialist. Ultimate European Repair is passionate about the level of service provided by us. Moreover, our technicians are both ASE and BMW certified.