Some sprited driving and out of order transmission
 

'08 X5 3.0si with 8400 miles on odometer.

I was driving on a stretch of highway at a high speed for some 30 miles using more kickdowns than usual(~10 to15 times) and staying more time in between 4000~7000RPM (more than usual anyway). Then off the highway and I was going at around 35mph. When I stepped on the accelerator to merge, but not using kickdown, I felt some change in gear selection then bong~ sound came and a messege about an out of order transmission came up saying to drive slowly.

When I got home driving the vehicle at around 37mph, I could smell something burning from the front kidney grill area, called the service center and came out to drive it to the dealer. I started the car but the message disappeared and everything seemed back to normal. I took a quick picture of the message just in case this happened, though the error is probably recorded in the vehicle's memory.

It's in the shop but any idea what it might be? I don't usually drive like I stole it.

Just got a call from the service center. They said the transmission may require a replacement. They'll tell me the detail tomorrow. I'm out of warranty (European-spec vehicle registered outside NA). Thinking this may be what some people call BMW-reliability.

Ouch-ca-bibble.... Sorry to hear it. Just got my transmission replaced under CPO so I know how expensive it is. Good luck!

I don't think I've ever had the transmission kick down.... I just shift!

Then again, I have two 6 speed manual cars, and prefer controlling when and where it shifts.

I can tell you, unequivocally, that kicking down at full throttle WILL cause transmission wear and tear. On the one hand it should NOT cause a fault or failure, but cumulatively it will reduce the life of the trans....

Now, you are out of warranty??? OMG. You should get a listing of precisely what codes they find. You should NOT assume they are telling you the truth. I suspect they know what kind of customer you are and may see a way to make some serious $$$.

If the trans is shifting OK now, I'd have them button it up and drive it some more. DON'T let it kickdown. DON'T go WOT...see how it behaves. And do a bunch of research on tranny replacements so you don't get stuck bending over....

A

Ouch! How much was it?

Tranny is around $5800.
Rmfd automatic transmission EH. GA6HP26Z . Automatic transmiss. GA6HP26Z - 4-WHEEL (X5 4.8i (N62N): From 01/2007 ) for 2009 BMW X Series (E53,E70,E71,E83) X5 4.8i (24007572504)

No idea how many hours BMW lists for book time. 8 hours times $125? Just a wag

I will ask the dealer and post the error codes when they have the specifics. They said they'll call me the next day when they finish analyzing what's coming up on their computer.

It's true the car drives fine at the moment and I myself can't really believe the transmission is broken beyond repair and needs replacing. I may have to get a second opinion at another dealer.

Thank you everyone!

1. dealers do not 'repair' transmissions.

2. get a second opinion from someone that fixes transmissions, not 'parts replacers' (ie other dealers)...especially if you are paying

GL

Pretty much the impression I got from the SA over the phone.

Error code 4F83. A quick Google search says it's something to do with one of the clutches in the gearbox.

Dealer says the new gear box will cost equivalent to USD$7500, including labor. Interestingly, labor cost is only about USD$400. Fitting the big package under the vehicle doesn't seem to take so long.

I'm speechless. It's almost one third of the remaning cost of the vehicle.

The SA told me it's possible to drive the car without fixing it, but no telling when/if the message will ever appear again and may become immobile.

I'm thinking to call up the BMW headquarters, explain the situation and ask for some discount.