[Modmike]

I bought all the parts to rebuild my Mechatronix but I am unable to figure out how to identify which valve body plate my car uses BEFORE I tear into it.

Seems kind of dumb that I would have take it apart to identify a plate that I would then have to order and wait for.

Is there anyway to identify the valve body used BEFORE I start?

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Modmike

I bought all the parts to rebuild my Mechatronix but I am unable to figure out how to identify which valve body plate my car uses BEFORE I tear into it.

Seems kind of dumb that I would have take it apart to identify a plate that I would then have to order and wait for.

Is there anyway to identify the valve body used BEFORE I start?

Do you have the valve body out of the car already? I believe there is a small tab that extends off of the separator plate that has the number stamped in it. You may be able to see it with the valve body still in the car but the pan will need to be removed. If you're still driving the car I don't think there's anything external on the transmission indicating which plate is in there.

[ferocity02]

I believe you can see what plate it is just by removing the oil pan. As said above, there is a tab that is exposed which will tell you which version you need.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by Modmike

I bought all the parts to rebuild my Mechatronix but I am unable to figure out how to identify which valve body plate my car uses BEFORE I tear into it.

Seems kind of dumb that I would have take it apart to identify a plate that I would then have to order and wait for.

Is there anyway to identify the valve body used BEFORE I start?

Be sure to change pan filter and add fresh fluid while you're in there.

May as well also replace solenoids. Do a transmission adaptation reset when you're done. Night and day difference with gearbox performance/response when you do this

[BeastMode335i]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

Be sure to change pan filter and add fresh fluid while you're in there.

May as well also replace solenoids. Do a transmission adaptation reset when you're done. Night and day difference with gearbox performance/response when you do this

Where did you buy your solenoids?

Thanks!

[BeastMode335i]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

Thectsc.com

Thanks bro! I'm doing my trans pan and filter soon, and figured I may look in to doing the solenoids.. I'm kinda leary though, because I feel like if it aint broke don't fix it.. But at the same time, I don't see any harm in preventative maintenance I suppose..

[BeastMode335i]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

Go ahead and replace the 4 sealing sleeves and adaptor seal while you have the valvebody out.

Thanks for the tip.. Seems like it makes sense once I'm in there huh..!?

[BeastMode335i]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

Unless you plan on going back in in the future. The solenoids may be $350, but the 5 seals are only $40 total so it's a no brainer.

I did the full overhaul a few months ago because it was time for my 3rd pan swap at 210k. Trans shifts better than it did when I did my 2nd pan/fluid at 130k.

I'm going from around 450hp to around 600hp too, so I imagine it will be nice to freshen up the trans bits.. I'm only at 80k miles, and have no trans issues now, but I'd rather prevent them than anticipate them...

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by BeastMode335i

I'm going from around 450hp to around 600hp too, so I imagine it will be nice to freshen up the trans bits.. I'm only at 80k miles, and have no trans issues now, but I'd rather prevent them than anticipate them...

I would suggest a transmission remap for power levels like that

[BeastMode335i]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

Got it. Best to do the full refresh. Get Xhp while your at it if you haven't already.

I was actually a beta tester for xHP, but it expired and I didn't purchase it afterwards because I felt it had quite a few kinks to be worked out.. Seems like it's really moving forward though, so I'll definitely look in to that, and whoever I have tune me will most definitely have to be on board with me using xHP..

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

I would suggest a transmission remap for power levels like that

I do plan on doing the whole refresh, and I'm honestly only keeping it to around 600hp because I'm still 6AT and don't plan on doing a 6MT swap.. I'd rather just buy a manual and go from there..

Thanks for ur input guys..

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by BeastMode335i

I was actually a beta tester for xHP, but it expired and I didn't purchase it afterwards because I felt it had quite a few kinks to be worked out.. Seems like it's really moving forward though, so I'll definitely look in to that, and whoever I have tune me will most definitely have to be on board with me using xHP..



I do plan on doing the whole refresh, and I'm honestly only keeping it to around 600hp because I'm still 6AT and don't plan on doing a 6MT swap.. I'd rather just buy a manual and go from there..

Thanks for ur input guys..

for any increased power level, whether it is 400 or 600hp I always recommend a remap. it will obviously improve performance but most importantly ensure your transmission lasts longer. the unit itself can probably handle 600hp, but the factory software is only tuned for 300hp... thats your problem.

[BeastMode335i]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

for any increased power level, whether it is 400 or 600hp I always recommend a remap. it will obviously improve performance but most importantly ensure your transmission lasts longer. the unit itself can probably handle 600hp, but the factory software is only tuned for 300hp... thats your problem.

Yeah I feel the same..

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

Transmission remaps literally just became available for these cars. People have been running 450whp without issue for almost a decade now...

but 600hp..

do the automatics handle it well in the long term? with a manual the absolute worse you can do is damage your clutch, you will not hurt anything else if you drive manual properly and not over aggressive. I know that the 6 speed is a very good transmission (i've only tried the manual) but the manual would be my choice if i was going for big power.

the 8 speed makes better use low end towith small ratios and is smoother, but the 6 speed feels pretty similar in my friends 525i you can feel it work nice (at 7000rpm anyways)

One somewhat underrated aspect of BMW is their excellent drivetrain tuning.
this ZF with BMW's tune is literally the best transmission around save for the PDK which is also made by ZF.. it is up to the manufacturer to design a good software for this transmission. an example is dodge's 8/9 speed transmission has so many reported failures.