Transmission does not shift past second gear

1999 BMW 318I
215,876 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FABIAN DIRKS
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Good day, I recently changed my transmission oil, filter as well as the center bearing and coupling on the propshaft due to vibration. The problem I have now is that the car does not want to change past second gear. It will have a high rpm of up to 4,000 RPM's then it will change to third, as soon as it goes to third the car goes into limp mode. Can't drive the car over 45 kph at the moment. Also when I swift the car into drive from park it feels like the car is kicking into first gear. It knocks when I put it neutral. Any idea what it is? Thank you

BMW e46 318i
Nov 16, 2019 at 6:01 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:

Have you tried pulling diagnostic trouble codes? If it is in limp mode, there will be diagnostic trouble codes. Also, did you use the correct transmission fluid as well as filter and properly check level? The knocking in neutral has me confused. I'm not sure what was done that could have caused it.

I can't remember if the 1999 had a transmission dip stick to check level. If it does, great. If it doesn't, explain how fluid level was checked.

Let me know.

Joe
Nov 17, 2019 at 7:08 PM
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FABIAN DIRKS
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Hi Joe, the problem started before I had the center bearing and coupling replaced. The filter is a OEM filter and oil is caltex Dax II. My car isn't fitted with a obd2 it's the DLC. I haven't done a diagnostic as yet but I was advised to change the solenoids. The vibration I think is coming from the propshaft that needs to be balanced. It's not fitted With a dipstick to check the oil. What was done is, it was filled till is come out the filler hole then closed. Idle the car open the filling hole again and top it up again will its idling. Used 5 liters of transmission oil.
Nov 18, 2019 at 9:15 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Okay, have you checked the u-joints on the drive shaft? Most times, a driveshaft will not become unbalanced unless it was damaged. However, a joint will.

Nov 18, 2019 at 5:38 PM
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FABIAN DIRKS
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No I have not. Will take it to a prop-shaft balance specialist. Do you think it possible that a unbalanced prop-shaft can cause a car not to shift gears?
Nov 19, 2019 at 12:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Honestly, I question if that is causing a shift issue. However, it could be related to the vibration and being these vehicles are very temperamental, it could.

Let me know what is found on the shaft. Also, are you located in the US? If so, an OBD2 connector was required for import.
Nov 19, 2019 at 5:43 PM
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FABIAN DIRKS
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No Joe I'm in Cape Town South Africa. I will the doing the diagnostics over the weekend as well the the balancing. Will follow up with you on the outcome.
Nov 20, 2019 at 8:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Okay. Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
Nov 20, 2019 at 4:05 PM