Gearbox issues, parts needed.

Ipmc · Post by **Ipmc** » Mon Jun 03, 2024 7:42 pm

Hi, I have a 2004 BMW X5 E53, 3.0 diesel with the 6 speed auto box Zf6hp26x fitted
I've had the car over 12 years & love it to bits. It's been well maintained & been a great family car & I'm not prepared to give up on it.
It's now giving me grief in that the transmission goes into failsafe mode on a regular basis. Without going into loads of details it needs a new selector switch L1-L4 which having done research can be replaced.
I have no problem doing any repairs & can also get a new part coded by a friend who runs a BMW specialist garage.
My issue is I've hit a brick wall trying to source replacement parts.
The electronic conductor plate which is part of the mechanic unit - part number, Bosch 0260 550 008 which contains the switch or even the switch alone seem non existent to purchase anywhere in the u.k ! I've found the switch on a certain auction site in china but am very reluctant to go this route etc.
Can anyone help me by advising me of anywhere in the UK that maybe able to help with supplying me the parts I need to repair my gearbox ! All I want is either a complete new conductor plate or the replacement switch assembly. The car is way to good to send off to the dreaded scrap salvage people & would break my heart to do so.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Jun 03, 2024 8:08 pm

Have you tried chatting with any of the ZF transmission repairers who service boxes? I know ZF have a few centres in the UK, but may not sell to the public.

The company that fixed both my E53 and E46 boxes is at Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, but works nationally. Try giving A1 Premier Transmissions a call to see what they may be able to help with. As a ZF specialist, they may be able to source parts for you.

Ipmc · Post by **Ipmc** » Mon Jun 03, 2024 8:25 pm

Hi, thankyou for replying

I did have that thought today about contacting some ZF specialists. It's got to definitely be worth a try.
Thanks for the recommendation as they aren't too far away from me, I'll try & see what I can find out in next few days.

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:13 pm

Don’t know how desperate you are but if you look at second hand boxes there are some for sale at £200 ovno Probably got problems but an enquiry might find if the part you want is working. Haven’t any idea how much the part is you are after.

Ipmc · Post by **Ipmc** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:49 pm

Hi thanks for suggestion. It's something I've already considered but it appears the selector sensor L1-L4 cannot be removes from conductor plate without lot of hassle & strip down which could result in more damage.
I had thought about putting another gearbox in but this is another issue as you cannot just bolt in a gearbox & go ! It's coded & from what I can find out no one seems to be able to overwrite the coding & recorded box to my vehicles details. Swapping mechatronics out of my box into replacement box is no good as mines basically faulty so Id be back to square one.
I've tried emailing couple gearbox places & a ZF parts specialist but as of yet I've had no luck or any response !
I just can't believe no one can overwrite the coding of a 2nd hand gearbox.or recondition my conductor plate in this day & age ! I understand supplying a new part maybe an issue but I'm determined not to give up & hopefully find a solution soon !

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:32 pm

The box itself doesn’t have any coding. It’s the Mechatronics unit that just needs to be told what car it’s fitted to (as in make/model). When mine was changed under warranty (to a brand new one) Premier took it to a nearby Bosch Autocentre who ‘blew in’ the right programme and that was it. I’m not aware of the box needing specific coding to your car. Any adaptions are cleared by turning the ignition on (not starting) and holding the throttle fully open for 30 secs, then turning the car off again.

Ipmc · Post by **Ipmc** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:52 pm

I know the gearbox doesn't have any coding & agree the mechatronics unit needs to be coded but my issue is if I fitted a 2nd hand gearbox it cannot be rewritten with my vehicles vin number etc which I'm told is needed as otherwise the vehicle will not start or select gears. Apparently the mechatronics unit which contains the conductor plate that's basically the transmission ECU cannot be rewritten once it's coded from new. I have no issues getting a new one coded but fail to see in this day & age why no one can clear down existing coding & make an old ECU rewriteable. There are certainly people/companies in USA that appear to be able to do this but unfortunately no matter how much I love this car that's beyond economical repair !

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:53 pm

I just put that Bosch p/n into google search and there seems to be a number of Bosch repair centres dealing with the problem.. I assume you tried this and not what your looking for

Ipmc · Post by **Ipmc** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:59 pm

Can you post a link of any UK Bosch repair centres offering this service as I don't seem to come up with any. Would be much appreciated.

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 8:23 pm

https://ecu-espana.es/bmw/unidad-de-con ... 47391.html

henrym3 · Post by **henrym3** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 8:25 pm

https://absstuurapparaten.nl/product/re ... 260550010/
Perhaps this isn’t what you’re looking for but it does refer to the p/n you gave. I just put the p/n into google search.

zaw · Post by **zaw** » Sun Jun 16, 2024 10:43 pm

Hi I have similar issue on my gearbox, rarely does it so just put up with it tbh, I have spoken to birch motors https://www.birchmotors4x4.co.uk and they can do this source you a tcm (secondhand) code it and fit it and they recondition gearboxes as well and specialize in Zf6hp26 box.
Thanks

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