Need to replace the transmission :\

[sawastea]

I have a 2001 MT 3.0i with about 115K miles on it. The transmission, though it works, has cracking sounds when I shift gears between 1-2-3. It only happens when I rev or try to start fast. When I drive slowly (letting go of clutch), it's ok. Took it to two different private shops and both agreed it's the tranny. Now I need to get a new, err, another one. Any thoughts as far as the best place to go? From my research, I saw one that was $3,700. Any reco's and/or thoughts would be GREAT!

[lowpost]

My tranny went out at 115,000. Rebuilt for $3000. Dealer wanted 7500, but that was for a new tranny shipped from Germany.

[sedc]

Were these shops aware of the transfer case/front drive shaft issues with these cars? Because the issue sure sounds more like a stretched transfer case chain or worn shaft splines than a transmission issue

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by sedc

Were these shops aware of the transfer case/front drive shaft issues with these cars? Because the issue sure sounds more like a stretched transfer case chain or worn shaft splines than a transmission issue

I would bet this is the issue, not the trans.

[sawastea]

Both shops drove it, and checked it. They lifted the car and one kept it overnight. I'm not saying that they're lying, but I do respect their opinions. It's more like this...

Going from N to 1. If I rev slowly while releasing the clutch, it's all good. It's when I either hit the gas in ANY gear or at a fast pace (0-2500/3000 RPM) quickly while releasing the clutch where I hear a load CLACK CLACK CLACK underneath the front of the car. It's a MANUAL transmission for an X5 (not normal in the USA). I realize I put AT, it's an MT!!! Sorry

[sawastea]

Originally Posted by lowpost

My tranny went out at 115,000. Rebuilt for $3000. Dealer wanted 7500, but that was for a new tranny shipped from Germany.

Same situation. I'll be at 115K pretty soon. Did you get a used tranny or did they rebuild the broken parts?

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by sawastea

Both shops drove it, and checked it. They lifted the car and one kept it overnight. I'm not saying that they're lying, but I do respect their opinions. It's more like this...

Going from N to 1. If I rev slowly while releasing the clutch, it's all good. It's when I either hit the gas in ANY gear or at a fast pace (0-2500/3000 RPM) quickly while releasing the clutch where I hear a load CLACK CLACK CLACK underneath the front of the car. It's a MANUAL transmission for an X5 (not normal in the USA). I realize I put AT, it's an MT!!! Sorry

Yea still sounds like chain in the transfer case. Think about it, you feather the clutch slowly to go in gear, so the chain tensions slowly. When you clutch in, you release tension, causing the chain to lash.

If it shifts fine, doesn't grind the synchros, and doesn't slip in gear, I would look at the transfer case chain.

[motordavid]

Hard to diagnose, but agree with Slick & TiAg that a closer look at transfer case is needed...the MT trans, if not abused, should be near bullet proof, imo.
And, that higher rpm situ is not 'transmission' related in my experience.
GL, mD

[sawastea]

Interesting...I'm starting to look into it. From what i understand, there is a popping noise that is more correlated with this issues than a clacking sound. I called cobra transmission and left them a VM to call me back. We'll see.

[sawastea]

Notwithstanding, they still need to remove the transmission to diagnose the issue right? There is no simple way to save on the asinine labor costs on this one? The only light of hope here is that the chain IS the issue and not the tranny.

Time to pray