[E34 530] re: 2 questions

[Phil Marx <BMW@xxxxxxx>]

Steve Tribble asked:
>2.  i have a 1994 530i (auto).  every now and then, it seems that the
>transmission doesn't know what gear it want's to be in.  it will shift up
>and then down and up again.  it doesn't happen all the time.

Pretty typical behavior, especially if yours is an early 530, like before
the dual airbags were standard.  This early 5sp automatic is considered
non-adaptive (not exactly correct but BMW claimed the adaptive tranny was
an update around 9/94).  Could also be a problem with low compression on
your Nikasil/Galnikal V8 engine block causing the tranny to react strangely
to the engine inputs.  Or maybe you're just trying to drive at 55mph, in
which case you should put in in "sport" mode ("downshift" into "4") and it
won't try to engage 5th gear or lock the converter.

- -Phil

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