Ok. I thought the big challenge typically was to get it filled before it got too hot once the engine was running, hence my comment about rushing to get it done within the first 100 seconds of starting the engine.

I do have an ODBC scanner app on my phone (Torque) and a ODBC Bluetooth adaptor. I'll check to see if tranny oil temp is one of the values it reads.

Assuming the worst, I called CT Powertrain Products to discuss their ZF5HP24 ZF rebuilt kit to confirm that what they had was correct for my 4.6is. It is, but he warned me that if I don't replace the torque converter at the same time I rebuilt the tranny, I'll just contaminate the rebuilt tranny and likely still have issues. He said there is no way to drain them properly and they contain a "transmission" of sort within them. He went on to say that the TC can't be properly taken apart and rebuilt, and that any mom & pop shop that attempts to do so will cause it to be imbalanced that could result in tearing the housing apart once re-installed. They do sell the TC, but it is very expensive at $1300. He said my best bet was to try to locate a complete package of a rebuilt ZF5HP24 along with the TC.

I'd love to just ditch the auto for a 6 speed manual, but as far as I know, the needed adaptor plates are not available. I know a Russian guy here on the forum (name escapes me right now), did it on his 4.6is, but he had them adaptors made in Russia at a reasonable price. He was considering fabbing up kits, but I don't think he got enough members to make it a go, at least not from what I could tell.

If I'm going to be north of $2k to fix my tranny, I'd rather spent another $1k or so and convert to a manual, and eliminate this weakest link of the X5.

Here are my problems...
Ever time Drive my care more then 30 min the transmission slips and jerks andtell i but it in sport mode. There is plenty of fluid and it really annoying but i.dont want to get the transmission replaced it its somthing simple to fix. I know that i have a bad battery but a brand new alternator. I willing to drian and fill to.see it that helps

Wouldn't a six Speed manual trans from a 540 work, assuming you could bolt up your transfer case to the trans?

I wish. I dont think so tho

I just had my zf 6sp checked out by a tranny specialist. Mine thumps down from 2-1 when coming to a stop and reverse take a while to engage. There are no fault codes. The guy test drove the car, noted that pulling away sometimes caused a slip too.

He concluded that bushes are worn in the tranny (not unusual for 50k to 100k miles), and the oil pressure has increased to compensate - the thump when changing down 2-1, is because the oil pressure is too high.

Sounds reasonable to me?

If in doubt get a second opinion from another tranny specialist. Similar symptoms show up with different root causes. I don't know of anyone here that is a transmission guru.

RRPHIL

Well, I got a second opinion from a highly recommended place. The guy asked the mileage and said it needs a rebuild - he said I've seen too many now to need to test drive it. Apparently the torque convertor is used in a wide range of vehicles from the z3 to the x5 and is marginal in the big x5. He recommended a rebuild at my mileage (100k). They were also the cheapest of three quotes - £1,600 plus VAT.

IMO, just because he has seen so many mean nothing. I would get yet another opinion that is based on having taken a test drive with you. I've always gone by---there is good, fast and cheap. Pick any two. As an example, you can have it cheap and fast but if won't be good. You can have it cheap and good but it won't be fast.

Front Differential/ front axle Sheared off