Extremely horrible x5 transmission experience, long time-multiple BMW owner

[04_4.8isX5]

Nope, I have no clue how spark plugs could or would help an issue related to the transmission or any other drivetrain components. That's about as crazy as finding out we all have muffler bearings (that was sarcasm-no such thing people!).

On a seperate note I am looking into a new transmission and work done at an indy shop, ill update once done. I filled out a survey for my experience with the service department at BMW. The service guy was so upset about what I wrote in regards to the poor customer service he tried calling me over 6 times! They just don't get it, its not the fact that my transmission needs to be replaced, its how they went about the situation and how we were dealt with and treated. Owell, that's what the survey is there for, so they can fix and better themselves hopefully.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by diyanich

I am wondering,how would the spark plugs affect transmission,but it's not a first time I read something like this.
Does anybody have an explanation ?

The engine computer talks to the transmission computer. All of these systems are integrated. When a shift is being made, the engine has the power momentarily reduced and then restored to soften the shift. That is for both transmission clutch disk life, and for a smoother feel for the driver and passengers. If the engine doesn't respond as the computer expects it to, for whatever reason, the shift can be harder than expected.

[bigwave2255]

do a search over at bimmerfest, theres a guy who posted about rebuilding his own auto tranny.

hes done a great write up, and for me if i ever have to face that situation i would defiantly find a good independent to get a quote, from the way this guy described it, the job is quite straightforward and the parts being available independently are quite inexpensive.

so time to get the typing fingers going and do your research, i think it will put your mind at rest.

[princemoe2m]

there is another thread flowing around here talking about this deal
2005 BMW X5 4.8 COMPLETE MOTOR&TRANS

u can even bring him down to $2500
better thn the dealer price w/ 70% off

GL

[GrFa]

To the original poster, if I were you I would try a different dealer. We had a similar situation on a 2000 323cic. With 32k miles the transmission started to slip on downshifts (would hit the rev limiter). We were able to negotiate with our dealer and BMW NA to provide the transmission at no cost and just pay labor.

If it is indeed the transmission that needs to be replaced I would try going that route. As others have said it could also be another underlying issue. It sounds like the dealer you took it to is simply trying to take advantage of you. He made you an offer of paying $10k out of pocket to see if you would bite. I am sure there are BMW customers with 4.8is X5s who would simply say "okay" without even thinking about it.

[amcink]

I had my non-reverse problem fix (F clutch prblem) for $2,100 about 6 weeks ago

[4MoJoe]

I had my Mechatronic module replaced last October on my 2004 at around 50,000 miles and it was $4,100; extended warranty paid for that w/$100 deductible. That stopped all the issues I was having.

But for me it was really not confidence inspiring to have that happen on a nearly $57,000 car (when new). And it seems quite common to our E53's.

I really wanted a new E70 but because of this experience I'm just hanging on to my paid for 2004 until my remainder of warranty expires in 2 years. Had I not had the warranty I would have dumped it. Oh, and my Indy mechanic figured out my transmission problem where the dealer couldn't after multiple visits. A trusted mechanic is best bet and without it I wouldn't continue to own this car.

[X5Sport]

Don't feel that it's just BMWNA who play this game. BMW GB did exactly the same to me when mine failed at 41,900 miles. £10,000 was the potential repair quote - tranny + Mechatronics - but Warranty Direct picked it up and rebuilt it. My deductible was £50. The rebuild was just over £3,000 and came with a 12 month warranty. I was pee'd off too as I did not expect such a premature failure and BMW's 'not our problem' response.

Every Dealer I have spoken to was surprised at BMW's attitude, but it is their call. They simply can't afford it. The ZF 6sp is a known weakspot with nearly everyone who uses it but nothing gets done, nor I suspect ever will.

Ultimately I was disappointed but it was out of warranty and that was that. My rebuilt unit is fine. I swore I would never buy another BMW, yet here I am the owner of a month old E71 40d as there really was no competition. Once you've had a BMW there is no other option.

[joeboch348]

why dont you guys just tell him where youre getting them rebuilt for $2500? like 2 vultures picking the meat off his carcass lol.

i've had to replace mine at 75k. and ya maybe they should replace them all for us! no lawyers here to do a class action suit?

I had my local garage buy the tranny from BMW discounted for $5500 and paid him $500 to swap it.

dealer labor is crazy.

good luck

Merry Christmas

[amacman]

Originally Posted by joeboch348

why dont you guys just tell him where youre getting them rebuilt for $2500? like 2 vultures picking the meat off his carcass lol.

i've had to replace mine at 75k. and ya maybe they should replace them all for us! no lawyers here to do a class action suit?

I had my local garage buy the tranny from BMW discounted for $5500 and paid him $500 to swap it.

dealer labor is crazy.

good luck

Merry Christmas

there was a lawyer on this site recently with transmission problems who was completely stunned at the amount of owners having similar problems .
that lawyer did suggest a class action . I have not followed the thread . I do hope it happened .