How To Remove BMW E46 Automatic Transmission 

If you’re a first-timer at doing this, then I HIGHLY suggest you remove the torque converter bolts BEFORE you remove the trans bell housing bolts. You don’t want to run the risk of the trans pulling away from the engine even the slightest and dipping at the rear causing the nose of the converter to bind in the front of the trans. You can break the internal transmission front pump.

Man you deserve some real recognition for this channel Great job

This video is gold for me! i'm not interested in remove my transmission but the oil cooler lines; those few seconds were a revelation to me. Thanks a lot!

Excellent video ! Condensed down very nicely so you can see but not sit here all day watching to get it. Thank You ! I'm doing mine without the lift and it is a pain but doable.

my first car I ever learned how to even fix I dont even know the names of the tools and my next step is rebuilding my engine .. thanks to you shoplifetv I can easily do what you are showing us .

You have some of the best DYI BMW auto repair videos on RU-vid. I am Truly one of your biggest fan, follower and subscriber. I like this video a lot and should the day come that I need to remove my transmission, this will definitely be the video I use. You should do a video on removing/installing transmission cooling lines someday. I have a 2002 330xi AWD and trying to install these cooling lines has been a really big headache of job to do. I get one line in perfectly but then can't get the other line to lineup correctly.

great video. and it also made me decide NOT to buy an e46 with transmission problems that I thought I could 'easily swap out at home' haha - what a big job!

this guy is very knowledgable , respect 100

This is really good for anyone who wants to replace their transmission, most E46's are equipped with a GM transmission and those can't be rebuilt when they fail so this is a highly valuable tutorial.

excellent video. Im considering servicing my e39 transmission in the near future.

Top notch explanations and video work. Thx.

been waiting for this!

Hey bro thanks for the awesome video. I enjoyed watching and learning. Thanks and I appreciate your help with my X5 God bless you.

This is superb. Really clear.

you're amazing man ! thanks for all the informations and the effort you put into making it easier for us ! , I would like to know if it's easier to swap the whole engine+trans at the same time ? in my case from m43b19 + auto to M54 or M52 + Manual

This seems like a pain in the ass if you don't have a lift. Edit: It seems like a pain in the ass with a lift.

Yooo thanks man I appreciate your time.

Great video. This should be a lesson to all other would be tutorial YT'ers on how to make a great tutorial. No silly music, no faffing, just getting it done. Why the swap by the way? Was the auto fubar? What is your opinion on the e46 auto box that goes into a 330d? (apart from solenoid failures which I'm aware of).

Wow, where are you located? Amazing to see no undercarriage rust, especially on the exhaust flanges. Usually they need a torch to get those rusted bolts out.

hi thank you for your video it was very helpful! is it true that once you disconnect the transmission the computer goes into a safety mode that enables the transmission to start off in third gear? mine appears to be doing that after the rebuild also the gear/ transmission sign appears on the instrument cluster now> i try to figure it out with my obd tool but it says no connection?any thoughts?

Less than 2hrs, great vid 👍🏾

you are blessing me bro, god bless you :)

Hi Jason. I only need to replace the transmission wiring harness that includes the oxygen sensors plugs and all that... do I need to remove the metal reinforcement plate to get access to the big transmission plug? And/or how would you recommend I go about replacing that harness??

Very helpful, thank you sir.

Thanks for the great videos. So I had to replace the D?G reverse drum on my 2000 323I . I live in Mass, so taking the extremely corroded exhaust bolts off and detaching the starter from the transmission were definately the hardest problems I encountered. I actually replaced the distributor dowel after trying to reinstall transmission and not being able to get the starter to fit against bellhousing properly. the dowell was bent. I removed the dowel from the bell housing and replaced it with a 5/16 drill bit butt end...it worked. Now, however, I have a srreeching noise coming from flywheel/bell housing ...could it be the bellhousing metal gasket rubbing against flywheel?...dropping the transmission one more time....pain in the ass!

Thank you for this video 🙏

im gonna do this myself and im gonna use your guide for theme plate for my car but mine is a diesel would that complicate stuff or nah??

The lift makes it easy. Thanks for the video might just diy my daughters bmw. Cant find a good honest bmw mechanic in the tx desert.

Love your videos! Your channel is the best on RU-vid for BMWs. When you are re-installing the transmission, how do you get the starter bolted back on without removing the intake manifold to push it back on the positioning pin from the back? I recently replaced everything under the intake and don't want to unsettle everything again to get to the starter just to hold it in place. I need to replace the rear main seal. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Great video bud, I wish all of them were like this. Straight, to the point, not a lot of dumb shit. 👌

Great video for sure. Love the detail. One question. What was the average time to remove it?

Very helpful. I have a manual XI so its slightly different,

Do you have to recode for a auto to auto swap? I have a e39 btw.

Do you have a video on how to replace the front transmission seal on a BMW 745li?

love the videos bro. but I live in VA and my 46 needs a transmission or at least i think it does. Its leaking from out the bell housing hose's. where can i get a good deal without getting ripped off?

Great Video, Thank You-

Hey is the same process for a E46 325ci (M54)

Completed Rear Main Seal Repair on Auto Trans...When I was installing flex bolts it seemed like crankshaft was binding. I took trans down and reseated torque converter and then went to reinstall torque converter bolts...very weird...if you think of the cycle like a clock...From 1-6 rotation is very smooth and quiet. From 6-12 some clanking and a bit stiffer. I went ahead and reassembled the car and at start up it was very noisy...sounded like metal scraping or rubbing against metal except at 1000 RPMS...one thing when I was reinstalling the flexplate it fell from the crankshaft (maybe 2-1/2 ft)...The drive plate seemed to be bent but car did not have this issue until now. It almost sounds like flexplate bolts rubbing aginst that thin metal shield the starter sits in...I also replaced the starter? For some reason I think the flexplate bolts are at some point are riding on that thin metal plate? PS...it was hard as hell to reinstall flexplate bolts.

I have a question regarding the torque converter i think mine is on it's way out so is there anyway i can use a torque converter from a different bmw that doesn't have the same problem that the zf ?

Thanks for the vids your one of the best 😎🤔👍😏

I'm using this video and it's going to save my friend's ass. thanks man!!

Great vid!!!!!!

Hi, i have a question. My e46 was driving fine onw morning on my way to work. 8 hrs later i started the car and the traction control light was on and the (gear sign with this sigh ! Inside the gear ) and that light was on too. Amd the D sign is. Ot there. Tranny running one gear. I was told it got put in safe mode.. do you have any suggestion?

Hello, I'm changing my bmw e46 325i by a used one, I would like to know if 330 or 328 gearboxes would fit or not, and how to know the difference?!

Nice, thanks!!

Great job buddy

Well done, thanks

I will be replacing the torque converter soon in my 03 325i. I guess i have to drop the tranny? Never done that before but will need this informative video. Thanks

Hey Shoplife TV, I have a question. My 03 E46 transmission is working fine in reverse but struggles to move in drive and I get a little white smoke after I turn the car off none while the car is on. I know it needs to be rebuilt or replaced but I wounder if the fluid needs to be topped off just to buy me a little more time. Any thoughts would be appreciated thanks.

I am trying to Take the Guibo off and stuck with a 21mm nut/bolt. It's not that rusted. I tried 1000 ft/lbs impact gun, 2 feet breaker bar and a handful of PB Blaster. Not even able to move a single nut. Finally ordered CRC 05002 Freeze-Off. Appreciate any ideas here.

Great video bro.. but when reinstalling the transmission is there anything else I should know? Or is it the same process?

Jus when I was about to do it I get a good diy vid 👍

I have a 2000 328ci bmw... where is the speed sensor located in the Engine control computer??? .. I am trying to find the vehicle speed signal cable to connect it to my navigation unit

I need help I have 01 330xi I have no reverse and in drive it shifts but the all of a sudden it's like my tires lockup

Should there be a gap between the torque converter and the flex plate where they bolt together to allow for expansion? Or should it be right up to it and get its movement from the flexibility of the flex plate?

Hi could you help me please. My transmission failed and found a garage who supplied me with a new gearbox. Finally got car back but battery light is on after that. Replaced the Starter motor, alternator and battery. Still no luck. Do you think the gearbox specialist left something loose or there is a dodgy connection.

Hi ShopLife, I have a GM transmission (2004 e46, 150k 3 series) and the NSS is inside the pan, not on the side of the transmission. Do you have any idea of how to take the NSS out?

And are there clearance problems with the clutch fan and shrouds? (When you tilt the engine/trans. Down)

If you R&R a 2003 E46 Trans, will the donor transmission need programming?

it looks like the headers are in the way I'm wondering if I should take them off

i am doing an auto to auto transmission swap on a 2001 330i. is it the same process only in reverse to put the transmission back in?

How did you get to those E10 bolts at the bottom of the bell housing? I'm having a hard time getting a ratchet in there. There's no room. Should I take off the oil pan plate?

Hello, what size extension will I be need to remove top bolts from gearbox ?

Hey a question kinda pertaining to my e46 transmission. Is it possible to swap out my 325xi tcu for a 330xi with matching part number? Assuming the 330 has a GM trans, which gm is underlined on the 330 tcu. Any help would be appreciated greatly. Love your channel btw, very helpful

Can you convert an e38 automatic to a manual transmission or gearbox with pedals

Hi there I would like to know what would make a E46 325ci automatic transmission slip in 2nd gear?or just slip in general since it's a automatic tripronic

Thank you ❤

Hey bro, got a question, once reconnected, is the crank suppose to turn freely with belts off and flywheel torque converter tightened on? I tried to start the car, the starter just clicked, had plenty of battery. I couldn't turn the crank clock wise, to see if it turns, but it didn't. Removed the transmission, and made sure torque converter is seated back right, it wasnt, surr needed a bit more . Put it back together, it's easier to move, but still harder, very very hard to move even 1/4", took out Spark plugs to see if turns easier, but no. Is that normal?

I changed engin/trans in my 2005 325xi . I am having a very hard time placing the trans cooler lines ! Do they go over motor mount bracket or under ? On the front I cannot find how/where they make their way from cooler to behind power steering pump ?

Do I have to remove those 3 17s connected to the torque converter if I have the engine out the car?

Can I put some other automatic transmission on E46 like the 7 speed dual clutch or something to upgrade from the old 5 speed? I mean, is that even possible?

Can I ask. Is it just a straight swap over from an auto to another auto? Or does the megatronics unit need to be tuned, or removed from the older box and put into replacement box?

If i want to replace my transmission auto with auto where is the best place to look for a 2002 325ci

Love your videos man! I am curious have you done the 325i 2.5L to 3.0L conversion?

Hi, I have bmw e39 auto transmission, I noticed that car shift into high gears even at low speed, what could be the reason ?

Thank you for your videos. My mechanic told me to change the automatic transmission but now the manual mode doesn't work and the gear indicator in the dash doesn't show in which gear it's in. Can you give me a hint of what might be happening? Again Thank you.

Can i just replace my e46 automatic with the f10 automatic without coding and extra wire trash but only a new driveshaft

Is there anything in the cabin that you have to remove before dropping the transmission?

Q: My 2001 325i sometimes gets stuck in park when I'm trying put it into drive. Other days it's no problem at all, it's perfectly fine. Any idea what's going on?

Does the transmission coolant fluid need to be topped up after you put the new box on? Automatic transmission going back on again. Thanks

Is it the same process​ for a m3 SMG transmission?

at 10:30 the cooling lines for the transmission can you seperate them invidually or do they both come as a set? cause i only need one

I have a 323i won’t go in reverse I think it might be the zf trans can I put a gm trans on with no mods?

How do I determine what transmission I have and what fluid to use in my 2003 325i..I checked the driver door, but i think it is GM bc my trans pan is flat..Great content man, keep it up

I was wondering if you know where I can get the engine wiring harness for a 2001BMW 325CI

Hi there, my BMW has a stuttering sound as if something goes out of balance and then rearranges in like 0 seconds, when taking turns and I was supposing it to be a transmission 3rd bushing thing, I have no idea what it is exactly. i was looking your video and i found nothing of that sort. Do you know why could it be sounding so?

HEY BRO LIKE ALWAYS UR VIDEOS ARE AWESOME, BUT I HAVE A QUESTION, MY 2005 325CI AUTOMATIC ,THE TRANSMISSION IS ON LIMP MODE SO DOSEN`T SHIFT PROPERLY , BUT ANYWAYS I SWAP THE TRANSMISSION FOR A USE ONE IN WORKING CONDITIONS AND I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, SO ,IS IT TRUE I HAVE TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CAUSE DOSEN`T BELONG TO THIS CAR ? AND HAVE U HEAR ABOUT (MAF SENSOR) CAUSING THIS PROBLEMS ALSO , I REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT STILL THE SAME ,HOPE U CAN HELP THANKS IN ADVANCE, AND SORRY ABOUT MY SPELLING AND NOT VERY GOOD WRITING LOL.....

Do you have to support the rear of the engine from the top?

What did you do with the automatic transmission wiring? Also the TCU/EGS, did you remove it completely and then take the wire harness out? I can't seem to find any DIY projects where they cover the questions above. Any advice is appreciated 🙏

Hi i want to swap my transmicion from my bmw 325i 05 in to a 6 speed transmicion my cuestion is whats the best option for me and how mutch is it ?

I have a question maybe you can answer. I just finished fixing a zf5hp19 for a 2002 BMW 325ci and I have a bracket that I'm not sure where it goes. If it's on the transmission or not. I have a pic. Maybe you could help me identify it.

My transmition light is on in my bmw 325i 2003 Do i have to do that or can it be a simpler thing ?? Every time i run the car when it shift it does something like if i hit something and it keeps going every time it shift

Please do video show how you remove engine and gear box togather out of the car pleasede

What’s up brotha, I’m having issue with the gears when shifting into 4th, it jumps right back to 3rd a few consecutive time and goes into safe/limp mode. And then after, the car will drive and just stay at 3rd... This is a 2005 Bentley Continental Gt but it has the bmw mechatronic type transmission. Let me know what you think please...any response will be appreciated!

My bmw 325xi automatic Vibrates when accelerated in cold weather,I have been told what the transfer case is causing?!,need an oil change or new transfer case?!,now in hot weather it is good and smooth,sorry for my English.

I want to replace the solenoids in my 2003 Z4 2.5i automatic transmission. Do I need to drop the tranny from the car or can the repair be done while car on the lift? Does valve body need to be removed completely?

Hey guys am I able to simply plug and play with a GM to ZF transmission! Help please I'd like 6 speed

This is a great video but by any chance would you happen to have a video on how to remove a transmission for a 325xi I’d really appreciate your help. Thanks

Hey Dude! How do I know what transmission I have. How do I get the number of the transmission on 20212 BMW X3 28i. Thanks

I need help! How do you jack a car up, I want to change my gearbox .