Giving up the Fight
 

Hi Brave hearts - I'm dumping my Maroon 2001 E53 4.4i automatic. Has 81K. Yesterday the tranny gave out while I was doing 60mph on the highway. Quit as if I'd put it in neutral no warning. No message, No "Transfailsafe" message either.
Aamco says $800 to diagnose, Rebuilts are 4k-6K.
I'm not brave enough to try rebuilding myself like some of you daring souls. and cannot throw away any more $.

My heartfelt wishes to all you brave souls.

I had to choose between domestic peace and X5. And the former won. Never again.

If interested reach me, its in Fairfax, VA.
Complete coolant system overhaul 300~ miles. New Radiator, hoses, fan, pump, clutch, thermostat, coolant reservoir.
New Arnot air suspensions, New tyres - 200 miles on them, new battery, new HVAC panel, new door lock, door handle, window regulators. ultra clean.

What about buying a used trans and changing all the fluids before install ? I've seen them go for as low as $500 on craigslist and pretty decent prices on eBay. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

Your sure its the tranny? The axle shaft or driveshaft can disengage and strip the spindle.

I reckon its worth the money to at least diagnose it. You might get lucky and find it's a cheap fix, although it's unlikely.

At the very least, however, any potential buyer is going to do their homework on the worst case scenario (ie. new trans) and take that off the market value price unless you can give them an idea of what its going to cost to fix a diagnosed problem.

:iagree: Before throwing in the towel I would have a mechanic look at it.

Sounds a little like the splines on the front driveshaft let go. Would feel like the engine is disconnected from the wheels. I'm in Rockville if you haven't completely made up your mind and want to take a look. Think my wife would kill me if I bought another project car right now...though it is tempting

Guys, honestly, I don't know. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm tempted by your suggestions to have the shop open it up and take a look. I'm a decent handy man but a transmission ...
David, if you are game I don't mind learning how the darn thing works, let me know. There's not much more to lose.

I'm game. Probably have time after work on Friday or this weekend. PM me and we can work out details. Can it be moved at all now?

my list would be:
Check for codes
Visual inspect for tranny fluid leaks and broken/disconnected parts
Check out the 4 drive shafts and 2 axles.
Check fluid level in the tranny
Drop the trans pan and look for debris

A friend of mine has a BMW Indy shop in Alex right near Van Dorn and 95/495. Are you close? A quick diagnostics will provide a baseline of info.

Gary Martin- Owner
Martin Motors Sports (703) 823-9735
460a S Pickett St
Alexandria, VA 22304-4706

I am in Arlington and could help also dive into to the issue.

If it's not the driveshaft spline and the trans didn't puke out all the ATF I wouldn't bother with opening it up, if you don't plan on rebuilding or installing another trans in it place. It would be easier to sell a X with a busted trans then a X with a busted trans that is all taken apart.