Transmission Problem --what am I lookin at here?

jamesd553 · #1 12-21-2011, 08:51 PM

I have a 2002 X5 4.4 with 117k miles on it. The Last 20k have cost me probably $4,000 in repairs. Mostly cooling system and electronics. Now the transmission makes a whirling sound when moving forward especially when accelerating fast.

Took it to a independent mechanic here in Sherman Oaks, CA (He was recommended on Angie's list and Yelp.) He used a Snap-On Diagnostic computer and got a transmission fault code (48 something about Lock clutch too much slip) He says that its gonna probably need to be rebuilt. Replacing with a used one if you can find one is not going to be that much cheaper because of the labor involved.

Is there a mechanic that I should take it to in Southern Cal that would be able to fix it ? About how much should I be expecting to pay? And is it is definitely a problem in the transmission? Not a ECM or sensor problem?

Ghost-Flame · #2 12-21-2011, 09:32 PM

Well James, welcome to the board. I don't know about indy mech in Cali. Why don't you get an estimate from the guy you took it to. Then take it to the dealer or call them just to get a bench mark. Then Look into shops in your area that advertise European repairs and call them for a price.

Maybe others from your area may chime in.

How about OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning the vendor here. They have installers, I think around the country they can reccomend.

urcbmw8 · #3 12-21-2011, 09:57 PM

Hi James
Are you sure you have transmission problem? Does the car move? When you take off and step on gas, you are hearing a loud noise, then it might be transfer case problem. The chain in transfer case might get stretch and loose, then when you accelerate you hear a loud noise, especially when you do a stop and go, right? I have 2001 X5 4.4l, about 172,000 mile and I just had used transmission installed. When my transmission was about to die, I heard one loud noise, look like the gear was shifted to different one, then my car did not move forward or backward. Then, I realize I had the bad transmission, you can get the use one for about $1500 here in Socal CA. I am in Long Beach, CA. I also had the transfer case chain problem, before I had the bad transmission. If you car is still moving, and you hear loud noise, it might be the chain in transfer case got loose and stretch out. Email me, I might know something about this x5.

faranks · #4 12-22-2011, 03:50 AM

The first thing I would rule out is that your oil level is proper. It doesn't have a dipstick, so you must follow the ZF filling procedure that can be found in the 5HP24 spare parts catalog that is easily found online. The whirring could be the sound of air being sucked in from the oil pump pickup or elsewhere.

This tranny is infamous for the forward A-clutch cracking and coming apart, the axial needle bearing failing between A & B clutch, o-rings failing, and reverse issues as well.

It is hard to find good info, everyone is just going to tell you the tranny needs to be rebuilt, it's the automatic response. It sounds like you need a bit more troubleshooting however.

contact http://thectsc.c om in California.
there is a German guy there, Klaus, who used to work for ZF transmissions. He is a definitive resource on these vehicles and transmissions, and a source for a transmission rebuilt as if from the factory. He was very helpful to me when I rebuilt mine.

thedweeb · #5 12-23-2011, 05:21 PM

Not 100% but I think its a GM box and not ZF. Checking the oil will be a good one though. The lock up fault you have may be related to the TC and not the transmission.
Dweeb

Helmuth · #6 12-23-2011, 07:04 PM

Guys,

the GM transmission, I also have one in my X - unfortunately - is per definition not capable to take the power of the X. That is what I was told by a very good BMW mechanic. You find a lot of different stories about dying transmissions here on the board or about rattling noises in different rpm's like I have it. BMW normally tries to have you changing the transmission box which - for my understanding - is an overkill.

Why not have a specialist rebuild it? The clutches in there can be repaired - but it seems not by a BMW dealer.

Good luck, Helmuth

thedweeb · #7 12-23-2011, 07:30 PM

My GM box was replaced a couple of weeks ago by a specialist. They said to me that they do up to 5 of thses boxes each week as it just isnt strong enough for the diesel engine,they dont do as many on the petrol version. You can get the insides taken out, checked and replaced but will often cost as much as a reconditioned unit due to the labour times. My advise would be to go to a good transmission specialist for a good diagnostics, and then go from there.
However,expensive which ever route you go down.

Ghost-Flame · #8 12-24-2011, 12:43 PM

What happened to James? Did you get mad and push it off a cliff? I'd like to do that sometimes.

diyanich · #9 12-24-2011, 05:33 PM

People which GM box are you talking about?
Read the OP's X specs and do some research before writing any misleading info.
2002 4.4i has a 5 speed ZF H5P24 gearbox.

To the OP,if you get some Torque Converter fault codes,I would suggest you stop driving it and get it rebuilt,before TC gives up and clogs the Valve Body etc.
In that case it's gonna be way more expensive.

thedweeb · #10 12-24-2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diyanich

People which GM box are you talking about?
Read the OP's X specs and do some research before writing any misleading info.
2002 4.4i has a 5 speed ZF H5P24 gearbox.

To the OP,if you get some Torque Converter fault codes,I would suggest you stop driving it and get it rebuilt,before TC gives up and clogs the Valve Body etc.
In that case it's gonna be way more expensive.

I wasn't 100% sure as I said above, however it Matters not really as both boxes are crap...... Same would apply in either situation.