Automatic Transmission

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by willgabriel

Yes, I realize the transmission may last upwards of 200k+. Yet, the number of "failed transmission" in my X threads on here, and in general is HIGH compared to other SUV/SAV's. Certainly every vehicle has its weak areas, but the X5 has the transmission, cooling system, oil separator valve and hoses plus the window regulators, etc to monitor/be prepared to fix. That doesn't necessarily mean they are bad vehicles to own, and I certainly enjoy mine. But, at some point (around 100k miles), I think it is wise to ask the question: "Do I want to put another 4-5k in this vehicle (8-10k if the transmission goes) to hopefully get another 50-100k miles out of it, or do I need to get a newer X5 w/ warranty or a Toyota Land Cruiser, etc? My Master BMW mechanic suggests that I sell before 100k if I am not ready to invest the $ for repairs (and I have owned 540's, so I know some repairs go along with the territory).

My personal take is that a BMW or other luxury Euro brand vehicle is rather expensive to own past 100K if you must rely solely on shops for repairs and maint. However, if you can do most repairs and maint yourself, they are really not so bad - but certainly do require more upkeep than Japanese cars for example.

[amorkemo]

So today I brought my car in for service. I've been experiencing strange behavior from my transmission. While driving up hill anywhere from 10-20 mph I might release some speed from the gas pedal, and as soon as I reapply the speed with the gas pedal the engine revs and the gears make a deep “CLONK” sound. It think this is happening between 3rd, 2nd and 1st gear.

The BMW service department just called me back and said this is a programming issue. This is not covered under my 2 year service plan nor is it covered under the CPO warranty. Kind of a bummer. They said they'll charge me about 1 hour for service.
Any input on this programming issue? Is this really the solution or is this the dealerships attempt to avoid fixing the transmission?

[faz]

Originally Posted by c4racer

Or you could drive a Lexus and save yourself that expense.

Do a search on RX300 transmission problems and you will see those are also prone to costly repairs in and around 100k miles. I came across this when I was looking into buying one a couple of years ago, and when the owner said 'the transmission has been changed too, so you don't have to worry about it!' ... I was like 'what???'... then went searching and never looked at RX again.

Acura TL's also had lots of transmission problems... engine too strong for the transmission to handle, or so they said.

[willgabriel]

Originally Posted by faz

Do a search on RX300 transmission problems and you will see those are also prone to costly repairs in and around 100k miles. I came across this when I was looking into buying one a couple of years ago, and when the owner said 'the transmission has been changed too, so you don't have to worry about it!' ... I was like 'what???'... then went searching and never looked at RX again.

Acura TL's also had lots of transmission problems... engine too strong for the transmission to handle, or so they said.

Yeah, Lexus RX 300 (older model; newer 330 and 350 may be more reliable) could have problematic transmissions at 100k, but they are fairly major-maintenance free otherwise. Anyway, I'd say if you want performance-based AWD and can afford/have time to deal with the maintenance above 100k, get any X5. If you can't afford the maintenance, stick to X5's that have 50k or less miles (warranty). IF you want less road performance, but superior bad weather and off-road function with far superior build quality and reliability, get a Toyota Land Cruiser or 4Runner. NEVER get an Audi though .

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by willgabriel

Yeah, Lexus RX 300 (older model; newer 330 and 350 may be more reliable) could have problematic transmissions at 100k, but they are fairly major-maintenance free otherwise. Anyway, I'd say if you want performance-based AWD and can afford/have time to deal with the maintenance above 100k, get any X5. If you can't afford the maintenance, stick to X5's that have 50k or less miles (warranty). IF you want less road performance, but superior bad weather and off-road function with far superior build quality and reliability, get a Toyota Land Cruiser or 4Runner. NEVER get an Audi though .

I dunno - my 05 Audi S4 has 83K miles and has been absolutely bullet-proof.

[willgabriel]

Originally Posted by c4racer

I dunno - my 05 Audi S4 has 83K miles and has been absolutely bullet-proof.

A little BMW/Audi competition humor. I do hear that Audi repairs (should a person ever need them), are much more expensive than BMW repairs.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by willgabriel

A little BMW/Audi competition humor. I do hear that Audi repairs (should a person ever need them), are much more expensive than BMW repairs.

both are very similar in my experience. But Audi's have fewer systematic faults like the need to replace the entire cooling system ~100K on most BMW's does not exist with Audi. I have owned a bunch of BMW's and this is my first Audi, but so far it has required far fewer repairs and cheaper maint than any of the BMW's I have owned.

[AzNMpower32]

Automatic transmissions are hugely complex mechanisms so it does not come as a huge surprise that they fail with age on any vehicle. Remember, the transmission unit itself costs a few grand but the labour and time needed to install is also substantial.

[X5Sport]

Just got mine back - and I know I'm in the UK so not technically relevant proce wise for anywhere else, but UK Members may fin of use.

BMW To replace auto transmission - they DO NOT repair them: £6,700 inc labour and Tax. The box is £5,600 on it's own for a remanufactured unit NOT a new one!

ZF Specialist to repair: £2,000 including recovery of vehicle, remove, strip, rebuild, refit and road test - and VAT (sales tax).
Parts changed (less tax):
Torque converter - £240
Master Overhaul kit - £240
New Pump Assembly - £150
New filter Assembly - £30
Fluids - £70
Labour - 18 hours @ £60/hour - that's less than half a main dealer charge/hour

The failure was caused by a plastic part in the torque converter failing and getting into the oil pump which mashed it nicely and spread the bits throughout the rest of the box which did all the other (extensive) damage.

[willgabriel]

Originally Posted by X5Sport

Just got mine back - and I know I'm in the UK so not technically relevant proce wise for anywhere else, but UK Members may fin of use.

BMW To replace auto transmission - they DO NOT repair them: £6,700 inc labour and Tax. The box is £5,600 on it's own for a remanufactured unit NOT a new one!

ZF Specialist to repair: £2,000 including recovery of vehicle, remove, strip, rebuild, refit and road test - and VAT (sales tax).
Parts changed (less tax):
Torque converter - £240
Master Overhaul kit - £240
New Pump Assembly - £150
New filter Assembly - £30
Fluids - £70
Labour - 18 hours @ £60/hour - that's less than half a main dealer charge/hour

The failure was caused by a plastic part in the torque converter failing and getting into the oil pump which mashed it nicely and spread the bits throughout the rest of the box which did all the other (extensive) damage.

"Plastics." That's about the cost my friend the Master BMW mechanic quoted me for a non-OEM transmission here in the States ($5-6k). An OEM transmission would be $8-9k. He says the problems he is seeing with BMW is too many plastic parts especially in the engine bay. That's why, according to him, when you replace one part such as hoses, you often have to replace several others - the plastic "connections" go bad even though the actual part is fine (see radiator).