XSeries-forum

[quote="Smeeagain"]
I know which one Id go for but really does an engine oil /filter change impact the gearbox that much whether its done every ten or twenty k.....?
[/quote]
Changing the engine oil has no impact on the gearbox what so ever, I was implying that people think that if a car has a dealer history it will have been looked after, and should be a good car.
I would be dumbstruck if any BMW tech has ever checked the  gearbox oil level and condition  on a regular service .

The mains dealer should report back any obvious apparent issues such as visible leaks or operational issues on test but fluid levels not replaced or checked on inspections for sure. Obviously engine oil changes will not positively impact gearbox reliability.

My E53 gearbox sump leak was noted during a standard service, and the sump gasket was replaced (warranty), this also meant the oil was changed during that process.

If it had not been picked up, I don't obviously know how long it takes to get damage from gearbox oil leaking out.

I guess what I am saying here is that even though it is not part of a serviceable item during a service, having a full dealer service history gives that bit of extra comfort that major issues could be detected in time.

Just a quick thought: Oil change interval for the gearbox (at least for my A5S350 or GM code)don't know about the ZF is 38k miles ! or 50k something km. If that is done properly there shouldn't be any problems. Saved mine a few months before it was too late (stealership PRETENDED to have the fluid changed, and now, at 65k miles it started acting up.
Any fluid change is followed by a remap (recoding) don't know the exact word.
Any problems like jerky shifts are 90% solved by changing the solenoids or body valve, unless clutch problems (since made in USA, they are very cheap on ebay, have seen some for as little as 100 USD/80EUR/70 quid, interchangeable with Cadillacs and other sorts of 18 th century tech (do pardon the sarcasm)

Gave me a LOT of trouble! Hope others will have avoided this

My gearbox packed in 2 weeks ago (4.4i 2003, 90k miles)

Started by jerking when changing from 2nd to 1st and quickly got worse, Trans Failsafe Prog error came up pretty much every time I drove it. Went to 2 specialists who independently said the gearbox was buggered.

Oddly, the week before it started playing up I was going to have the gearbox oil and filter changed (only had the car a couple of months)
Glad I didn't as I would have paid out for something that wouldn't have stopped the gearbox failing anyway.

Gearbox company recommended to me by a couple of specialists have had the car for a week and it should be ready to collect tomorrow. Full gearbox rebuild, inc torque converter, new oils, filters etc etc - just over £2k.
Ouch, but its now guaranteed for 12k miles or a year. In a year take it back to them for an inspection which costs £100 and they will put another 12 months / 12k miles guarantee on it.
So at least I have peace of mind on the gearbox for the next couple of years.

Have to admit that all the talk of fragile gearboxes on higher mileage E53's got me holding my breath every time a gear change wasn't smooth or I heard an odd noise and it was actually spoiling my enjoyment of the car. Now at least I hope I can stop worrying about the gearbox.....if they have done a decent job of fixing it of course !

Ro.

Sorry that you've met the transmission gremlin, but it does sound like at least it's behind you and you can enjoy the X5 as it should be....

Richard

[quote="Jackstrath"]
my box makes a slight whine now the first time you start up and move away , once its been up into 4th i cant seam to get it to make the noise again , and thinking about it it only does it now and again , not sure what to do , is it worth changing the oil or do i just try and get rid of the x5 now while it still works? , its on 75k , 2003 3.0d
[/quote]

From what I gather 75k is nothing on these.

I hope so... mine has 122k on it, and only bought it a month ago lol.

Hi Richard

Indeed - and that starts now ! I picked up the car this morning and took it for a long drive home to check out the gearbox properly - drive, manual and sport settings, kick-down etc......happy to report all working perfectly and driving like new (though never having owned an X5 from new I wouldn't know what that was like !)

In a week or so I will see if all is still ship shape when everything is bedded in.

I also figure having it done is a good thing when I come to sell it - surely it's more attractive to a buyer to have had this done and have peace of mind rather than buy on that may go pop ?

Cheers,

Ro.