Model, age, miles, transmission maintenance???????

I'd really find a transmission shop, not just "an indy". If they are just guessing at valve body, you might

We know $7800 is silly, but I am guessing you can get it for $5-5500k by shopping well. $1000 to install perhaps? (Dunno, guessing)

What is the cost they are quoting you??? I see the valve body at $3k...NO WAY I would pay for that on a guess.

A few interesting threads:

Mechatronics DIY (Transmission valve body) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

BMW Transmission Repaired Fast & For Less at Leale’s In San Jose « Leales's Transmissions, Auto Repair, RV Solutions, Auto Body & Paint

http://www.zftranspart.com/images/custom/mecha.pdf

Again, find a shop that works on ZF transmissions- NOT a "BMW Shop" necessarily, but a transmission shop.

A

PS Found these guys: http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=c...parent=54&pg=1

Interesting product offerings, including a tranny fluid change kit: http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=p...=190&parent=50

I'd call these guys up, see if they have a customer in Mass, a shop, they can recommend...etc, etc..