XSeries-forum

I'm not sure what age your vehicle is but this is just a general question... if you have a pre-facelift, is there any problem in changing the box to a 6 speed one as in the facelift model? I know you won't see all six gears on the dash if in step mode but that wouldn't be an issue for me.


Turks.

Not to mention it's illegal lol

[quote=""kenniff""] Not to mention it's illegal lol [/quote]

Sorry this reply was to the "delayed warranty" approach

[quote=""Turks""] if you have a pre-facelift, is there any problem in changing the box to a 6 speed one as in the facelift model?.[/quote]

The pre-facelift I think uses a GM transmission rather than a ZF, and it's control electronics (EGS) is mounted under the bonnet in the electronics bay at the right rear. The ZF transmission has everything built in to the transmission itself. There is no simple way of swapping one for tother, and even more importantly you're also going to need to get a ZF Mechatronics unit for a 6 speed and they are £1200+VAT on their own!! Then you have to program them to the vehicle. They come with no software loaded and are used in several vehicles in two and four-wheel drive options, hence needing the right OS loading.

Then it gets worse because the facelift has X-drive, different prop shafts and a different transfer box.

Simples? Not this time.. Good idea though.

wow gutted for ya bud!!... thats a hard one to swallow!!

[quote=""X5Sport""]The pre-facelift I think uses a GM transmission rather than a ZF [/quote]

Noy trying to be clever or confrontational but the prefacelift 4.4i like the OP's & mine use a ZF 5HP24 (definitely NOT a GM unit)

I prior posted re various E53 auto boxes here

I am sure the OP would only replace like for like is keepoing the car & not causing existing box to be repaired

Keen to see this problem sorted with a positive outcome.

Interesting and my mistake. Realoem has it as an A5S440Z series box, which I read as GM instead of being the BMW ref. I also guessed the engine as an M62 (pre-facelift version of the 4.4), which uses the box against the N62 (later version of the 4.4) which uses the ZF part code you mention. I took the data from there, so apologies if it's wrong. The EGS module comment is still relevant though as this was only built in to the GA6HP26Z series Mechatronics Unit and not the A5S440Z.

Hopefully the OP will get it all sorted and be mobile again very soon.

Yes prefacelift is A5S440Z which is the 5 speed & ZF factory coded 5HP24.

4.4i is a development of M62 & specifically coded M62TUB44 as fitted to prefacelift 286HP 4.4i.

N62 to me means N62B44 320HP valvetronic lump as in the facelift 4.4i this having the ZF box named 6HP26 as shared with all facelift autos, (apart from the 3.0i which seemed to stick with the 5 speed GM unit). You typed GA6HPZ which I took to mean GA6HP26Z which I believe to be one of the same as BMW reference as 6HP26. (Thanks for giving me the prior missing piece in jigsaw which I have used to edit the link I posted above now having all the cross reference codes for E53 auto boxes).

I fully share view that sourcing a later facelift 6 speed unit for a 5 speed prefacelift car is a bad idea...........I don't have detailed technical reasons simply I know it not to be the correct box for the car & that alone is would be good enough reason for me.

andym3, If you are reading this I appreciate budget may be a sensible or even essential priority but even if funds tight I would seriously consider the extra peace of mind a unit from ZF may bring, (depending on how long you intend to keep the car for). Additionally if your head isn't spinning & worrying too much then maybe also call the two Sussex gearbox specialists I linked for you in onbe of my earlier posts in this thread..........Good Luck.

Need to go to stop typing now & go to bed before I get a headache

[quote=""AW8""]Additionally if your head isn't spinning & worrying too much then maybe also call the two Sussex gearbox specialists I linked for you in onbe of my earlier posts in this thread..........Good Luck.[/quote]
Will do, thanks. So far I have contacted around 10 gearbox specialist and so far JT automatics (think thats what there called) have offered the best deal.

Apologies, In the faoremetioned post, (on page 2), I had double linked to a specialist in Bexhill........have now edited the post to still include that but also to show a speciallist near the Old Goldstone ground & as recommended by Alan Roberston who is a BMW indy in Portslade.

I doubt you will get much closer to home than that.

Can't stress enough how important it is to try to use someone who has been recomended. Also sensible to seriously look at what you actually get for your money as price differences may not reflect wider variations in service provided & end product.

Not wishing to insult your intelligence but I hope you are informing them all you are shopping for best price............this may motivate them to quote you better.

[quote=""AW8""]a speciallist near the Old Goldstone ground & as recommended by Alan Roberston who is a BMW indy in Portslade.[/quote]
I know Alan he owns/runs AJ Robertson and specialises in german vehicles. He is a top bloke!
He also recommended them to me and they quoted me very high indeed!

Hmm.........Oh well was worth a try.

The other link was who Chris from PBM at Ditchling Common uses.......No idea how they will compare but if their competition is the one Alan uses I doubt they will be much cheaper.

Don't know all your quotes thus far but Richard would get my money unless I could save more than £500 &/or was getting rid.

Well its booked in at a automatic gearbox specialists in London for friday to have the gearbox fully reconditioned! I managed to get a little price war happening between 3 companies and eventually ended with £1620 inc VAT & warrenty
They will need the car for about 5 days, so will let you know when I get it back end of next week!

Good Luck

Well I collected the car today and have to say im very impressed! The car feels brand new like its just come out the factory! I thought it was very smooth before, but now it is amazing it's that smooth I can't feel any of the gear changes! It is also soooo good to be able to reverse again! Also for some reason it seems to be better on fuel! I know I drove it on the motorway but that wasn't my first time. My computer has never gone past 17mpg & when I got home tonight it's reading 22mpg!