Advice Please: '05 4.8is with Trans Fail Safe mode error, have only 50k miles

[Caryalon]

I own a transmission shop. We do a lot of ZF transmissions.

First of all, the statement that "internal parts are not available" is ridiculous. If they are not available, with what would the transmission be rebuilt, if it needed rebuilding? They may not be available from BMW, but they are available from ZF Erisscon and other suppliers.

Secondly, rep!acing the valve body does NOT require a teardown. It is accessible/replaceable through the transmission pan. Rebuilt valve bodies are available from variety of sources - some good, some not so good.

Thirdly, some transmissions do have a "solenoid pack". The ZF 6HP does not - it has individual solenoids, which are individually available, but are also available as a set. Installing them involves dropping the pan, removing the valve body, replacing the solenoids, replacing the valve body into the free and mission, closing it up and filling it.

His troubleshooting methodology is good, but his quote for a rebuild seems expensive. $6300 for a soft parts overhaul is $$$. The 2 year unlimited warranty seems good, but based on your driving 3000 miles per year, unlimited miles is not of great value.

You said he doesn't do transmissions - that's pretty common for general repair shops - he'll send it to a shop like mine, pay wholesale, and charge you a retaill up charge.

You may want to get a second opinion from a transmission shop that has good reviews, and is a member of ATRA.

[crete]

Originally Posted by Caryalon

I own a transmission shop. We do a lot of ZF transmissions.

First of all, the statement that "internal parts are not available" is ridiculous. If they are not available, with what would the transmission be rebuilt, if it needed rebuilding? They may not be available from BMW, but they are available from ZF Erisscon and other suppliers.

Secondly, rep!acing the valve body does NOT require a teardown. It is accessible/replaceable through the transmission pan. Rebuilt valve bodies are available from variety of sources - some good, some not so good.

Thirdly, some transmissions do have a "solenoid pack". The ZF 6HP does not - it has individual solenoids, which are individually available, but are also available as a set. Installing them involves dropping the pan, removing the valve body, replacing the sole kids, replacing the valve body into the free and mission, closing it up and filling it.

His troubleshooting methodology is good, but his quote for a rebuild seems expensive. $6300 for a soft parts overhaul is $$$. The 2 year unlimited warranty seems good, but based on your driving 3000 miles per year, unlimited miles is not of great value.

You said he doesn't do transmissions - that's pretty common for general repair shops - he'll send it to a shop like mine, pay wholesale, and charge you a retaill up charge.

You may want to get a second opinion from a transmission shop that has good reviews, and is a member of ATRA.

Caryalon, thank you for much needed insight from somebody that does tranny rebuilds. I'll see if I can find a transmission shop here in the SF Bay Area for a 2nd opinion.

thanks.