DCT weeps/sweats/leaks ... ?

B

Busterboo

Veteran
2011 35iS, 82k miles, mine since 20k. A very good car. Like it a lot. However, not without faults, most* reported in "E89 Comprehensive problem list".

*Got bored reporting same faults and same 'solutions'. Now really bored with 'Leak from DCT sump plate' again. This has been 'cured' by replacing the gasket/gasket & sump plate 3 or 4 times.

Is there no real solution?
 
There are aftermarket sumps made out of metal allloys available..maybe they offer a solution…about 800 USD plus freight n taxes etc..

Some are a bit cheaper…let me know how you get on..

https://arperformance.co.uk/product/dodson-motorsport-bmw-dct-sump-pan/
 

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Thank you, B21. A good idea. Sadly, high cost - US$800 + shipping & duty/VAT - and not without significant risk of product failure.

My experience of importing parts from small manufacturers in the States isn't good.
 
Busterboo said:
Thank you, B21. A good idea. Sadly, high cost - US$800 + shipping & duty/VAT - and not without significant risk of product failure.

My experience of importing parts from small manufacturers in the States isn't good.
Click to expand...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E92-F82-F10-M3-M4-M5-BILLET-CNC-ALUMINIUM-OIL-PAN-DCT-GEARBOX-S63-S55-N54-/114745616644?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzAoieyxSkk9JJsCiFHHk4g9T2U3oLOuBJx7S8-pKN4FxYK8q1I4PhoCy9IQAvD_BwE

EU sourced version £350..kerching :thumbsup:
 
B21 said:
Busterboo said:
Thank you, B21. A good idea. Sadly, high cost - US$800 + shipping & duty/VAT - and not without significant risk of product failure.

My experience of importing parts from small manufacturers in the States isn't good.
Click to expand...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E92-F82-F10-M3-M4-M5-BILLET-CNC-ALUMINIUM-OIL-PAN-DCT-GEARBOX-S63-S55-N54-/114745616644?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzAoieyxSkk9JJsCiFHHk4g9T2U3oLOuBJx7S8-pKN4FxYK8q1I4PhoCy9IQAvD_BwE

EU sourced version £350..kerching :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
:D :thumbsup:
 
It's a common enough fault but if someone has replaced it 4 times on their car then I would suggest there is another problem causing it or the installer either used dodgy parts or installed it incorrectly.

No harm in using the metal sump though. It would prevent a leak caused by a warped cover but would still suffer from gasket problems. Just be aware some metal sumps will foul against the undertrays.
 
R.E92 said:
It's a common enough fault but if someone has replaced it 4 times on their car then I would suggest there is another problem causing it or the installer either used dodgy parts or installed it incorrectly.

No harm in using the metal sump though. It would prevent a leak caused by a warped cover but would still suffer from gasket problems. Just be aware some metal sumps will foul against the undertrays.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

Any recommendations? :driving:
 
There are 3 main points that 'weep' on the DCT trans, the first is right at the top on the connector body, there's a seal that shrinks over time and oil thrown off the clutch pack works its way out, and down the side of the trans. This is a pain to change without dropping the gearbox.

The second is the mechatronics cover seal, this is generally pretty robust but can still weep, another pain to replace without dropping the gearbox.

The third is the pan as you've already identified, fairly simple to change. The pan gasket is often blamed, when in reality it's usually leaking down from either of the above.
 
B21 said:
R.E92 said:
It's a common enough fault but if someone has replaced it 4 times on their car then I would suggest there is another problem causing it or the installer either used dodgy parts or installed it incorrectly.

No harm in using the metal sump though. It would prevent a leak caused by a warped cover but would still suffer from gasket problems. Just be aware some metal sumps will foul against the undertrays.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

Any recommendations? :driving:
Click to expand...

My suggestion would just be wait for it to weep or until the DCT fluid has 70k on it then do a full transmission service including new pressure filter, suction filter, gasket, sump and DCT fluid. If just doing on miles I wouldn't buy a new sump, just the gasket as that part can be pricey.

It's quite an easy DIY once you get the car off the ground. Doing it on jack stands is a pain.

Martyn is right about the other possible leaks. They are less common but doing either the mech cover or top seal requires the trans to be dropped so you should do both at the same time. I wouldn't bother doing them until they leak though.
 
Busterboo said:
B21 said:
Busterboo said:
Thank you, B21. A good idea. Sadly, high cost - US$800 + shipping & duty/VAT - and not without significant risk of product failure.

My experience of importing parts from small manufacturers in the States isn't good.
Click to expand...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E92-F82-F10-M3-M4-M5-BILLET-CNC-ALUMINIUM-OIL-PAN-DCT-GEARBOX-S63-S55-N54-/114745616644?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzAoieyxSkk9JJsCiFHHk4g9T2U3oLOuBJx7S8-pKN4FxYK8q1I4PhoCy9IQAvD_BwE

EU sourced version £350..kerching :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
:D :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Beware - a lot of these CNC made aftermarket sumps hang lower than the original. You will need to modify your underbody shielding which then exposes the bodywork to all the crap and the sump itself is more likely to suffer damage.
 
mcbutler said:
Busterboo said:
B21 said:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E92-F82-F10-M3-M4-M5-BILLET-CNC-ALUMINIUM-OIL-PAN-DCT-GEARBOX-S63-S55-N54-/114745616644?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzAoieyxSkk9JJsCiFHHk4g9T2U3oLOuBJx7S8-pKN4FxYK8q1I4PhoCy9IQAvD_BwE

EU sourced version £350..kerching :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
:D :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Beware - a lot of these CNC made aftermarket sumps hang lower than the original. You will need to modify your underbody shielding which then exposes the bodywork to all the crap and the sump itself is more likely to suffer damage.
Click to expand...

Useful to know :thumbsup:
 
R.E92 said:
B21 said:
R.E92 said:
It's a common enough fault but if someone has replaced it 4 times on their car then I would suggest there is another problem causing it or the installer either used dodgy parts or installed it incorrectly.

No harm in using the metal sump though. It would prevent a leak caused by a warped cover but would still suffer from gasket problems. Just be aware some metal sumps will foul against the undertrays.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

Any recommendations? :driving:
Click to expand...

My suggestion would just be wait for it to weep or until the DCT fluid has 70k on it then do a full transmission service including new pressure filter, suction filter, gasket, sump and DCT fluid. If just doing on miles I wouldn't buy a new sump, just the gasket as that part can be pricey.

It's quite an easy DIY once you get the car off the ground. Doing it on jack stands is a pain.

Martyn is right about the other possible leaks. They are less common but doing either the mech cover or top seal requires the trans to be dropped so you should do both at the same time. I wouldn't bother doing them until they leak though.
Click to expand...

My 35is is feeling unloved so I’ll see if I can find one that doesn’t cause any issues..planning to do all the remaining fluids changes in January..it’s done 50k miles. Already bought the filter and oils.. :thumbsup:
 
Busterboo said:
2011 35iS, 82k miles, mine since 20k. A very good car. Like it a lot. However, not without faults, most* reported in "E89 Comprehensive problem list".

*Got bored reporting same faults and same 'solutions'. Now really bored with 'Leak from DCT sump plate' again. This has been 'cured' by replacing the gasket/gasket & sump plate 3 or 4 times.

Is there no real solution?
Click to expand...

Thanks to McButler for the heads up on deep pans..

May go for one if these when I do the DCT fluids next month..

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-639884-mini-me-black-dct-pan/
 
The oem seal is made of nitrile which is ok but not very heat resistant. Also you may be overheating the DCT somehow and even warping the plastic pan. There are also viton seals that have a much higher temperature rating. Some manufacturers use it in transmissions and engine seals. It would be interesting to know if Viton is specified in the 35is and/or higher horsepower models.
 
zxy said:
The oem seal is made of nitrile which is ok but not very heat resistant. Also you may be overheating the DCT somehow and even warping the plastic pan. There are also viton seals that have a much higher temperature rating. Some manufacturers use it in transmissions and engine seals. It would be interesting to know if Viton is specified in the 35is and/or higher horsepower models.
Click to expand...

DCT unit is essentially common across then then current bmw models..so all nitrile seals…

The upgraded sump I’ve ordered has the Viton seals :thumbsup:
 
Busterboo said:
2011 35iS, 82k miles, mine since 20k. A very good car. Like it a lot. However, not without faults, most* reported in "E89 Comprehensive problem list".

*Got bored reporting same faults and same 'solutions'. Now really bored with 'Leak from DCT sump plate' again. This has been 'cured' by replacing the gasket/gasket & sump plate 3 or 4 times.

Is there no real solution?
Click to expand...

So did you just have seal replaced again or go for a new pan standard/modified?
 
New OE pan & gasket. 'Damp' again - the 3rd(?) time - but no leak on car port concrete floor.

Still a very good car, though.
 
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