transmission sleeve (megatronic sleeve)

rh71 · #1 08-01-2012, 12:23 PM

Anyone know how big a job it is for replacing this megatronic sleeve on an X5 specifically? They're saying it's leaking. I've seen posts about it on a 5-series forum and people there are saying it's simple to get to, so it's simple to change. Does the transmission need to be dropped in the X5's case? Any other complications etc.?

Also have a valve cover gasket that is leaking... is that also a simple job?

By simple I mean like a 1hr job on the clock. Also, why do these leaks occur? Is it just lifespan of the part (temps/exposure), or is it possible that a small animal got to it. I ask because a squirrel had previously caused gas leaks on this car. It had been crawling through it for many weeks, but that was months ago.

conix67 · #2 08-02-2012, 09:10 AM

I have the same problem that needs to be fixed. As far as I know, the O-ring and oil pan gasket must be replaced, and it's relatively simple job. If that does not fix it, the oil pan must be replaced as well. It's probably at most couple of hours labor.

I believe this article describes the issue.

Leaky Bimmer - Automotive Service Professional

snowsurfer · #3 08-02-2012, 08:14 PM

I had mine replaced for 50 dollars under CPO...not sure what it would cost without though....Took them at least 4 hours I believe.

ard · #4 08-03-2012, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh71

Anyone know how big a job it is for replacing this megatronic sleeve on an X5 specifically? They're saying it's leaking. I've seen posts about it on a 5-series forum and people there are saying it's simple to get to, so it's simple to change. Does the transmission need to be dropped in the X5's case? Any other complications etc.?

Also have a valve cover gasket that is leaking... is that also a simple job?

By simple I mean like a 1hr job on the clock. Also, why do these leaks occur? Is it just lifespan of the part (temps/exposure), or is it possible that a small animal got to it. I ask because a squirrel had previously caused gas leaks on this car. It had been crawling through it for many weeks, but that was months ago.

The VC leak is likely just due to 'lifespan'... no animal could have gotten under there.

I dont think the sleeve is 'simple' but it is less than the dealer will quote, and less that the warranty allowance.

Skier1 · #5 08-03-2012, 03:24 AM

It needs the trans oil drained and the pan removed,its quite a simple job to replace.There is a keeper assembly that needs to be pulled down from inside the trans to release the sleeve,be careful when refitting the mechatronics connector as the pins are quite easily damaged.whilst you have the pan down you should also replace the trans filter.The sleeve has been updated and the O rings are now made of a different material.This has also changed the colour of the oring.It took me about 3 hours to get the vehicle on blocks,drain oil,remove pan,replace sleeve and filter,replace pan and refill oils.

conix67 · #6 08-03-2012, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skier1

It needs the trans oil drained and the pan removed,its quite a simple job to replace.There is a keeper assembly that needs to be pulled down from inside the trans to release the sleeve,be careful when refitting the mechatronics connector as the pins are quite easily damaged.whilst you have the pan down you should also replace the trans filter.The sleeve has been updated and the O rings are now made of a different material.This has also changed the colour of the oring.It took me about 3 hours to get the vehicle on blocks,drain oil,remove pan,replace sleeve and filter,replace pan and refill oils.

Thanks for the details. Did you have to remove the cross brace(?) blocking a section of screws holding the oil pan? I want to give my mechanic extra caution on the mechatronics connector fitting concerns.

Skier1 · #7 08-03-2012, 09:17 PM

Hi Conix 67 Mine was in a E53 not the E70 ,have a look at the attached link,has some good info on the sleeve replacement www.thectsc.com/images/pdf/6_speed_sleeve_replacement.pdf

TorontoKhan · #8 08-04-2012, 12:27 AM

I was told I have that issue too (tho I am not sure if I do). They said it's leaking and I need new gasket, filter/pan and sleeve, and whatever amount of trans fluid they need, they would add it and on top of that, it's not covered under CPO Warranty either.

The job, they said, is anywhere between 3/4 hours, but BMW Toronto quoted me around $1500 for the job, regardless of how many hours it will take. Like it could take 1 hour or 10 hours, I'll have to pay this much money.

Now the dilemma is, I don't see any leak whatsoever. However, I do have transmission related issues, such as harsh take off after cold starting the car that goes for at-least 30 minutes before it becomes smooth. I had that issue from day one I bought the car tho, and BMW refused to recognized it while the car was under warranty.

I am, however, thinking about going to a private BMW Tech and get it done.

ard · #9 08-04-2012, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorontoKhan

I was told I have that issue too (tho I am not sure if I do). They said it's leaking and I need new gasket, filter/pan and sleeve, and whatever amount of trans fluid they need, they would add it and on top of that, it's not covered under CPO Warranty either.
.

There is absolutely nothing in the CPO warranty I have seen that would exclude this from coverage.

Of course BMWNA does NOT pay the dealer $1500, maybe they figured they could just hose you? Any reason to think the dealer may be targeting you as someone who might not know, or might just shrug and pay it?

Had you brought it in, and forced them them to put it on a work order, they would have to deny it in writing...I'd bet you get a different story. (Unless canada has a different CPO plan..)

A

JCL · #10 08-04-2012, 02:29 AM

The CPO warranty is different in Canada, but I don't have a copy of it. It is likely pretty similar to the US version.

The clause that the dealer is probably relying on (from the US CPO documents) is as follows:

Quote:

Please note that many parts on your BMW are subject to wear and tear, and may wear out over time in the normal use of your automobile or light truck. This is not a defect in material or workmanship, and is not covered by the Certified Pre Owned BMW Limited Warranty.

Leaks occur due to thermal cycles and degradation of the materials over time through those cycles.

Warranties are for defective parts, and if it was manufactured with a defect it would tend to leak from new. If it goes some years and starts leaking, that is defined as wear and tear, not a manufacturing defect, unless you can point to a latent defect that was always there (like a porous casting). The problem is the o-ring material that seals the sleeve. While they have reportedly updated the o-ring material, that doesn't define the original one as defective, just as not meeting consumer expectations for component life. It sounds harsh, but unfortunately warranties don't guarantee that all our expectations will be met.

When gaskets and such items that are not covered are replaced at no charge during a warranty period, it is usually due to a dealer deciding to do a goodwill repair as an investment in customer retention.