Automatic Transmission

[X5Dawg]

OK, seems to me the torque convertor is one of the main culprits here - even one of my indy mechanics stated one time that the TC in the X5 is not designed to tow anything even though we all do it (most). So maybe someone out there can design an aftermarket TC for these vehicles that will make them more dependable??

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

OK, seems to me the torque convertor is one of the main culprits here - even one of my indy mechanics stated one time that the TC in the X5 is not designed to tow anything even though we all do it (most). So maybe someone out there can design an aftermarket TC for these vehicles that will make them more dependable??

Personally, I don't think your indy mechanic knows what he is talking about. There aren't a high number of torque converter failures. There are a number of random failures, some of which involve torque converters. These transmissions don't wear out, they simply have a wide variety of failure modes. That is why they happen at such random intervals. If they were wearing out, there would be a grouping of failures at a predictable mileage range.

There are many posts on here by withidl, referencing his extensive towing experiences with a 28' Airstream, at something over 8300 lbs, over many mountain passes. I don't ever recall hearing about him failing a torque converter (or anything in his transmission, for that matter).