UH-OH!! TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS

[JCL]

There are no stupid questions

[teknik_ranger]

As far as I can tell from my rebuild book the trans itself is the same. The only difference is the rear housing with the output shaft, which can be swapped over easy enough with the torx bolts on the rear of the case...

Once that piece is swapped on the t-case will bolt right up.

[faranks]

That would make things a bit easier, there seem to be way more sedan trannys around. The only other question I would have is if the internal gear ratios are the same?

If this way works out, I may just try to get a used one to swap, and then rebuild the original with no rush.

Thanks

[JCL]

The E39 transmission parts book (5 series, not 7 series) makes reference to different final drive ratios available. It also shows a different torque converter, and different software. Some of that may be due to the availability of different versions of the E39 transmission, but you would at least have to confirm those items are the same.

[faranks]

yah I meant to state E38, there is a guy parting out a 2001 740IL not to far from me, only wants $600 for the tranny, but I just found out it has 120k on it so probably not worth the hassle.

[faranks]

read a few more articles about the 5HP24 having troubles with this harness failing and causing rebuild symptoms. anyone else have any experience with this?

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i A5S440Z MOUNTING PARTS CONTROL UNIT

[JCL]

Temperature sensor can fail. It is built into the harness. You would see a code for it, though.

[faranks]

Originally Posted by JCL

The E39 transmission parts book (5 series, not 7 series) makes reference to different final drive ratios available. It also shows a different torque converter, and different software. Some of that may be due to the availability of different versions of the E39 transmission, but you would at least have to confirm those items are the same.

Spoke with Steve at ZF in Chicago this morning, we spent some time discussing the other possible differences between the two besides the TC and the rear housing, it definitely sounds like it is not a plausible endeavor. I'm looking into getting a reman from California Transmission Supply Company.

[fast4d]

please let us know the outcome with the reman unit. where you purchase and how much. thanks.

[TriX5]

If you will already incur the cost of removing and installing the AT, why not fix the one you have?

The issues with the 5hp24 that I have seen sofar on this board, including my own, are broken O-rings and worn radial bearings. These problems generally seem to come to the fore when the torq converter fails and spits a load of metal shavings into the AT exacerbating any minor pre-existing problems. Most of the guys who have done their own overhaul report the clutch friction disks to be in good shape but worth replacing them once you have it apart. I replaced my output bearing and to that I attibute the yet more quiet running of my 4.4.

Last weekend I ran it for 300 mile roundtrip including a nice stretch of I-81 where things were moving along briskly despite occasional downpours fro Irene and it was a joy to drive.

I would always rather fix and re-install the item that came with the vehicle than swapping in something I know much less about and may have a lot more miles on it.

The parts are about 700-1000 retail and the labor should not be that much. Good luck with the fix!