so the trans feels amazing, but of course they broke something else

theres a clunking sound from the front right side of the car, its already back at the dealership. how annoying

Just like I predicted in post 10.

Good news and bad news. The good news is that the shop foreman acknowledge that there was problem. The bad news is that without a fault code they can't/won't do anything about it. My extended warranty certainly won't pay for any transmission work without a fault code. They scanned for codes and reset the adaptation. It's driving better but I suspect that's just temporary. They didn't charge me for that work.

This is very disappointing to hear. I mean, they acknowledge there's a problem but they are basically saying they can't prove it (I assume) to whoever without a fault code?!

The problem is demonstrable, even without a code, to BMW and or the warranty company. So, to me, regardless it should be covered. Is it your fargin fault the vehicle/system doesn't throw a code? Are they implying that all problems are supposed to throw a code?! Because we all know this is not the case. Sorry for sounding frustrated but I'm already worked up from things at work.

Who is it that basically needs the code to show? The dealer, BMW, or warranty co? Problem identifed and demonstrable - should be end of story.

my X5 is in the shop for big delay before the reverse gear engages and intermittent hesitations while shifting.

Second time they have it. First time they blew it off by saying no code and reprogrammed... now I got a call from my SA saying they will replace the tranny.

I am hoping it is a brand new tranny and not remanufactured. and I hope not to have any other issues

MY SA called me this morning saying the tranny is being ordered. I'm still under CPO so it's gonna cost me $50. The only thing I'm disappointed about is that it will not be brand new, rather BMW remanufactured. He did say that all internal parts will be new, only the housing won't be.

Now the car is out of production there probably are no new ones available any longer. A ZF rebuild (assuming it's a 6sp) will normally have all the major working parts replaced with just the case, shafts and gearsets from the original build unless they were damaged or badly worn.

Certainly my rebuild had everything such as valves, gaskets, clutches, hydraulic controls, bearings, torque converter, pumps, filters and fluids done. Even the additionally replaced mechatronics unit was a ZF refurb one (direct from Germany) and had to be 'taught' it was on an X5. I had to have a second rebuilt unit as the first attempt had a problem on the 1st - 3rd gearset (damaged) which was missed first time around so the tranny was completely changed out for a second rebuilt unit and is now absolutely fine.

The only advice I got was to take it easy for 1,000 miles, not to use 'Sport' and avoid high rpm (above 3,500 rpm as mine is a diesel) and kickdown if possible. It goes back at 6,000miles/6 months for a follow up service and fluid change.

yes it's a ZF 6sp because I have the 4.8is. My SA said the one they ordered had everything inside being brand new except the casing. You said fluid change? Does that mean BMW doesn't put its lifetime fluid in the reman transmission?

My "remanufactured" transmission feels great, so GX5NY i wouldnt worry. As X5 Meister said, the most you need to worry about is them screwing something else up.

Ohh, they also screwed up my brakes, the clip was hanging off the caliper and hitting the rotor making a terrible squeeling. Dont you just love BMW?

I read somewhere that there's a TI about the 'lifetime' fluid now being replaced at 60k miles. In my case BMW did not repair/replace the box, a ZF specialist provided by Warranty Direct did the work and they want to make sure all is OK. They always provide a service and oil change as part of their 12 month post replacement warranty process.

BMW GB did not want to know even though the failure was premature (42k miles). If I had not had Warranty Direct they would have replaced the tranny foc (they say), but as I had an extended warranty they walked away refusing a goodwill replacement saying the I had 'not offered them any goodwill by taking up someone elses warranty' - they ignored my comment that they never actually offered me one in the first place!

The ZF specialists aren't at all convinced by 'lifetime' fluids. Given the number of these boxes that they now see from all the car manufacturers that use them, I can understand why. The definition of 'lifetime' seem to be whatever the OEM chooses to interpret it as that suits them - never the owner.

Oddly enough - I do now have a strange rattle from the left rear somewhere which may be a broken exhaust baffle - which was fine before it went in!! Oh, and they scuffed an alloy but are paying to refurb it :confused: