transmission life

x5Alpine · #1 07-23-2012, 10:03 PM

what is the most miles that have been pulled out of an 00-03 x5 4.4 transmission....I have an 03 4.4i with about 98k miles and feel like the transmission is a ticking time bomb. Everywhere I drive it i get scared about the transmission. I would just like some reasurance.

Thanks!!

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DallasGV · #2 07-24-2012, 02:29 AM

160k on my 01 4.4 with original transmission. If I have the AC on shifts are smooth, if I turn the AC off I get the 2 to 1 lurch and I have no idea why that happens. Other than that everything else is good.

x5Alpine · #3 07-24-2012, 02:38 AM

WOW....whats your secret, haha

DallasGV · #4 07-24-2012, 02:52 AM

Cigars and single malt...other than I can't take any credit. I bought my X with high miles and while I've replaced almost everything else on it, the tranny is still working. As a preventative measure I did replace the fluid (7qts) and filter about 10k ago but in all honesty I really could not tell any difference in driveability but I'm still glad I changed it, if that makes any sense.

e30mpower · #5 07-24-2012, 03:28 AM

I had the same hesitation about mine leading up to the 100k mark (albeit mine is the 3.0 with the GM France tranny). I drive it pretty soft, hardly ever use Steptronic or Sport mode. I replaced my filter and ATF at 100k, and 3k later, no signs of problems. Shifts are super smooth, it doesn't hold onto lower gears as long as it used to, MPG have improved, etc.

So it really is just a flip of the coin as far as I can tell. I believe the ZF trannys (like in the V8s) are a little more prone to failure, just according to my service shop, but there's really no sense in worrying over it. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen, and there's really not any preventatives you can do other than change the oil and filter as often as possible. That being said, I have an emergency credit card dubbed the "double-failsafe card" that will cover a rebuild.

Just my $0.02

pnoyako85 · #6 07-24-2012, 06:27 AM

so I am now 105k and have NOT change the Tranny fluid...is it recommended ?....they say dont touch the fluid...but idk what to do..whats your advice?.

e30mpower · #7 07-24-2012, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoyako85

so I am now 105k and have NOT change the Tranny fluid...is it recommended ?....they say dont touch the fluid...but idk what to do..whats your advice?.

I'd go ahead and say change it now. They say it's "lifetime" but that means the life of the tranny, not the vehicle. Ideally you change every 60k.

My indy said they won't touch them if there's over 100k on the car because a fluid change could do more damage, but I'd say you're fine to go ahead and change it, I wouldn't wait long though.

pnoyako85 · #8 07-24-2012, 06:34 AM

To a stealer ? Or my local indy?

e30mpower · #9 07-24-2012, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoyako85

To a stealer ? Or my local indy?

Indy... dealer will tell you it's lifetime, but that's just so they can collect the $3500-5k from you when it comes time for a new tranny. Don't go off of what I'm saying though, you really need to do your research on this, these boards are FULL of tranny oil change stories and recommendations. I suggest you take a few hours and read through everything before you take it in. I have learned that one of the keys is to change it BEFORE you start having problems, by then it's too late and a fluid change will just exacerbate any problems you had.

pnoyako85 · #10 07-24-2012, 06:44 AM

Exactly what im thinking right now and defitely will read first about it or i may just say f*k it n go ahead... More reason to get the M edition. Lol

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