02 X5 3.0 dead tyranny, now what?
 

After 270000 miles and already having replaced the transmission at 85000 miles, I think my X may finally dead. I had it brought to a transmission shop and they are quoting me $3,200. Overall the motor is in great shape and the body is in great shape. it isn't without some minor mechanical issues like sub frame bushings that need to be replaced at some point. What to do now? Kelley Blue Book only values the vehicle at around $2,000. The idea of a vehicle payment just really isn't in the cards right now but neither is the $3,200 to fix the transmission. Fortunately I have a father in law with an extra vehicle that my wife can drive for the next few weeks.

Manual swap beckons

Interesting concept. Not sure if the wife would like that idea since its her car. But she can drive a manual. Am i just throwing good money into a bad hole?

Yes

I think I am at the point of fixing it and driving it for a couple of months until we find a suitable replacement. It I get $2500 for trade in it only is costing me $350 a month. I hate having to jump into a vehicle without some research.

270k miles seems pretty high - are you sure the fat lady is not singing on this one?

But if you decide to repair (and considering the finances and high mileage), have you considered swapping in a junk-yard AT? I've seen them out here for around $600-$700. If you're looking to get past the immediate problem before something else kills the car, this may be the ticket.

Realistically at this point I'd put in a known working used one. How long it'll work is anyones guess. But I surely wouldn't spend that money to havd a rebuilt one at this point.

Same. Would definitely go this route. But that's only if you can do the work yourself. If not... might be best to list her on CL or something for $2000 and hope someone bites.

Since you've owned it since 85K (at least) to 270K you sound you know that despite the high miles it is in overall good shape. That's a plus. I vote to look around for a good used transmission especially since you have access to a loaner vehicle. I guess $3,200 doesn't sound too awful for a rebuild. I've seen quotes as high as $6,500 for the GM trans. Yikes. I'm not sure how many miles a year you drive but say having another 2-3 years of driving until you hit 300K would help you come out ahead even with the rebuilt option. The M54 should last until then as long as it doesn't overheat.

I would try not to mix up need for daily driver with desire to rebuild X5. 270k X5 is likely less reliable and more costly day to day than a $4500 VW with 1/4 the miles...even with a "new" transmission.

Those are two different problems that might have two different answers.

At least, I retired my X5 from daily with 100k less mileage for less drastic problems than dead transmission.