DCT removal

Anyone ever tackled this? I searched with no success. I have a leak in my hoses and the control gasket as well. I want to drop the transmission and replace them and the pan gasket while I'm at it. Any special tools needed? Any DIY out there? My mechanic says he's not worried, but I'm not sure if we need special tools or need to reprogram after. Any advice? I don't think we will need to reprogram because I won't be changing the trans out but maybe I'm misinformed.

Phil5129 wrote

Anyone ever tackled this? I searched with no success. I have a leak in my hoses and the control gasket as well. I want to drop the transmission and replace them and the pan gasket while I'm at it. Any special tools needed? Any DIY out there? My mechanic says he's not worried, but I'm not sure if we need special tools or need to reprogram after. Any advice? I don't think we will need to reprogram because I won't be changing the trans out but maybe I'm misinformed.

No special tools required as far as I know other than for removing the clutch packs.

Mine is leaking as well , but it is not dripping , just a mess of oil and dirt all over the DCT pan , so I cleaned it off , spent a good 2 hours with a tooth brush and degreaser , that was 3 months ago and not sign off any more oil so far , but i expect it back again in a year or 2 . I had a good set of car lifts to get the car up a good meter , made it so easy with a trolley creeper.

Phil5129 wrote

Anyone ever tackled this? I searched with no success. I have a leak in my hoses and the control gasket as well. I want to drop the transmission and replace them and the pan gasket while I'm at it. Any special tools needed? Any DIY out there? My mechanic says he's not worried, but I'm not sure if we need special tools or need to reprogram after. Any advice? I don't think we will need to reprogram because I won't be changing the trans out but maybe I'm misinformed.

i believe when you are replacing the fluid there is an extensive process to monitor the tempatures and add the fluid. DO NOT UNDERFILL.

You can replace the Mechatronics gasket without removing the trans. It's tight but doable if you tilt and lower it as far as it will go. Fluid fill must be done through ISTA via service function program at a certain fluid temperature.

Not really. You might be able to do it but you need better access for clean up and getting the new seal in well.

I did The side pan, you can access it tilted with the right tools, the sealing sleeve isn’t possible with the gearbox in the car.

Don't worry about the seal color. That's the correct seal, just order the correct PN. You really need to remove the trans to do it. If you are really against doing that, it is possible to do it from above in the engine bay but it would take so much longer. You have to lower the subframe/engine and remove the intake plenum, wiring harness/SAP to access it.

Can anyone provide some guidance on how to tilt the DCT transmission for side gasket access? Do I need to remove the two bolts in the picture, bracket and transmission mounts? Do I need to put a floor jack to tilt the transmission? If so, what location should I place the floor jack?
Thank you for your help, I really want to avoid spending $2500 repair bills.

BMW335is wrote

Can anyone provide some guidance on how to tilt the DCT transmission for side gasket access? Do I need to remove the two bolts in the picture, bracket and transmission mounts? Do I need to put a floor jack to tilt the transmission? If so, what location should I place the floor jack?
Thank you for your help, I really want to avoid spending $2500 repair bills.

I'm interested in instructions as well. Can anyone provide any insight? Do we need to remove the drive shaft in order to tilt the transmission? Or do we just remove the rear transmission mount and let it sit/rest on a floor jack?

Has anyone done it? Is ist possible by removing the rear transmission Mount to change the megatronic Cover/Seal and upper Bolts. Has anyone a diy? What is with the Drive Shaft? Thx for help.

Bump. I've also got a leaky DCT. A couple people in this post suggest the side cover can be replaced without removing the trans:
m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1579357

Anyone have any further insight? Trying to figure out what's involved to lower or remove the trans if necessary.

The side pan? From what I understand it is a no-go to do it without dropping the transmission. Can't fit in tools to properly tighten to torque specs.

Had it done, shop dropped the transmission while we were doing other work.

Old thread but adding some context here for people in the future. It is possible to take the side pan off with the trans in the car. It is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done on a car and I’m a seasoned e46 vet (subframe, rod bearings etc)

I had to use a boroscope to make sure I was getting some of the bolts. Even when you get the cover off, there are some things to consider. Your car likely has a leaking mechatronics o ring on the top of the transmission (28607849555). In that case there will be lots of grit and grime sitting right at the top of this side cover.

I’m at the point where I kinda regret taking off the cover. And I’m wishing I just took the dct out. This is something I’m really not looking forward to because there is coolant involved.

Basically, working on this dct is an absolute mess. Extremely tight working space, and it tough to ensure that mating surfaces are clean when putting that side pan back.