[taarobaap]

Sooooo, two days after my drive home from Baton Rouge (to Charlotte) I noticed some yellow oil leaking from the rear of my 340i. Dealer says possible tranny leak, but just wondering if this is normal. Searched, but haven't found much. Looking for a little advice here. Cars under warranty for another year, but anyone have this issue with a 30k 2017 340i??

[BMWILUVU]

Transmission oil is not yellow but brake fluid may be.

[taarobaap]

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

Transmission oil is not yellow but brake fluid may be.

So dealer said there's a leak, they believe it's from transmission, but can't pinpoint the exact location as of yet. They're talking about calling in a BMW TC? For you Bmw techs, you'll have to educate me, but they said worst case transmission replacement. Is that even normal at this point?

Also, for those living in the Northlake Charlotte area, don't deal with Vinny (SA) at Hendrick BMW. Wait for someone else ... trust me.

[sspade]

You're seriously wondering if its normal to have a trans fluid leak at 30k miles?

[taarobaap]

Originally Posted by sspade

You're seriously wondering if its normal to have a trans fluid leak at 30k miles?

Yes, don't have much experience with Bimmers, and thought most people in the forum were helpful, so posed the question. Sorry for bothering you man.

If it's such a strange question, why bother posting something absolutely not helpful??

[frchdragon]

At the back of the car you have the differential, the oil in the diff is probably yellowish from stock.
Diff fluid is redish in color and doesn't smell the same
Sames goes with brake fluid, very liquid and very pale yellow.
Each fluid has a distinct odor if you are used to work on cars. A mechanic knows the different smells between coolant, brake, engine or gear oil.

30k on a BMW is a brand new car, heck for me a 100k BMW is a new car. You shouldn't have to change a transmission at all at that mileage.

[taarobaap]

Originally Posted by frchdragon

At the back of the car you have the differential, the oil in the diff is probably yellowish from stock.
Diff fluid is redish in color and doesn't smell the same
Sames goes with brake fluid, very liquid and very pale yellow.
Each fluid has a distinct odor if you are used to work on cars. A mechanic knows the different smells between coolant, brake, engine or gear oil.

30k on a BMW is a brand new car, heck for me a 100k BMW is a new car. You shouldn't have to change a transmission at all at that mileage.

They still think it's the transmission, but now I have a master tech and the dealer shop foreman on the case. They cleaned the bottom of the rear of the vehicle, drove it about 40 miles, and didn't see anything obvious. So, I have the car back, and said drive her a hundred miles or so, or until I see any fluid leaking, and bring it back to diagnose.

When I see any additional drops, I'll take pics.

Keep you all posted if you'd like. Not trying to waste anyone's time. Thanks all for helpful input.

[Wires]

Originally Posted by taarobaap

Yes, don't have much experience with Bimmers, and thought most people in the forum were helpful, so posed the question. Sorry for bothering you man.

If it's such a strange question, why bother posting something absolutely not helpful??

Probably because your question is silly. If you woke up and blood was pouring out of your ears, would you think that is normal?

BMW isn't anything different than any other car. NOTHING should be leaking from it. If it is, something is wrong and needs to be addressed ASAP. Tranny fluid is typically red (unless BMW uses something different), diff and engine brown/tan. Coolant is orange. Brake fluid is more clear/yellowish?

[AudiEaterF30]

drive the car when warmed up and in sport mode to get the fluids flowing. if you are covered under warranty still (cpo or new vehicle). and if they find that the tranny is leaking from certain points they will replace under warranty.

the TC u mentioned is a teile-clearing case which pretty much is them getting advice from bmw engineers on the next moves to perform in diagnosis of the trans.

the zf 8 speed trans is a great transmission but it is prone to hairline case cracking causing leaks. good luck hopefully you get a new transmission out of it

[taarobaap]

Originally Posted by AudiEaterF30

drive the car when warmed up and in sport mode to get the fluids flowing. if you are covered under warranty still (cpo or new vehicle). and if they find that the tranny is leaking from certain points they will replace under warranty.

the TC u mentioned is a teile-clearing case which pretty much is them getting advice from bmw engineers on the next moves to perform in diagnosis of the trans.

the zf 8 speed trans is a great transmission but it is prone to hairline case cracking causing leaks. good luck hopefully you get a new transmission out of it

Thanks Audieater! We'll see. Most prob cant say this, but I've got faith in the tech assigned to my case!

[dmanb2b]

OEM trans fluid has a yellowish-green tint to it when new. Leaks are not normal and should be fixed under warranty. Shit breaks from time to time, but ZF8 trans leaks at this mileage are uncommon. Enjoy the loaner and don't worry, let them deal with it.

[MJ-W]

Yes, I was about to write that ZF fluid is not red at all. It is a very special and expensive gearbox oil.

[taarobaap]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

OEM trans fluid has a yellowish-green tint to it when new. Leaks are not normal and should be fixed under warranty. Shit breaks from time to time, but ZF8 trans leaks at this mileage are uncommon. Enjoy the loaner and don't worry, let them deal with it.

Will be getting back from a couple hundred mile trip, which is what the tech wanted, so will keep you all posted.

Also, loaner was a 2020 330i — Id rather be driving mine tbh!

[taarobaap]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

OEM trans fluid has a yellowish-green tint to it when new. Leaks are not normal and should be fixed under warranty. Shit breaks from time to time, but ZF8 trans leaks at this mileage are uncommon. Enjoy the loaner and don't worry, let them deal with it.

Thanks all! Seal was "sweating" - very minor leak, fixed under warranty. Back to enjoying the ride!

[frchdragon]

Originally Posted by sspade

You're seriously wondering if its normal to have a trans fluid leak at 30k miles?

Originally Posted by taarobaap

Yes, don't have much experience with Bimmers, and thought most people in the forum were helpful, so posed the question. Sorry for bothering you man.

If it's such a strange question, why bother posting something absolutely not helpful??

sspade didn't mean to be rude at all, he meant that your car is new at 30K and shouldn't leak anything at all (and BMW do love leaking oil from any orifice possible)

I am glad that the dealer fixed it under warranty, a bit later you will enjoy changing the rest of the engine gaskets, part of the experience.

[kianf22]

Originally Posted by taarobaap

Thanks all! Seal was "sweating" - very minor leak, fixed under warranty. Back to enjoying the ride!

Did the dealer ever provide you with any photos? I have a 2020 m240i and notice fluid on my trans pan. Haven't found any threads on this at all. Attached is a picture screenshotted from a video they sent me. Wonder if it's the same spot..

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by kianf22

Did the dealer ever provide you with any photos? I have a 2020 m240i and notice fluid on my trans pan. Haven't found any threads on this at all. Attached is a picture screenshotted from a video they sent me. Wonder if it's the same spot..

Having a similar issue on my N26 F30. Went in for my routine oil change and was shown a leak at the transmission oil pan. The oil pan had oil on the surface. There was no dripping. Car is a 7/2013 production (02/2014 in service) 328xi and only has 64k kms/40k miles.

I know ZF says 8 years/60k miles which is around the age of my car from production date. Is this normal? Maybe more because of age and not mileage?

[G.Newt]

Originally Posted by sgovind

Having a similar issue on my N26 F30. Went in for my routine oil change and was shown a leak at the transmission oil pan. The oil pan had oil on the surface. There was no dripping. Car is a 7/2013 production (02/2014 in service) 328xi and only has 64k kms/40k miles.

I know ZF says 8 years/60k miles which is around the age of my car from production date. Is this normal? Maybe more because of age and not mileage?

We own BMW's. Guess what? They leak oil lol. Both my rear diff seals started leaking under 40k miles.

Change the gasket and the fluid/filter and she should be good for another 40-60k miles.