Transmission Replacement - Help Please
 

About 3 weeks ago, my wife's 2011 E70 X5 with approximately 143,000 miles had a serious transmission malfunction and I have been advised by an independent transmission shop that a failure of the mechatronic unit has caused mechanical failure and the transmission is basically shot. Replacement with a new unit is $11K just for the new transmission etc without labor. Clearly, dumping that kind of money into the vehicle doesn't make sense....so we parked it in our garage at home and went out and bought a 2018 F15 X5 that is now my wife's daily driver.

The E70 is in otherwise excellent condition and if I could eventually source a used or re-built transmission and get it running for $5k or less I would do it. You guys think that might be possible? Or am I am better off parting it out or otherwise selling?

Sorry you are having issues. Total failure of these transmissions is rare. They generally do a good job of shutting down before serious damage occurs. But most shops don't want to risk just changing a mechatronic and thus will require you to change the complete transmission.

What engine do you have? Under $5k is probably possible. Pickup an ebay used trans with warranty. Have it installed. Code new trans to work with your car.

If you decide to sell it let me know. Your yard looks like Phoenix :).

It is a X5 35iX and has the N55 engine. I am actually in Tucson, not Phoenix. Any good recommendations on where to take it in Tucson for a second opinion?

Sorry but I just moved to this area and don't know anyone. Call a few transmission shops and ask who can work on a ZF 8 speed. They are the most common transmission out there right now. They are even used in things like a Dodge or Jeep.

Used eBay 8 speeds for your N55 are under $1000 shipped. If you can't get it programmed locally you can send off the mechatronics to have them programmed and or cloned. Make sure they know you have an E series with the 8 speed. Most E series have 6 speed transmissions so that may throw them off. Google bmw mechatronic coding to see a few options. Good luck with it.

What exactly was the transmission doing when it triggered the malfunction codes? Shifting erratically? When was it last serviced? Was the bridge seal replaced?

Your original Mechatronic can be rebuilt for about $1000, and will probably fix your issues. Are you adept at repairs, or do you just drop it off and toss them the keys? A trans service with a new pan, seals, and fluid is about #350 thru FCP. Plan on about 2 hours to drop the exhaust and rear trans mount, drain and remove the pan, and remove the mechatronic. Once you get it back, plan on 3 hours to put it all back together and properly fill the tranny. I just did this on an E60 LCI car, and besides being messy, it isnt that hard. There are plenty of DIY out there. Biggest difference is that you'll have to unbolt the front driveshaft to refill the trans

Good advice so far, between here and bimmerfest you will get some great inputs.


I would really want to know precisely how this independent shop made this rifleshot diagnosis... a mechatronic failure leading to a mechanical failure and total tranny failure?!?!?


Id want a TON of evidence before I buy that explanation.


Trannies can be rebuilt, for far less than 11k. A rebuilt mechanttronis is like 1500? here


https://www.europeantransmissions.co...roductid=16825



a rebuild kit for the trans itself is $1k: https://suncoastdiesel.com/images/M198646717.jpg




Might not be $5k, but shouldnt be 11.


Also, dont dismiss picking up a used box.




again, id want to really know what is TRULY wrong with it.


In terms of shops, cannot help with any neames- HOWEVER..you do NOT want a "BMW" in the name. You want a shop that works on ZF transmissions, they are in a TON of other marques. Limiting yourself to 'bmw' flavors will heighten the BMW tax, and possibly limit the depth of their expertise. You want a shop that does rebuilds, day in day out- and isnt intimidated in the least.


Oh, did the shop offer to take it off your hands?:cool:

How easy is to cheat people in the west :D total transmission replacement and 11k for new transmission! :D congratulations!
Transmissions are good for lci! Used one costs max 3k... your choice to believe and change completelly :D

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Thanks for all of the advice, it is much appreciated. I am going to get the X5 into another shop that works on ZF transmissions to get a second opinion. I will start by getting a better idea of exactly what has failed and go from there. I will post as I learn more and solicit additional advice. Thanks again...very helpful.

It was driving completely normal right up to the point the dash lit up. Once the lights came on the car went into limp mode and would not go into reverse and only the drive gears with very limited power etc. I do not believe the bridge seal has been replaced.

I am pretty adept at repairs and when I get some time to work on this I will consider your thoughts on the Mechatronic.

Agree. When I heard the $11K number from the guy I laughed out loud. What does "good for lci" mean in your post?