BMW Repair Guide: Pre-Emptive Auto Cooler Replacement
We have encountered many BMW repair works in which a leaking auto cooler resulted in damages in the transmission system. This holds especially true for owners of BMW X1, BMW 216, and BMW 218 models. As such, we feel a strong sense of duty to keep fellow Singaporeans informed about how to avoid this.
The auto cooler, or the transmission cooler, is designed to maintain optimal temperatures within the transmission system. When it fails, it can lead to significant and costly damage across the entire transmission and cooling systems.
Our aim is to educate BMW owners on the importance of preemptive auto cooler replacement. Through timely intervention and regular maintenance checks, you can ensure cost savings in the long run.
What is an Auto Cooler?
The auto cooler, as the name suggests, keeps the transmission fluid cool. This prevents overheating that can lead to costly damages to the transmission system.
In Singapore’s stop-and-go traffic condition, cars operate under heavy stress, and the transmission fluid can heat up significantly.
As hot transmission fluid flows into the cooler, the heat is transferred out of the fluid and into the coolant. This process effectively lowers the temperature of the fluid before it cycles back into the transmission.
What Happens When Auto Cooler Fails?
Within the auto cooler is a thin wall that separates the transmission oil from the coolant. The transmission oil flows on one side of the wall, and the coolant flows on the other side of the wall. The wall has to be thin to facilitate the heat transfer. But being thin comes at a cost.
Like any component, auto coolers can degrade over time. The thin internal wall which separates the transmission fluid from the coolant can be compromised. A tiny hole is sufficient to allow for the transmission fluid to mix with the coolant. When this happens, it is usually not visible from the outside because it is an internal leak. The external walls of the auto cooler are usually much thicker.
Symptoms of BMW Auto Cooler Needing Repair
Common symptoms of potential failure include a rise in engine temperature, jerky gear shift or unusual vibrations when driving.
The rise in temperature is the result of insufficient or contaminated coolant which is suboptimal in cooling the engine.
The jerky gear shifts is a result of clutch packs damaged by the coolant which reduces the friction required for proper engagement of the gears.
The unusual vibrations are the result of the internal parts torque converter being worn out, causing an unstable power transfer from engine to the gearbox.
These are the 3 most common symptoms that car owners experience before sending their cars for checks and repairs, and by then, it is too late unfortunately. When transmission fluid is drained out at this point, you will see a milky colour much like your teh tarik or teh-C.
Repair Works Needed
When the auto cooler has leaks, transmission oil will enter the cooling system and coolant will enter the transmission system.
Repair on Cooling System
For the cooling system, in most cases, we will be able to clean it thoroughly such that all the transmission oil are cleared out. The chances of the cooling system being damaged is low, unless you waited for a long time before acting on it. This is because debris from the damaged transmission can choke up the radiator or coolant pump.
Repair on Transmission System
Most workshops will simply ask you to do a transmission oil flush to clear the coolant out. It’s hard to blame them because transmission system is complicated.
But please do not waste your money on the flushing which can cause hundreds of dollars. The damage to your transmission at this point is already done and flushing will not solve the issues. Even if they are gone right after the flush, they will eventually come back within weeks or even days. This is because the parts in the transmission are all very water sensitive, and corrosion starts to occur as soon as they are in contact with the coolant.
The proper way to repair is to go for a gearbox overhaul, plus a change in the torque converter. We will also check on the valve body to see if it can be salvaged, which it can be around 50% of the time.
Costs Analysis
Here is an estimated breakdown on the cost of repairs. Actual prices will be subject to your exact car model.- Gearbox Overhaul: S$2,500 to S$3,000
- Torque Converter: S$950 to S$1,400
- Valve Body: S$1,500 to S$2,000 (50% chance)
- Auto Cooler Replacement: S$550 to S$750
As you can see, the estimated cost of repair is in the range of S$4,000 to $7,000+. Comparing these costs, it’s clear that preventative maintenance which costs only S$550 to S$750 is more cost-effective than the repairs needed after a failure.
What to Do Now?
Choose the right service for your BMW repair needs.
Selecting a specialized BMW repair service like 1 Car Service ensures that you receive expert care tailored to specific needs.
If your car warranty is expired, it is time to get your auto cooler replaced. If you bought your car second hand, and unsure if your auto cooler has been changed, bring it over for a check during your next routine servicing and we will do a check for you.
Conclusion
Despite all that was mentioned, BMW is an awesome car brand. It is renowned globally not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its engineering excellence and advanced technology. It remains a preferred choice for automotive enthusiasts who crave performance and luxury.
It’s important for owners to remember that like any high-performance machine, a BMW require extra special care. It’s a small price to pay for the immense pleasure and pride that come with driving a BMW.
It is also noteworthy that other makes and models also have similar auto cooler issues. For example, some variations of Subaru Forester, Subaru XV, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Alphard, Mini Cooper, Infiniti Q50, and some older Mercedes Benz.
Finally, note the this preemptive repair will extend the lifespan of your transmission, but they will still undergo wear-and-tear over time.
Choose 1 Car Service Workshop for Your BMW Repair
A stitch in time saves nine. Preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of your car and avoiding costly repairs, whatever the make and model it might be. Schedule a visit to 1 Car Service Workshop today and ensure your auto cooler is in top condition. We aim to save you time and money in the long run.