E53 Gearbox potential nightmare
Discussion
Hello,
I have a 2004 X5 3.0S with 38kms (not miles) on the clock. Approximately 10 months ago I got a problem driving in Sport mode where it seemed the clutch would only have engaged: vibration, going up the rev range but with great difficulty, certainly not moving forward much. It disappeared when I turned the car off.
Fast forward to last week (and after a couple of repeats), I now can replicate this but driving "enthusiastically" to the point that the gearbox fail safe light came on.
BMW just stated that there must be oil leaks from the gearbox, and want £330 to replace o-rings and the like and top up whatever liquids need topping up. They did say "if this does not cure the problem you will need a new gearbox", I hate it when they cannot get to the bottom of the issue and just start doing piecemeal jobs!
Anyone with any assistance appreciated, anyone with a good mechanic in central London or just West as well!
Sincerely,
JAG
Note: also posted on bimmerfest
I have a 2004 X5 3.0S with 38kms (not miles) on the clock. Approximately 10 months ago I got a problem driving in Sport mode where it seemed the clutch would only have engaged: vibration, going up the rev range but with great difficulty, certainly not moving forward much. It disappeared when I turned the car off.
Fast forward to last week (and after a couple of repeats), I now can replicate this but driving "enthusiastically" to the point that the gearbox fail safe light came on.
BMW just stated that there must be oil leaks from the gearbox, and want £330 to replace o-rings and the like and top up whatever liquids need topping up. They did say "if this does not cure the problem you will need a new gearbox", I hate it when they cannot get to the bottom of the issue and just start doing piecemeal jobs!
Anyone with any assistance appreciated, anyone with a good mechanic in central London or just West as well!
Sincerely,
JAG
Note: also posted on bimmerfest
Hi,
I'm assuming this is an auto from your description. My advice would be to find an autotransmission specialist (I think the ZF website had links to approved repair centres). Keep your £300 in your pocket for if it needs a rebuild c.£1200.
A proper ZF approved rebuilder will be a much better place for a problem like this!
Ian
ps I'm assuming that at 6 yrs old, you'll be unlikely to get any goodwill contribution from BMW, that would be the only reason to pay their £300 "poke around" bill if they subsequently coughed up for part of the rebuild. 38k kms is a pathetic life for a major component such as this.
I'm assuming this is an auto from your description. My advice would be to find an autotransmission specialist (I think the ZF website had links to approved repair centres). Keep your £300 in your pocket for if it needs a rebuild c.£1200.
A proper ZF approved rebuilder will be a much better place for a problem like this!
Ian
ps I'm assuming that at 6 yrs old, you'll be unlikely to get any goodwill contribution from BMW, that would be the only reason to pay their £300 "poke around" bill if they subsequently coughed up for part of the rebuild. 38k kms is a pathetic life for a major component such as this.
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