528 auto - how to verify auto box is ok?

[bramley]

A mate of mine is looking at a 528 auto and had an RAC inspection done on it. This came back basically saying the car is sound but there is a rattle that may be coming from the auto box.

On the test drive it drove fine, no rattles, judders etc, but when the drivers door was slammed shut there was a rattle underneath (poss heatshield loose?).

I can't help but think the RAC guy is covering his backside by questionning the auto box just because they're expensive if they go wrong, bit like a house survey, they'll always raise something so you can't point the finger in 6 months time saying ah but you didn't spot that etc. RAC drove it and didn't comment on any problems with the gears, just a vague comemnt about a rattle.

What are the symptoms of an auto box that's got issues, or are there a few tests you can do to check all is good?

Cheers

[MK4 Slowride]

Autobox's in my experience are almost bomb proof as is the torque converter. Like you said RAC guy could be covering his own arse, maybe get a BMW qualified technician to have a look.