PrecisionX Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I was curious to know what to expect for transmission performance out of a 3.5L R50? Coming from an E46 BMW automatic transmission that was essentially seemless I drove one that was for sale for a friend who's looking but three states over, he asked me to test drive the R50 and it seems a bit rough around the edges. Potent shift from 1st to 2nd, sluggish to third and smoother to 4th. The rpms don't jump when changing just seems to hold for a second before it shifts. Might be completely normal? I'm OCD about this stuff, if overdrive is off and I stomp on it, seems to be fine, same when overdrive is on. It just seemed slow going to third around town (30mph speed limit). Any thoughts? I don't want to have him buy a bad one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theexbrit Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I have the 3.3L but I'm presuming it's the same tranny. Mine shifts a little hard from 1st to 2nd especially when it's cold, but all the other shifts are smooth & no hesitation. An E46 BMW transmission it certainly is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 1->2 is characteristically rough with our RE4R01A transmission. 2->3 can be a little slow. As long as the transmission fluid has been maintained and it looks bright red on the dipstick, it should be in good condition. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrecisionX Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 So what I described sounds normal? The vehicle was dealer maintained with all services done on time up until 120,000 or so and now he's selling it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebelord Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 If the truck is fairly local to you. Ask the seller to accompany you to a shop so you can have it checked out. Most transmission shops will do that for you. Some charge a fee, some may want a appointment. Can also see what the local dealership might charge for a vehicle inspection. I know that my local dealer pretty much charges at least $100 to do pretty much anything. But you might have better luck. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Mine sounds/feels the same as you guys are stating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 From what I've heard, a hard 1-2 shift and a slower 2-3 shift is normal for these. Mine does it too, I wouldn't worry about it. I would however ask if the 3.5 engine is burning oil. My dad's 03 uses a quart or two between oil changes and from what I've read, the issue is not uncommon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Mine doesn't burn a drop in 5k oil changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Not saying they're all bad. Just something to check for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADudeOnSkis Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 That sounds about like what mine does. 2x for checking into the oil isse. Also, my cousin had a 02 for a while and on a trip up to the mountains he had a cylinder fill with oil. Not saying thats common just somehting to ask about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 That's about where my tranny is, I'm not a huge fan of the way it shifts but that's about normal: 1-2 is hard, especially when cold, 3-4 smoother and downshifting from 4-3 is a little rough at all times. I'm getting the tranny flushed, we'll see if there's any change. I get the feeling the tranny is what holds back the power...I can't complain too much though, it's just not up to some of my other frequent drivers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewulf73 Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Ditto here. 1-2 rough, 2-3 slow, 3-OD smooth. Donwshifting is rough and hard... ...no matter what gear... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pathfounder Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Coming from an E46 BMW automatic transmission that was essentially seemless I drove one that was for sale for a friend who's looking but three states over, he asked me to test drive the R50 and it seems a bit rough around the edges. BMW automatics are sourced from GM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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