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  #11  
Old 05-09-2017, 06:19 PM
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Location: Calgary
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AV8R4AA View Post
As some here have been experiencing with the ZF automatic transmission, it
can be aggravating. I am getting the 2/1 downshift bump. The slow to engage
from Drive to Reverse.
My question is, when new, were these ZF units smooth and predictable?

I can't imagine BMW selling a SAV with these transmission flaws.

I ask because many people have corrected these flaws with new solenoids, and
valve body repairs.
I love the X5, but not happy about the tranny.
Here is what I would do (I had that bastich bump a few years ago incl. the reverse hang-up with the "bump" - sledge hammer):

Go under the car and look closely see if the sealing sleeve to mechatronics is leaking p/n 24347588725, it's item #1 in this pic from realoem

In my case it was shot, and there is a SIB from BMW concerning this with an updated part (I posted about this with pics - if you search this forum, you will find it). The original part is crap and will leak. At that point, I did a fluid swap and changed the filter as well. Then, I reflashed with the latest mechatronic update, and all is good since. In my case, my tranny was low on fluid and also had an old firmware. Another SIB allegedly states that the new soft takes care of that sledge bump from 1-2.
The N62 runs hot, so another thing to do is clean the radiator and oil cooler with whatever the air con guys use to clean the condenser. If the tranny is run too hot too often, it will start running poorly.I watched this vid from Eric the Car Guy. Interesting.

If this doesn't help, one can change some solenoids, and a few bits in the mechatronic. What I hear it actually fixes the issue if wasn't due to fluid starvation and old software. There are a couple ZF parts distributors in the US that have the kits. You need to provide the serial # found on the tranny.

If done right it saves a ton of $$$ and the only pain is fluid change & reflash (and R&R mechatronic at this stage, if you're not confident the top up & fluid/filter change won't work).

P.S.: I think I was close to 2 qts low due to that sleeve leaking, if this helps.
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  #12  
Old 05-09-2017, 06:31 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 824
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I have a Lemans 4.8is i picked up dirt cheap after my silver one got totalled.

Was not able to drive it either cause it had a super bad alt bracket seal leak from sitting. Anyways after i got it (138k) miles and fixed everything up, felt like a torque converter shudder and certain shifts in D or S would cause it to throw trans failsafe. Not smooth at all.

First thing i did was fluid drain and fill, filter and pan gasket.

Seemed to help, i added a dr tranny shudder additive and that went away. However not too long after it was crappy, 5th being useless under any load and would slip, soon to follow 2nd would slip after more then medium load, 3-4 very hard jerk.

It was only driveable in tiptronic and d/s modes not really.

I drove it like this for at least 3.5k miles figuring out what i wanted to do next.

Figured i would just do a trans rebuild- as i could pull the trans from my wrecked truck, send that out and keep this driveable.

The trans in that one was working fine as i had the car myself for a long time vs just acquiring this one at a high mileage. I figured since it was at 122k id get it rebuilt anyway.

As a last ditch effort to fix the lemans, i ordered the valvebody/mechatronic rubber seal kit, dropped the pan, dropped the valvebody, replaced the seals, and then i dropped the pan on my silver truck, took that valvebody out and put it in the blue one (the fact being that one ran smooth), added more fresh fluid (this being my 2nd drain and refill now).

Buttoned it all up and took it for a drive.....

Working 100% knock on wood still and feels like brand new trans. I can gun it from a dead stop, rev out every gear, no issues. Driveable in D and S mode now perfectly too.

Now i will never really know wether it was either more new fluid in there, maybe the rubber seals, or the fact that i swapped out the valvebody units as well. It was so worth it though and if need be i know it may need a rebuild in future- for now its been 3k miles and still on point.

For someone who doesnt have the option of another whole valvebody, i would do the rubber seals, either replace the solenoids or get a rebuilt valvebody, put fresh fluid in and if youe trans wasnt ruined then your 90%+ in the clear.


Typed on phone so excuse any errors and formatting.
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  #13  
Old 05-09-2017, 06:46 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southlake, Texas
Posts: 2,094
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AV8R4AA View Post
I called them today. Got disconnected, called back.
Secretary said owner will call me back.

Been quiet ever since.
Awesome customer service. Perhaps an indication for you to stay clear from that establishment.
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  #14  
Old 05-13-2017, 01:13 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Justin Texas
Posts: 548
AV8R4AA is on a distinguished road
Parts on order

After extensive research and talking to CTSC. Which is California Transmission Supply Company. They sell factory ZF parts. I ordered the required set of Solenoids. My Indy and I are going to change out the solenoids and foam gasket.
I already have new figure 8 part and the electrical case sleeve here.

I'm thinking this job can't be so hard that 2 sharp guys can't figure out.
From all I have learned it's the solenoids that clog up and fail.

The fluid and filter change I did 15K ago looked good.
The CTSC has a very well written instructions to follow.

I honestly think the ZF is a damn good transmission once you get operating solenoids in there. The solenoids live in 190 degree fluid under the surface
and have been submerged for 13 years. I think I got my monies worth.

Time to put the final touch on the beloved X5.
Fixed every other problem on the SAV.

I want a truck that shifts as good as it looks and feels.
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Last edited by AV8R4AA; 05-13-2017 at 11:42 AM.
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