Need input on transmission slipping

PeteG · #1 10-03-2012, 10:54 AM

Hi all,

It's been a long time since I've been on this board. My 2001 3.0i is at about 196k and overall runs strong, no rust, great engine. The other day on a cold wet day I started it up and started noticing what felt like the transmission slipping. I put in in drive and it just revved, did not catch at first. Eventually it caught but ever since I've been feeling it slipping every time I drive. This never happened before. No trans light came on dash.

I took it to my local guy who works on it, plugged it in to read the codes. Said there was an O2 sensor code and some misfire codes (which I think are prior to me replacing all plugs, last guy didn't clear my codes I think). He said he wasn't pulling any tranny codes. He took it for a ride and said it felt indeed like it was the tranny slipping.

He suggested changing the "lifetime" trans fluid in an effort to buy a little time, but stated that at almost 200k, the tranny's days are probably limited. After I left later yesterday, a trans light came on the dash. I didn't notice it riding any differently though. Today the light is not on.

So, thoughts? Is it the death march? Any things to do or start looking for a new tranny or a new car? I'm the original owner of the car and love it, rides great and is solid. But thinking a new tranny (even a rebuild) may not be worth it- or is it??

Thoughts, opinions greatly appreciated! Sorry for the long winded post, just trying to be thorough.....

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epdarks · #2 10-03-2012, 11:00 AM

Pete, you did well, almost 200k on the original trans.

I don't think changing the fluid will hurt anything, you might get lucky and buy some more time. At the end of the day the trans is a ticking time bomb.

I don't know a lot about the guts of these transmissions but it's possible your torque converter needs replacing, the rest of the trans may be ok.

Otherwise your options would be.... sell the truck as-is, buy a used trans (risky), buy a re-manufactured trans, buy a brand new trans.

OR swap it to a 5 speed trans!!!!

SlickGT1 · #3 10-03-2012, 11:02 AM

Have you checked the fluid level? Maybe you sprung a leak and are now low.

PeteG · #4 10-03-2012, 12:24 PM

Thanks for replies so far. I'm gonna take it in, he can check fluid level and change fluid.

Is it possible, difficult (and cheaper) to put in a manual tranny?

Also, anyone have any ideas how much a rebuilt tranny is (ballparkish) installed? Wonder if it's worth doing to salvage the car at almost 200k.

epdarks · #5 10-03-2012, 12:30 PM

Plenty of E36, E46, and E39 guys have swapped from auto to manual trannies. I don't know of any X5 owners that have done it. I'm sure finding a manual X5 trans is not easy either.

I have seen rebuilt transmissions range from $2k to $4k + install.

200k isn't as bad as it seems, if the rest of the truck is in good shape, I would do the trans and cross your fingers for another 200k miles. The truck won't be worth much with a bad trans, but you could try to sell it that way.

TwinsPoppa · #6 10-03-2012, 12:30 PM

Yeah, I'd say you already got your money's worth. 200K on the original transmission.

Because of the age/mileage of the vehicle only you can determine if its worth it to repair. We don't know your situation on transportation or your priorities.

Research the cost difference between just replacing it with a used tranny vs a rebuild - assuming that a remanufactured is cost prohibitive.

If you've already replaced/serviced many parts along the way, it might be worth replacing/repairing the tranny and keeping the vehicle.

PeteG · #7 10-03-2012, 02:56 PM

Ok, just went to the shop. The code reads as a faulty 2nd gear in the tranny. He said he wouldn't bother changing tranny fluid. Says tranny is gonna eventually fail and either need replacement and car need replacement. That sound right? Question is how long will it last.....

TwinsPoppa · #8 10-03-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteG

Ok, just went to the shop. The code reads as a faulty 2nd gear in the tranny. He said he wouldn't bother changing tranny fluid. Says tranny is gonna eventually fail and either need replacement and car need replacement. That sound right? Question is how long will it last.....

Hard to say so .... If you don't have a backup vehicle better look into doing something quick.

I meant to say skip the fluid change as you can use the money towards repairs. The fluid isn't cheap and the dang thing already has 200K miles on it. Count yourself lucky.

PeteG · #9 10-03-2012, 03:38 PM

I know it's my decision, but would you replace the tranny w a rebuild or just get rid of the car. Decisions....I'm so used to my car

TwinTurboGTR · #10 10-03-2012, 03:46 PM

If you like the car, like the way it drives and feel comfortable with it, then I say replace it. SO it is going to cost you lets say $4k to replace it. If you sell it in working order, lets say $8K. Can you buy a reliable car for $8k? If the tranny lasted 200K miles, I am assuming you took pretty good care of it, and the motor itself is probably is great condition. You know the ins and outs of the X, if it were mine, I would fix it.

Unless you don't mind buying a used car for lets say $20K and start making payment on it. Or a brand new car at $40+k and start making payments on it.

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