10 Apr.
Gearboxes

BMW 4 Series gearbox repair: a practical guide

Available as a sedan, coupé or convertible, the BMW 4 Series went on sale in 2013, replacing part of the 3 Series range. Declined in several phases and finishes over two generations, the latest model is presented at the Munich Motor Show in 2021. The famous Bavarian manufacturer then began production of this BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé II in the same year.

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Unfortunately, despite all the care taken when manufacturing the vehicle, it can happen that this gearbox is faulty. EDEN BOITES can help you manage the breakdown.

Special features of the BMW 4 Series

BMW offers two engine options for its 4 Series models: gasoline, such as the M 440i xDrive 374 hp, and diesel, such as the 430d xDrive 286 hp. Irrespective of the engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard from the second generation of the vehicle, but a six-speed manual gearbox is found on the first generation 4 Series, which also offers the option of an eight-speed robotized automatic gearbox.

The power supplied by the engine is transmitted by either rear-wheel drive (i.e. the vehicle's two rear wheels are driven) or all-wheel drive (all four wheels are driven).

In the case of all-wheel drive, the vehicle is necessarily equipped with a transfer case. Like a differential, its role is to distribute the power supplied by the engine to the two drive axles (front and rear) in an appropriate manner.

Maintenance and repair of BMW 4 Series gearboxes

Gearbox maintenance

Good driving habits can help extend the life of your gearbox.

If your BMW 4 Series is fitted with a manual gearbox, it's important not to drive "empty" with your foot pressed down on the clutch pedal. Similarly, it's important not to skip gears, either during acceleration or when downshifting, to avoid premature wear on the transmission system.

With an automatic gearbox, day-to-day maintenance is simplified: the golden rule is never to engage another mode until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Doing so could cause irreparable damage to your gearbox, or indeed to the entire BMW 4 Series transmission system.

The importance of gearbox oil

Often overlooked during vehicle maintenance, gearbox oil (also known as transmission oil) ensures the lubrication of the components that make up the entire transmission system of your BMW 4 Series.

Not to be confused with engine oil, which has its own characteristics, gearbox oil should be drained and changed every 250,000 kilometers or so for manual gearboxes. Automatic gearboxes require more regular maintenance, with an oil change every 60,000 kilometers, to be carried out by your garage.

The main points to watch out for

There are certain warning signs that can help you identify a gearbox fault. Don't hesitate to record and report anything unusual to your mechanic: your observations will help him to make an accurate diagnosis more quickly. These signals include, but are not limited to:

  • Excessive humming in the cabin;
  • A smell of burning when certain operations are carried out, such as shifting into reverse;
  • Unwanted noises (even when the vehicle is stationary);
  • A general drop in performance, especially at high speeds.

Whatever the source of the malfunction, it's important to consult a professional mechanic as soon as possible: an untreated gearbox problem can cause lasting damage to your vehicle.

Moreover, a BMW 4 Series gearbox failure does not always require complete replacement. Only your mechanic will be able to tell you what to do once he's made his diagnosis.

The purchase of your new box with EDEN BOITES

If your BMW 4 Series needs a new gearbox, the price can quickly become prohibitive, as a new part from the factory is expensive. To lighten the bill, EDEN BOITES offers you a wide catalog of reconditioned gearboxes and transfer cases in standard exchange.

Our experts have meticulously dismantled, inspected and cleaned every component of the gearboxes available for purchase, and any defective parts have been replaced. You benefit from a quality reconditioned gearbox, but at pre-owned prices!

The EDEN BOITES solution is also environmentally friendly: you don't have to worry about your old box, we'll take it back free of charge when we deliver the new one. And for maximum peace of mind, all our products come with a one-year guarantee.

Whether you're looking for an F32 425D 218 CH gearbox or a BMW 420 2.0 CDi 4×4 transfer case, we can help: if the product you want isn't in our catalog, we'll recondition your existing case. Stock and availability problems are a thing of the past!

Request a quote online to be contacted by a EDEN BOITES advisor: it's quick, easy and without obligation. All you have to do is let us guide you!

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