A BMW transmission might overheat if not properly managed or if it is exposed to low, worn out, or contaminated transmission fluid. Your driving habits and weather conditions can also increase the chance that your BMW’s transmission system could overheat.
While some are unaware, a transmission plays an essential role in the optimal functioning of a vehicle. Without a transmission, your car can’t move. Like an engine, your car’s transmission must be closely monitored and serviced according to the specification in its owner manual. The BMW transmission transfers engine power to the driveshaft and rear wheels or axle half shafts and front wheels, depending on the situation.
The transmission must be regularly maintained and closely monitored for signs of malfunction. The most common problem of a transmission is overheating, and if left unaddressed, it can cause severe problems for your vehicle.
Top Reasons Why your BMW’s Transmission Overheats
Any driver who has ever encountered transmission failure with a BMW will tell you it is a horrible experience. You’d also be told that not only is the issue costly to rectify but also discomforting. The following reasons may cause your transmission to overheat. If left unchecked, these issues may cause the transmission to fail:
Low fluid
When your transmission fluid drops below the add or cold line, it results in excessive wear and tear. This causes the transmission to run hot and ultimately fail. The loss of transmission fluid is mainly a result of a leak. Fluid leakage is a major hindrance to the smooth running of your car.
A crack in the vehicle’s torque pump or a poorly-installed transmission fluid pan may cause the fluid leakage. Also, undue wear and tear of the transmission resulting from low transmission fluid may cause fluid leakages.
Old, worn out, or burned fluid
A transmission fluid is the lubricant of the transmission. It lubricates the moving parts of the transmission. Old or burned transmission fluid has a dark red, brown, or even black coloration compared to the translucent, clean fluid. Running the transmission results in the wear and contamination of the fluid with dirt and grit. When the transmission fluid is old and contaminated, it must be changed for the transmission to run optimally.
Driving habits and weather conditions
Cities are known for heavy traffic. This causes the transmission to work harder than usual. It undergoes endless acceleration, deceleration, shifting up and down.
Hot Weather
Weather conditions accelerate a transmission to overheat. This occurs when a resting fluid is already warm before being fired up. The climatic condition in Escondido is quite hot, with August being the hottest month of the year. Escondido experiences the coldest nighttime temperature in December, which is still warmer than most places in the U.S. in wintertime.
The weather heat coupled with driving conditions in the city tends to heat the transmission fluid. This causes it to wear out sooner and cause overheating in vehicle transmissions.
How to Prevent Your BMW’s Transmission from Overheating
Low transmission fluid, a vicious cycle of burned or contaminated fluid, and transmission heat will lead to transmission failure if left unattended. You should develop the habit of checking the transmission fluid level at least once a month. By doing this, you can always verify the fluid’s quality and ensure that there is sufficient lubrication to keep the transmission running smooth.
Apart from checking your transmission fluid regularly, you should also bring your vehicle in for a routine checkup. Your car needs regular maintenance and service to ensure that your systems are running as designed. While many mechanics say you should change your transmission fluid at least every 50,000 miles, the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for many transmissions doesn’t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles. You should check your owner’s manual to see what BMW recommends for your model.
You should also note that changes in the transmission fluid coloration and the smell of burnt rubber emanating from the transmission signify that your transmission is due for service.
Escondido German Auto For Your BMW
At Escondido German Auto, we specialize in German auto service and repair most popular makes and models, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Sprinter, and Volkswagen.
We know that your German car is an investment in quality performance and long-lasting durability. To protect that investment, you must follow your car’s specific service program. Our knowledgeable staff has the expertise required to keep your car running smoothly.
Our shop is centrally located in Escondido, and we serve all of San Diego, CA, including Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Valley Center, San Marcos, Carlsbad, and La-Jolla. Please call or visit us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert mechanics.