Re: E34 tranny emits a burning smell

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

You probably have transmission fluid leaking out of a seal (like the rear 
seal), and getting sprayed onto the exhaust system.  The only way to fix it 
is to look at the transmission for signs of leaks, and get the seals 
replaced.  If your transmission is coated with oil, you'll need to clean it 
all off, because the leak(s) will become more obvious.

Look for signs of coated oil on the exhaust pipes.  They won't have a rusty 
coating, they'll look dark, or even black (depending on how much fluid is 
leaking).

Some other things to check:

On my M3, I've had brake fluid come out of the reservoir (hard use on the 
track), and coat the exhaust, causing smoke.  I guess filling the reservoir 
slightly above the high 'fill' mark isn't a good thing...

When I purchased my E34 525iT, the previous owner (or his shop) had 
overfilled the power steering reservoir.  My car has the self-leveling rear 
suspension system, which uses the power steering pump and reservoir for 
fluid.  Well, the excess fluid came out around the cap, and coated many 
things in the engine compartment.  You can tell if it's this special power 
steering fluid, because it gets real thick and sticky, unlike brake fluid or 
oil.


Ron Buchalski
BMWCCA #76387
1995 E36 M3
1993 E34 525iT
1999 Mazda Miata

>
>Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 16:44:23 -0700
>From: <miles2go@domain.elided>
>Subject: E34 tranny emits a burning smell
>
>I drive over a mountain pass twice a day and within five to ten minutes
>after I the road turns skyward I've been smelling a pronounced odor of what
>seems like it would be transmission fluid. Thanks a lot BMW for not giving
>us a dipstick to check the level!
>
>Today I ran it petty hard up to one of the ski resorts and when I noticed
>the burning smell I pulled over and tried to find the source. The smell
>isn't coming from the engine bay area but more under the car. I got it home
>and left it running in the drive and can't see any evidence of a leak.
>
>Anyone have any clues as to where or what is causing this? The car is a 
>1992
>525iT BTW.
>
>Thanks!
>



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