Trans repairs vs trans service

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by flatlander

The valve body is what really needs to be cleaned during the service. My guess is that those people who've had trouble after a transmission service did not have the valve body serviced. Just merely draining, flushing, and filling the trans fluid won't clean out all those tiny passages in the valve body.
And there's little springs and check valves in there that wear out too. So a valve body service or replacement is essential. Otherwise, the trans behavior could get even worse.

Also, for those with the rear-end bang: check your MAF. If the MAF is not working properly, or there is an intake leak somewhere, you can get the same symptoms.

flatlander and amacman are correct.

Here's my opinion on what to do in the event that your X5 begins to suffer from symptoms leading to transmission failure. You can take it to the dealer for diagnosis since they can dig through the faults saved in the TCU to pinpoint the possible issue. If they conclude that the repair is to replace the transmission, try to get a good explanation as to what the exact issue is. If they're not exactly sure, pay for the diagnosis and bring your X to a reputable transmission shop for a second opinion.

Most problems encountered with BMW transmissions are the result of old fluid and overheating within the transmission. So a transmission replacement or complete rebuild is not always necessary and is a waste of money if misdiagnosed. Its common to hear that BMW owners have their trannys replaced at the dealer because their SA had said it needed to be changed per the diagnosis. The reason is BMW only allows technicians to service the transmission no further than a Level 1 clearance. Thats basically removal/installation of transmission assembly and torque converter. I'm not making this up either, as I am currently in the BMW STEP program receiving factory training.

The transmissions found in our cars are manufactured by GM or ZF. A good Transmission shop will be familiar with both names and have repaired or rebuilt enough to determine the possible area of failure. In some cases, it could be the difference between spending 3k+ to replace the unit or a few hundred bucks to service the valve body, replace solenoids, and replace the filter.

[TowX]

Well, in my case the diagnosis is a bad trans. Dealer pulled codes from the TCU and transmitted them to BMW tech support. Tried a few more tests with and without the TCU hooked up from what I understand and the tech was able to get it to bang again. Transmitted that data to tech support and the decision was to replace the trans. Apparently between the 3-4 upshift hoot and the almost daily slow speed bang now means the trans has to be replaced.

I still don't know the data or codes that meant the trans was bad, and won't until probably next week when I get the X5 back. But the fact that the tech was able to reproduce the bang combined with the codes he pulled while driving were enough to make the diagnosis.

I'm glad I've got a CPO car and the trans is under warranty. If I'd bought this X5 new then the trans repair would be on my nickel (or Visa), but being a CPO car has it's benefits.

[amacman]

the valve body / block is the big part with no ref number on that page .
if you go back to real oem , the menu column where you selected that diagram , select the next diagram , a block / body , they call it control valve assembly from bmw costs $2200 including the filter .http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...24&hg=24&fg=15

[amacman]

Central Valve Bodies - Remanufactured Valve Bodies
see this
and this http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-assembly.html

and this
My visit at ZF Dortmund for Gearbox maintenance.(very, very long!) HUGH RESULT!!

keep you amused for a while

sometimes the internal wiring can be the problem or a shift solenoid .

[Weasel]

I'm still wanting to know which control module they pulled codes from and unplugged.... the TCU is the phone module, the EGS is the transmission control, the VTG is the transfer case control (on o4 and up) etc. What was the technicians story on the repair order?