Burnt transmission fluid

[bandit4x4]

2013 X5d 67,000 CPO Til June ‘19


over last ten months, SUV has been to dealer for various issues,, (standard trunk rattle, regular oil changes, rear diff replacement...yeah that happened)...

Every time I [customer] states “ transmission down shifts hard at speed, manual shift is sluggish...” and every time tech states “can not repeat fault, preforming as described”


So yesterday, I checked out the trans fluid... smell: burnt and color: black !

https://www.zf.com/global/media/medi...t_50145_EN.pdf


Following the guide linked above, page 5 “automatic transmission failure “

Had AAA tow to dealership, whom I have an oil consumption test scheduled with, because the digital oil gauge is moving up and down, all within the green range, drive 10 miles, full max, drive 10 more,drops to half, then 1/4... then jumps back up,,, all random.

And still awaiting parts for two open recalls, airbag and idler pulley bolt...


Gonna be a fun conversation with Service Manager...



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[SF2000x5]

what happened to the rear diff? are you going for the extended warranty?

[smassey321]

I am not an expert, but if the fluid was getting burnt by something slipping, it most likely would throw a code. The ZF 6 speeds do lots of things to protect themselves from damage.

[bandit4x4]

Originally Posted by SF2000x5

what happened to the rear diff? are you going for the extended warranty?

No idea... slight rotational humming noise, thought it was front drive shaft and SA came back with rear differential replacement covered under CPO.


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[bandit4x4]

Originally Posted by smassey321

I am not an expert, but if the fluid was getting burnt by something slipping, it most likely would throw a code. The ZF 6 speeds do lots of things to protect themselves from damage.

Agreed so very confusing....


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[robnitro]

Of course it's gonna be nasty at 67k and 6 years... Just change the fluid and drive. You won't get it done under cpo, but it's worth doing at your cost. Find a good Indy to do a drain and fill. You really don't need to replace the pan/filter it's just a screen element.

[ard]

Originally Posted by smassey321

I am not an expert, but if the fluid was getting burnt by something slipping, it most likely would throw a code. The ZF 6 speeds do lots of things to protect themselves from damage.

what makes you think the dealer pulled codes?????


many dealer techs will STILL say 'if there are no dash warnings, nothing to do"

[ard]

Originally Posted by robnitro

Of course it's gonna be nasty at 67k and 6 years... Just change the fluid and drive. You won't get it done under cpo, but it's worth doing at your cost. Find a good Indy to do a drain and fill. You really don't need to replace the pan/filter it's just a screen element.

I would be INCREDIBLY HESITANT to have anyone other than a BWM dealer touch this trans. I can see these lazy pricks claiming 'the indy messed it up' if he has any trans issues....


OP if you want to press the case with power, pull a trans fluid sample and SEND IT TO BLACKSTONE. If they come back with an abnormal fluid (or wear particles) report, THEN you can beat BMW about the head and neck with that.


A 'burnt smell' will not get you far.






Oh, whatever you do, have a fluid sample pulled from that original fluid- it may be very important. Even if it sits on your desk for a year...

[bandit4x4]

Well dealer has had suv for a week


They did all the open recalls (idler pulley bolt + a new puller+ belt and airbag module), fixed the issue with the lift-gate, and confirm, yes, excessive oil consumption therefore RO for 1000 mile Oil consumption test but ….


Wait for it....


forgot to check the transmission!!!



So SA put me back in loaner and starting on transmission tomorrow...

Can’t be too upset, as loaner is a nice 2019 530i xdrive...


Randomly met another 2013 X5d owner in wait area, whom get a consistent 28-30 Highway MPG...


My highest was 26 (40k miles ago)... I track everything on Fuelly..



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[ard]

Originally Posted by ard

. I can see these lazy pricks


...

Nailed it?