4.8is transmission journey from broke to ballin'

[bcredliner]

Yes, I said most of the times the forum threads are scary. So many are negative. I am also the one that posts my X5 has over 100,000 miles and has never had 95% of the problems. Thanks PropellerHead! Very well said, I admire your willingness to be open and candid.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Johnny_5

Whats the $30 part you bought for the transmission and firmware? Im still looking for a indy to do the firmware but have no luck so far locally other than the stealers!

OK- I found the part in this diagram (#2). It was pretty easy once I actually looked for it:

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

OK- I found the part in this diagram (#2). It was pretty easy once I actually looked for it:

Wow im absolutely amazed that was the cure for the hard shifting! Ive been having that hard shifting from first start to 2nd when cold and its still driving me nuts!!! My tranny shop that did the filter change stated he would have to rebuild the tranny but would just drive it till it completely craps out. If this is a fix and if they don't charge me an arm and a leg Im all for it but I would really love to find a indy like the one you have who owns and knows these cars!

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Johnny_5

If this is a fix and if they don't charge me an arm and a leg Im all for it but I would really love to find a indy like the one you have who owns and knows these cars!

Remember, these parts are n different cars with the same motors. Not 100% on the transmission parts rt now, but the 545, 645, 745 should all share common problems and solutions.

They did have to drop the transmission to get to this part and then refill with new fluid. Access to this little thing was the lion's share of the $700 bill.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Remember, these parts are n different cars with the same motors. Not 100% on the transmission parts rt now, but the 545, 645, 745 should all share common problems and solutions.

They did have to drop the transmission to get to this part and then refill with new fluid. Access to this little thing was the lion's share of the $700 bill.

That parts looks like a seal for the valve body. I was always under the impression that you could remove the valve body without taking the tranny out of the X. I could be wrong on this since I never had the hard shift issue with my GM tranny.

[D Unit]

subscribed.

[fmugur]

Originally Posted by upallnight

That parts looks like a seal for the valve body. I was always under the impression that you could remove the valve body without taking the tranny out of the X. I could be wrong on this since I never had the hard shift issue with my GM tranny.

It seems that way. Phill calls it bridge seal. Check the following detailed thread. No need for the tranny to come out just the valve body.

ZF 6HP26 Teardown

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by upallnight

That parts looks like a seal for the valve body. I was always under the impression that you could remove the valve body without taking the tranny out of the X. I could be wrong on this since I never had the hard shift issue with my GM tranny.

That piece is on the valve body. The valve body should be able to remove with the pan and filter dropped and without the transmission being removed. If Im not mistaken Ive heard its not that hard but has wires and other things going to it which I scared to even try it. If there was a diy that's another story but doesn't seem like anyones ever removed the valve body on these.

[Junkycosmos]

PropellerHead,
Thank you for taking the time to candidly post all of these details. I had been struggling on where I start on the transmission issues that sound rather similar if not exact same as your cold morning kick and slight hanging in gear. Your post here really helps motivate me in being willing to take a few steps forward. Your description hits it for me; when the Beast is warmed up and going smooth I get feel the dream which is all too hidden by these occasional silly trans issues that erode overall confidence.

As others have posted, I am also a bit frustrated by the lack of available expert help available for these cars. While I would like it to come cheap I would honestly willing to pay more than dealer pricing for the occasional real expert to diagnose and fix my BMW. After trying both local dealers and a few Indy's around me I am still yet to find anyone who is willing to think through an issue with reasonable mentality toward targeted root cause. I understand the common trend across most industries is to toss out and replace instead of repair but acceptance of that behavior drives insane cost and discourages targeted root cause thinking. Sounds like you found a great Indy who cares to repair. I wish we all could find reasonable access to similar.

Thank you for the posts and motivation!
J
2005 / 4.8is @102k miles

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by upallnight

That parts looks like a seal for the valve body. I was always under the impression that you could remove the valve body without taking the tranny out of the X. I could be wrong on this since I never had the hard shift issue with my GM tranny.

I think you're on target. Maybe I heard drop the tranny because they figured it was shorter for me to understand. That's fine- Either is more than I can do- or have tried.

But they did need to replace the fluid which is also pretty expensive. It makes getting at this inexpensive part more than just replacing it.