gear selector shaft seal leaking

Hey all,

I had my 03 325xi with 110,000 mi auto trans in for service and they reported that the gear selector shaft seal is leaking and recommend replacement.

I've done some searching and have found relatively limited information. I went to the shop and looked at it on the lift. That area of the trans I would describe as just a little damp, certainly not dripping, or any kind of big mess.

So my question is, do I need to replace it ASAP? Is it likely going to get much worse?

And how is it in terms of DIY? I know I would be working semi-blind with the transmission still in the car. Does anyone know of any detailed write-ups?

The Bentley manual has the general procedure for the manual transmission: On the xi, needing to remove the transmission crossmember, transmission mount and transfer case. Is the auto trans the same procedure?

thanks!!

Do you mean this? (I am not familiar with the automatics.)

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/04/69/66


How much are they asking in labor? Those little seals are typically less than $20, but if they're anything like the selector shaft seals for the manuals, they can be ornery little buggers to get out without using a special tool.

From your description, it sounds minor. I'd leave it alone unless it started dripping.

Originally Posted by pleiades

Do you mean this? (I am not familiar with the automatics.)

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/04/69/66


How much are they asking in labor? Those little seals are typically less than $20, but if they're anything like the selector shaft seals for the manuals, they can be ornery little buggers to get out without using a special tool.

From your description, it sounds minor. I'd leave it alone unless it started dripping.

Yes, I think that's it. They're asking $328 total for the repair.

Turns out it is quite different than the manual trans which was the only info I was able to find on these forums....

I did finally come across this DIY for an E32, but it looks to be about the same:

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/dutch740/s...ectorshaft.htm

Does anyone have any experience with the gear selector shaft seal for an auto, and can confirm?

I may just leave it, and monitor it.

For future reference, any advice for pulling the shaft seal without the use of the special BMW tool? Or just carefully use a screwdriver?

Has anyone else replaced this seal on their e46 auto transmission?

Bump. Any experience with the gear shaft selector seal on an auto transmission?