how real are the gearbox problems?

[storminmike]

[quote="stevox5"]
The software update can be carried out by a main dealer or a specialist with equipment such as Autologic .
I would get a quote from a main dealer and an independent then decide, the main dealer software will be at the latest level so bear that in mind.
Hth
[/quote]

I might just do that. My bonus comes through next week so I'll make enquiries. As for Autologic....the kit looks the same as I recall he had last time I visited for an unfeasable steering angle issue that cut the 4wd (the wheels were tracked with the steering a bit offset from centre, fixed by re-tracking straight)

Thanks for the input

[pvr]

Bonus ??? Who gets a bonus nowadays 

[storminmike]

[quote="pvr"]
Bonus ??? Who gets a bonus nowadays 
[/quote]
rare  I know...for being clever...and adding up....and hitting keys and stuff...and waffling

Not a banker though O:-)

[rjkc600]

i had a free vehicle checkover by a BMW indy in Basildon.  They did a full diags check on my engine and transmission, and i got to watch em do it.  He said he can reset my gearbox learning if i wanted to, but i chose not to.

I would think twice about paying anyone £60 for a 15 minute plug in of their computer.

[storminmike]

[quote="rjkc600"]
i had a free vehicle checkover by a BMW indy in Basildon.  They did a full diags check on my engine and transmission, and i got to watch em do it.  He said he can reset my gearbox learning if i wanted to, but i chose not to.

I would think twice about paying anyone £60 for a 15 minute plug in of their computer.
[/quote]

Free...how did you wangle that :'(

This gearbox learning thing you mention. I came across some genuine BMW advice online (but lost it) about making the box learn. I think it was meant to be used on replacement of the box but it may be one and the same thing.

In addition I found this. It talks (probably the same as the above) about learning/reset using BMWs software which I guess is probably on the autologic equipment too

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtop ... 5&t=116320

an interesting read on the pedal reset and whether it's a myth or doesn't affect the gearbox at all.

The wifes' car is generally well behaved but slowing to a crawl and I mean protracted slowing say edging up to a wall will provoke it to lurch into a lower gear

I think I need to visit my Indy

[rjkc600]

The guys just offer free checks, they always have they said.  I was surprised, but it was totally free and i got a list of some bushes that were worn (front arms).

I wish more garages were like that TBH, was a nice experience and gave me confidence in them.

Im not personally convinced that the gearbox resets via that pedal method, and most people seem to comment that it made no obvious difference.  But who knows, maybe it works.

[X5Sport]

It's supposed to clear the 'adaptive' memory, but as you say, what that really means in the real world in terms of driving I can't say for certain.  At a guess it might change the shift pattern a bit, but that is only speculation.

[storminmike]

Update.......damn and blast

My Indy had the wifes car today to reset the gearbox. All was well for a mile or so....but the lurch when coming to a stop is BACK >:(

Now I wasn't expecting miracles...or maybe I was. She said it didn't seem as bad or as often but I was driving behind and noticed it.......not happy....maybe it will settle down...maybe it wont

He did say it might have to be refurbed if this didn't work so I'm resigning myself to that possibility whatever the cost

.......aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarggggh

Will now have to think how to get it sorted as he mentioned a gearbox specialist near me but I'm mindful of being fleeced or being had over without comeback


It di only cost £45 but 45 quid is 45 quid

[Rusty]

Sorry to hear that things aren't much better if at all. 

Is it worth looking at a warranty as I'm sure that would be cheaper than a rebuild should you need it in the next 12 months?

[Cannondale]

Mine does not lurch when stopping or slowing down, it does drop a gear or two when you brake but it is very smooth when it does this.

The problem I have noticed is it seems to change up the top two gears very early. It seems to go from 4th to 5th then after a second or two straight into 6th. This is a pain when going up a hill as then it seems reluctant to change down unless you open it up a bit, then it drops to 5th and straight into 4th resulting in going to fast so you ease of and then it changes up again.

Not sure if this is typical for a V8? I have tried the soft reset but this has made no diffrance. It works ok in sport or manual the problem is only in D.

I am hoping a remap will help, as my thought are it will have more usable power lower down the rev range, any thoughts on this anyone?

Rich...

[storminmike]

[quote="Rusty Nail"]
Sorry to hear that things aren't much better if at all. 

Is it worth looking at a warranty as I'm sure that would be cheaper than a rebuild should you need it in the next 12 months?
[/quote]

Well I've already mentally set aside 2k and i'd rather the issue be gone now for the sake of home harmony

Can it really work out cheaper for a warranty then suddenly a problem appears....tis 110,00 miler

[X5Sport]

And most warranties will have a 'no claim' period covering the first few weeks.  At that distance covered you would be looking at a 'driveline' warranty only and probably a few hundred pounds.

[storminmike]

[quote="X5Sport"]
And most warranties will have a 'no claim' period covering the first few weeks.  At that distance covered you would be looking at a 'driveline' warranty only and probably a few hundred pounds.
[/quote]


ehhh )

I guess you mean no claim' period = it must survive a few weeks

So a driveline warranty would cover a lurching gearbox?
Wouldn't they require a condition report?

The warranty direct website seems very confusing and not too helpful even though it's bound to be at the lowest level cover



ps

I found this....the vat rate is out of date and it seems you have to factor in labour and oil....so I did and I make it £2,415 :'(

http://www.theautomaticgearboxcompany.c ... st/BMW.htm


and this place if within walking distance....no prices though

http://www.gearsandclutches.co.uk/

[X5Sport]

My only experience was with WD and I did not have to submit any reports.  The car had to have been serviced within the last 12 months (it hadn't been - but they accepted that as BMW use a condition based servicing system that was fine).

I think WD have a 90-day 'no claim period' after a policy starts, and I also thought they offered a 'driveline' policy for cars with over 100k miles.  They paid for my rebuild in 2010 (42k miles) at a cost of £2,200, but did not pay for the diagnostics (£60).  I would not expect any warranty company to pay up unless the fault was diagnosed as requiring a rebuilt box.

That figure you have sounds about right for a complete strip and refurb.  There's approx 17.5 hours of labour and £800 in parts & repair kits if my list is anything to go by.

R

[rjkc600]

Im going to these guys when my gearbox fails (hopefully a long time away yet).

http://www.automatic-gearbox.co.uk/

They have prices on their site for the whole range of cars.  Worth checking out.

Warranty direct won't pay 100% on your car with over 100k miles. Have a look at their policies but i reckon they'll only pay 60% of any claim amount or something with that kind of mileage.