HELP my transmission is dead... replacing it VS. repairing it...

[bigfish]

Hello all,

A sad day has set on my household... The transmission in 03' X5 4.6is is almost dead (slipped 7 times yesterday, then banged into gear). I love this X5 and I'm going to keep it for many years to come. I'm looking for advice on the best way to approach fixing the problem.

I need input on repairing the exsisting transmission (I can't seem to find anyone in CA willing or knowledgeable enough to take on this project) or opting for a remanufactured unit (I have not heard great things about going this route).

So anyone who has gone either route I could really use your input!

Thanks in advance,

TB
CA

[Wired.Right]

Call Victor. 1 (650) 369-3022

http://www.bensautotech.com/

[bastereo]

Originally Posted by bigfish

I need input on repairing the exsisting transmission (I can't seem to find anyone in CA willing or knowledgeable enough to take on this project) or opting for a remanufactured unit (I have not heard great things about going this route).

Well, in my experience that is backwards.

I have had much better luck and results with remanufactured transmissions vs. local rebuilds.
You will pay more, but remanufactured transmissions typically carry a 3 yr/100,000 mile warranty.

And if you haven't found someone to rebuild yours, you haven't made enough phone calls.
But, my local rebuilds (not BMW or ZF transmissions) never felt quite like new afterwards, nothing in particular wrong, just off.
Heck, my parents had a transmission rebuilt 5 times by the same guy, under warranty, but 5 times in as many years...


I would search around, find a reputable source for a remanufactured transmission. Make sure it comes with a good warranty. Just be willing to fork over some extra cash.
Heck, even BMW will sell you a good reman trans at only a slightly higher price, and its warrantied by BMW nation wide. (and you can have someone else install it to avoid the high labor rate)

[TwinTurboGTR]

Well you already know the handoffs. If you are capable to rebuild it yourself, have the tools, etc, then you can do it. If you take it into a shop, you need to realize a shop is only going to FIX the problem. Meaning if you have a problem with the clutches, only the clutches will be fixed. But they won't touch the valves, body, etc.

If you buy a reman, it's a toss up. Reman means a lot of different things. Sometimes they take everything out and get replace everything within the trans, TC, and Valve Body. Sometimes it means they replace the dead part and shine it up.

I would ask questions about how they plan to go about it and then make your decision.

[motordavid]

Agree w/TwinTurbo: "remanufactured" and "factory" remanufactured are two of the most misused and vague terms in car parts, imo...right behind 'oem'.

And, an auto trans rebuilder that has quality techs and know their stuff can 'fix' the OP's trans as good as any 'reman' or 'factory reman'.

Auto trans repair, its 'levels', quality, warranties, and cost is right up there with shopping for private health insurance in the US, imo...
GL, mD

[TwinsPoppa]

When I looked into getting a remanufactured tranny for a 4.8, getting one through the dealer was not that much more expensive than from a local tranny shop. The installation labor was also only slightly higher than the local shop. So, if I were to go remanufactured, I would go through the dealer.

If you can't find a place that you have confidence to locally rebuild your tranny then you have no choice I guess.

IIRC I thought it was 2 year warranty with the dealer and 3 year with the local. Maybe I mixed it up.

Also, I think the main difference between rebuilt vs reman is that reman are tested for a certain period before it goes out. I guess most shops can't test your rebuilt tranny until AFTER its been reinstalled already on your vechicle.

[JCL]

Reman means brought back to new spec, under very controlled conditions. It may or may not be tested but most are. It isn't your transmission, it is an exchange. If it is from a reputable source it is better than a rebuild. I would only buy a ZF reman if I decided to go reman. That is what BMW sells, they don't reman them themselves. I would go to a dealer, then, if I wanted a reman. It is faster as well.

If I wanted a repair it would be because my core was in good shape and had a specific problem. I would do it myself, but if I paid for a repair it would be from a shop familiar with that specific ZF transmission.

If both suppliers are equally reputable, then the reman is a more complete repair. It may not be necessary, depending on the specific problem.

If you are dealing with non reputable suppliers, all bets are off.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Originally Posted by JCL

Reman means brought back to new spec, under very controlled conditions. It may or may not be tested but most are. It isn't your transmission, it is an exchange. If it is from a reputable source it is better than a rebuild. I would only buy a ZF reman. That is what BMW sells, they don't reman them themselves. I would go to a dealer if I wanted a reman. It is faster.

If I wanted a repair it would be because my core was in good shape and had a specific problem. I would do it myself, but if I paid for a repair it would be from a shop familiar with that specific ZF transmission.

If both suppliers are equally reputable, then the reman is a more complete repair. It may not be necessary, depending on the specific problem.

If you are dealing with non reputable suppliers, all bets are off.

Bingo!!!

[Sterling 4.4]

Bigfish - how any miles in the trans? How many miles with the Supercharger?

[bigfish]

Believe it or not 192k on trans! around 180k on charger, I just had it rebuilt(seals, bearings & impeller) by Vortec in January... also had them polish it up & it turned out super bootylicious... I tried to attach pic's but for some reason I can't from my iPad?!