Just a general PSA about the mechatronic sleeve. I broke my own rule and used a Vaico mechatronic sleeve on our 2010 X35d rather than OE or OES. It felt cheap compared to the ZF one I just installed in my 2006 530 wagon a few months ago. And it was. I was being as gentle as possible to get it into the trans but it would not allow the valve body latch to go up. So, I of course I pushed a little more on it... "SNAP." That's right, it exploded into small pieces of plastic. Awesome. Of course as soon as it snapped into rubble the valve body security latch slides right up with no problem.

Now, my question for the collective. How can I get that sleeve (what's left of it) out of the trans? It's broken off pretty much flush with the body of the trans now as I tried pulling with long needle nose and prying but of course the brittle plastic just continued breaking. Anyone have any secret voodoo I could try? I am not averse to dropping the exhaust for more room to work if it means avoiding dropping the valve body to try and attack from the inside. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Will post pictures of the carnage tomorrow after my rage subsides (and the forthcoming hangover I plan to have). If I have to drop the valve body I'll take my medicine and do it and take it as another life lesson that I thought I had learned already.

BTW, for anyone wondering why I would use a Vaico sleeve... It came new along with 7 liters of ZF Lifeguard 6 I bought off Craigslist. Obviously I was after the fluid but figured I'd use the sleeve since I had it. Moron.

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2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)

2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)