528e question

[fastpat]

I may have to remove and replace the clutch in my 325iC in a few weeks, it's beginning to slip from time to time, and that's always a sign to start making plans for some work. %)

Are the transmissions on the 528e's attached with the torx-head bolts and if so, what size Torx sockets are requred?

[Steve Haygood]

Unless they have been changed, they will be torx, the small one is an 8 i believe and the others are either 12 or 14, the top most bolts are 13mm as I recall. Let me know if I can send you a clutch kit

[fastpat]

[QUOTE="Steve Haygood"]Unless they have been changed, they will be torx, the small one is an 8 i believe and the others are either 12 or 14, the top most bolts are 13mm as I recall. Let me know if I can send you a clutch kit[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Steve, that's what I wanted to know so I can acquire the tools. I have a set for the internal wrenching cap screws, but no sockets.

I will indeed do some ordering as soon as I know something. It may be that the pilot bearing wasn't changed out when the PO had the tranny out, allegedly to put in a rebuilt one, which I doubt was replaced. I already know that the shift rod seal needs renewal and have one on the way. I also have abundant evidence of a rear main seal leak which may explain the clutch slippage.

[Craig in Davis]

Pat,

I had what I thought was a leaking rear main on my 325i. Took everything apart only to find it was the oil pan gasket leaking along the rear edge of the pan where the rear main seal carrier bolts up. I replaced the main and the oil pan gasket and it has been clean ever since.

Harbor Freight has a set of 5 or 6 torx sockets pretty cheap. I'm not sure which sizes you need only that there are 2 different ones. I have used them to remove a few trannies so I guess they hold up pretty good.

Craig

[fastpat]

Pat,

I had what I thought was a leaking rear main on my 325i. Took everything apart only to find it was the oil pan gasket leaking along the rear edge of the pan where the rear main seal carrier bolts up. I replaced the main and the oil pan gasket and it has been clean ever since.

Hmmm, replacing only the oil pan gasket would certainly be easier than a tranny drop. Still, that clutch slippage is worrisome, portending ultimate failure. I've experienced that on two cars in the distant past, I've never had one stop slipping.

Harbor Freight has a set of 5 or 6 torx sockets pretty cheap. I'm not sure which sizes you need only that there are 2 different ones. I have used them to remove a few trannies so I guess they hold up pretty good.

Craig

That's good info, I buy a few things at (Chinese)Harbor Freight from time to time, there's one a little over three miles from my house.

[Bob in San Jose]

Pat,
You can borrow my set of torx sockets (Craftsman).
Bob

[fastpat]

[QUOTE="Bob in San Jose"]Pat,
You can borrow my set of torx sockets (Craftsman).
Bob[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Bob, I'll take you up on that when the time comes. I'm taking care of problems as I come to them, unless something requires immediate attention, like the "no thermostat" problem or the "check engine" light during the smog test.

Like the guy who carved Mt. Rushmore, just have to chip away at everything that doesn't look like a 325i until all I have left is the car, and the problems are laying in a pile.