Not without doing another pan service, which includes draining the fluid from the pan, dropping the pan and removing the filter to check...

Just curious, does the BMW service manual cover overhauling their auto transmissions?

No, it does not. BMW does not repair transmissions. They send them off to be refurb'd and supply you with a new/refurb one in exchange.

There is however a service manual available from ZF. I just went by the seat of my pants... lol

ZF problems
 

swiss - a little late but I did a bunch of digging for my (at the time '02 4.4i) and found a nice procedure done by a guy on a bimmer 540 forum. I have this and ZF parts manual is pdf format if interested IM me.
Cheers

Frank,
Great post. getting into this late. i have the same problem, getting laid off in 2 weeks (jobs been outsourced to india and russia...nice!)...so i have no money but plenty of time:)....did the tranny work for you when completed the rebuild?
thanks

Sorry to hear that, but yes it worked 100%, no issues whatsoever, and was perfect after break in procedure. Even the shifts were quicker and smoother afterwards, it also removed a problem i noticed in 4th gear at redline while it would shift into 5th. I could not be happier especially considering it only cost me $260.

X5 E53 3.0L Diesel with GM gearbox
 

Very intresting in reading this thread, but have to admit, only read it cause my gearbox is also giving me a hard time.

BMW :
X5 E53, 3.0L diesel, 2002, GM A5S390R gearbox, 190.000km

Up to now, no major problems, enjoyed it in style, while the car had to work hard from time to time (big trailer with boat or 3 motorcycles attached to it and fully loaded heading for South of France)

Problem :
Fail-safe gearbox mode.
I'm unable to ride in any gear. Every selected gear (auto or manual) is like putting it in N, meaning free revving engine with no acceleration at all.
Only after a day stand still, the car will advance slowly on idle, as soon you hit the throttle, no acceleration, free revving again.

2 weeks before this complete failure, experienced (from time to time) non standard auto gear shifts, too early / when engaging cruise mode, rev counter would pulse plus/minus 200rpm / harsh gear shifts with mechanical noise, seemingly coming from the back end.
Manual up-down shifts were still doing the job.

Diagnose :
Cause I'm not able to drive, only the local BMW dealer around the corner is the only option for me to get any feedback regarding this issue.
GT1 test only gave one warning, apparently gearbox failure... (really?)
Reading several threads regarding this matter, I asked the BMW dealer for more detailed testing (speed pick-ups, magnetic valves, ...), resulting in a "no can do" from the mechanic, i guess due to lack of no knowledge.....
I know a proper analyse of the problem is very important, as described in this thread former replys, but at this stage this will be mine "no can do" ...

Actions :
Like I said, after reading several post (and especially this one), downloading bulletins, buying shop repair manual , .....I don't think my problem is only related to a faulty TCM ...
I think mechanicly the gearbox is at fault, a overhaul is the only way out.
While I'm trying to limit the damage to my bank account, I'm preparing to get the gearbox out myself.
So far, this would normally cause no major problems, but overhauling it myself, like SwissFrank did, I guess I'm not up to it.
Sending the piece away for overhauling (rebuild item from BMW far too expensive) is of course more expensive than a DIY, but regarding in not able to drive at all, suspecting a far more bigger problem as SwissFrank, in my opinion a safer option.

Any comment, help, thoughts ...... looking forward to it.
Best regards,
Tim, Antwerp, Belgium

PS. SwissFrank, enjoyed reading experiences, your links, downloads .... :thumbup:

One way to double check if you transmission is really in need of a huge overhaul, have someone, (or if you are up to if yourself) drop the pan, inspect for any soot like debris and metal in the pan and filter. And also note the fluid condition, burn+black or brown is not a good sign and is likely points to mechanical failure versus electrical. If electric devices fail a GT1 will point out a non responding unit. Mechanical failure a GT1 had more issue with.

Do this and report back with finding. If you are competent enough to remove the transmission yourself safely, you should have little more issue servicing it yourself.

Frank

.... was forseen to do the gearbox magic today, but was not able to ....
This monday will be D-day.
Like you said, will drain the gearbox sump and remove the pan first to have a first inspection.
Will keep you posted. Xfingers.
Cheers

Frank, can you read my thread and give me your opinion ....
Cheers
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-0-engine.html