Trans repairs vs trans service

[TowX]

I've been getting the typical slow speed trans bang for quite a while now, but recently on one occasion the trans went into limp mode. And it's started to hoot on every upshift from 3rd to 4th too. Last couple of visits to the dealer failed to replicate the problem.

But this time the tech was able to get it to bang a couple of times, and there were fault codess stored too. So they actually have a request in with BMW to see about replacing the trans at 75K miles (CPO car). At the very least they're going to do a full trans service with valve body and filter assy. Yes a trans service. Their belief is that not changing the trans fluid is causing them to fail, and that BMW now recommends doing a trans service before 100K miles.

I'll keep everyone posted.

[rayxi]

I get the slam sometimes when I accelerate from rolling stop. It feels like it's stuck in neutal and then drops into gear. The dealer hasn't been able to reproduce it of course.

What did they charge you for the transmission service? What were the fault codes?

[jyosh]

Originally Posted by rayxi

I get the slam sometimes when I accelerate from rolling stop. It feels like it's stuck in neutal and then drops into gear. The dealer hasn't been able to reproduce it of course.

What did they charge you for the transmission service? What were the fault codes?

yeah what codes?

[TowX]

I don't know the codes yet. Hoping for some resolution tomorrow. I'll be sure to get the codes though.

[CharlieHustleX5]

If you get a bang into gears, usually a valve body and filter service will remedy the problem. If you do it outside of the dealership, it can be done for under 800 bucks with a reman valve body. Even less with just a refurb of your orginal valve body.

[jyosh]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

If you get a bang into gears, usually a valve body and filter service will remedy the problem. If you do it outside of the dealership, it can be done for under 800 bucks with a reman valve body. Even less with just a refurb of your orginal valve body.

by valve body, do you mean #1 in this link?

RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.6is A5S440Z MOUNTING PARTS CONTROL UNIT

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by TowX

I've been getting the typical slow speed trans bang for quite a while now, but recently on one occasion the trans went into limp mode. And it's started to hoot on every upshift from 3rd to 4th too. Last couple of visits to the dealer failed to replicate the problem.

But this time the tech was able to get it to bang a couple of times, and there were fault codess stored too. So they actually have a request in with BMW to see about replacing the trans at 75K miles (CPO car). At the very least they're going to do a full trans service with valve body and filter assy. Yes a trans service. Their belief is that not changing the trans fluid is causing them to fail, and that BMW now recommends doing a trans service before 100K miles.

I'll keep everyone posted.

That's like throwing gasoline into a fire pit, the pit being discussion here about flushing trans-fluid

[TowX]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

That's like throwing gasoline into a fire pit, the pit being discussion here about flushing trans-fluid

Not trying to stir up controversy, just reporting the dealer's input. I asked if at 75K doing a trans service was going to be a problem and he said absolutely not. Of course there's two sides to everything.

[amacman]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

That's like throwing gasoline into a fire pit, the pit being discussion here about flushing trans-fluid

too many people here got their head up their own ass , that is why they would argue so much .
anyhoo , sense has prevailed and now it is recommended to do a proper service , same as you would on any auto transmission .

[flatlander]

Originally Posted by amacman

too many people here got their head up their own ass , that is why they would argue so much .
anyhoo , sense has prevailed and now it is recommended to do a proper service , same as you would on any auto transmission .

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.