Tranny took a dump

[bmwx5owner]

Well I'm posting this for a friend he has a 2002 bmw x5 7.8i I think that's right, anyways he was driving it on the freeway and said it was feeling a little sluggish so he put it in 2nd and the car just coasted to the side of the road. No drive or reverse, nothing at all, my question is could it be a fail safe switch or something that protects the transmission from being damaged or is the tranny done? Any help would be really appreciated because hes hurting for money. Thanks

[rmani]

sounds like the damage is done but im no expert. i think you meant to type 4.4i? or perhaps 4.6is? there is no 7.8 in 2002

[JayX5]

Sorry to hear, but I think the trans. is toast.

Your X5 is either 3.0, 4.4, 4.6 or 4.8. I think you're getting the 7.8l from the windshield washer compartment?!?!

[chilliwilli]

As the others mentioned...no such thing as 7.8i in 2002. X5 Models available that year were 3.0i, 4.4i, and 4.6is.

Something similar happened to me not too long ago. May not be the trany...if the "trans failsafe" message appeared and the X5 lost power, may be the alternator. A faulty alternator can also drain the battery. I recommend that your friend take his X5 to the nearest BMW dealership for the proper diagnosis.

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Just to beat it down really good like the above post. It can only be either 3.0, 4.4, 4.6. No 7.8. I'm sure someone will post this info again down this thread.

[clubba]

Originally Posted by JayX5

Sorry to hear, but I think the trans. is toast.

Your X5 is either 3.0, 4.4, 4.6 or 4.8. I think you're getting the 7.8l from the windshield washer compartment?!?!

Must be the washer fluid reservoir.

[bmwboy]

a 7.8l x5 that would be fun to drive

[X5 Meister]

This is a manual or auto box?

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

This is a manual or auto box?

Meant to ask that...if your friend shifted into 2nd gear, he may have a 3.0i but it's also possible to manually engage 2nd gear through steptronic on non-manuals. How many miles on the X5? Come to think of it, if he still had power but was unable to engage reverse or any gear for that matter, the trany could very well be toast. If this is the case, there are several cost-effective options that you guys can search on this site.

My issue mentioned in previous post was resolved, however, trany endured some damage under "trans failsafe" mode. I traced the problem to a faulty torque converter and pump. Aamco is currently repairing and i'll end up paying much less than the $7K the dealership quoted and the $5K an indy shop wanted for a new transmission. Btw...I have a 3rd party warranty coverage, so it provides a peace of mind.

I'm no fan of the dealer, but i still suggest your friend have them diagnose. Good luck!

[X5 Meister]

Maybe a good option:

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