03 4.6IS- Getting a rebuilt Tranny!
 

Since I am having the Tranny dropped and replaced what else should be removed and replaced while the Trans is out? What do you recommend?

Please do some research on the board. There are plenty responses to this question over the years of X5 ownership. Matter of fact one was just posted yesterday with "bell housing oil leak"

What does that cost nowadays if you don't mind me asking?

I read that post and that's what prompted the question. The cost I think between $4 k to $5k.

I would replace the X-fer case chain and seals.

Also ONLY go with a trusted trans shop or ZF certified rebuilt unit.

Some shady indys install trans units from junkyards, call them "rebuilt" for the markup $s.

VT -

You got a couple options...IMO.
Trans rebuilder which is slightly cheaper.

If you can drop the unit yourself and drive it to Erikson in CT, they can rebuild it as well.

Last option if you're working with a Indy you trust. Have them get a reman. ZF trans with core swap.....and let them deal with the rest of the items while she's unbuttoed

WARRANTY!!!

The first Trans was covered under BMW CPO warranty. ��
This is number 2.

+1 on the ZF re-manufactured unit from ZF. You can find vendors that will provide the same ZF re-manufactured unit that the dealer will install into your BMW for thousands of dollars less.

2nd tran ?

Just curious. When was the 1st one replace and how long was the 2nd one in service ?
Root cause of 1st trans issue or your 2nd ?

I am not the OP but

About a month ago my rebuilt tranny started slipping like a b@#$h.
Lasted about 60,000kms.
Getting it rebuilt locally,I don't think so,getting a ZF manufactured unit? Maybe.
If none are available in our area,I will drop and rebuild it myself.But it will have to wait until spring.

My Indy stopped getting them rebuilt. He had someone local who was good. Now he only does the ZF remanufactured units. It's a little cheaper, much quicker ,the overall quality is better and the warranty is better.

Definitely a good way to go in the world of transmissions.

First one was replaced under CPO at about 75k miles. It had an intermittent slip that occurred once in a blue moon. The second one started slipping regularly at 133k.

I am having a hard time finding a ZF rebuilder in southern NY. Any suggestions?

Contact these guys they are a distributor of ZF remanufactured Transmission:

Go-powertrain wholesale transmissions and wholesale engines in Virgnia

Shame that you aren't in the UK : BMW X5 4.6is E53 ZF 5HP24 automatic gearbox transmission 5-speed #528781 | eBay

Phil

Question for RRPhil,

Would the 4.6is larger torque converter/trans be a "bolt on" swap for the M62 4.4 E53?

Curious for when my trans and/or TC fails.

James I believe the ribs in the bellhousing differ between the 4.4 and 4.6is V8s in order to accommodate the larger Torque Converter of the 4.6is.

That’s right, the radial stiffening flanges cast into the bellhousing have to be machined to provide adequate clearance.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps1a6216f4.jpg

The 4.6is bellhousing part no. is 1058 322 020 and the 4.4i is 1058 322 016 but they’re made from the same casting.

I think it’s unlikely that the K-factor characteristic of the 280mm L51 converter would be a good match for the smaller engine, for which the F38 260mm converter was designed.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps8c1dd059.jpg

Phil

Dang RRPhil to the rescue again!!! RRPhil when are you going to start your ZF Tranny rebuild division for the US market? Man you would rack up for sure:thumbup:

Thanks RRPhil.

I was wondering about the swap due to the heavy towing duty my X sees (hard on the TC/friction discs).

I guess the higher RPM/lock up characteristics of the 4.6is unit would not do well with the 4.4 M62.

Check the front drive shaft splines for rust and wear. Pack thoroughly with a marine grade, water-resistant grease on reassembly.

2002 X5 3.0 311,250 miles
2014 428i 22,400 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

RRPhil,

Can you do a rebuild and a higher stall convertor like IPT offers?

Never rebuild a BMW Tranny at a local shop
 

My 2004 X5 3.0 trans went at 80K, the coolant valve from the radiator to the trans cooler froze and cooked the oil. Didn't know til it failed and the trans oil was BLACK.

I called a local rebuilder (PCT) in Wayne NJ who said they could get a rebuilt for $2,500 and I jumped at it. Bait and switch. Let me fume for a week and then said they couldnt get it and had to rebuild. I let them....UGH - BAD job! Failed in 10 mos due to substandard parts. Redone. Failed AGAIN a year after their warranty expired. NO, not letting you rebuild again. I got a used (supposedly 70K Mi) from LKQ in NYC for $2K + labor and it's been fine for 60K more. If you're not getting a professionally rebuilt, get a good used.

When they put the 2nd trans in, they still didn't replace that valve. I had it done with a thermostat, only to find out it was bad all along.