X5 3.0i auto 2002, gearbox help.

[OverheadG]

Evening All;
Regular reader, first time poster here.

I've recently obtained a 2002 X5 3.0i (LPG) Auto 5spd Sport.
Got the car ridiculously cheap as something to mend and use (vanos seals, cam sensors, valve cover gasket, crankcase breather etc etc to name a few things I'm happily tackling with it)
Only done 108k and Mot til Jan'18.

Anyway.. was driving up a hill day before yesterday, vehicle went limp, gearbox wise; (with NO warning message on dash) so I pulled over. Sat for a minute, turned the car off and restarted it. And it won't move in Drive or Reverse, revs to about 2.5k. If I put it into sport/manual, it won't move in 1st, but in second it will start to pull (struggling) and then all of a sudden feel like it's applying brakes and stop. I've tried it cooled down and warm again with no difference. There is a slight subtle whining noise from underneath the car but I'm unsure if that was there before or not.

I managed to get it towed back home yesterday and left it. Decided to drain the ATF and refill tonight, just incase it was low; and the fluid that came out was dark almost Brown, and smelt like engine oil.
Refilled and tried the gearbox again.. No joys.

Any indication which may be the cause? Anyone else had similar experiences?
I don't want to spend a bomb on it. I'd rather break it for bits or push it off for spares/repairs.
Just confused as it doesn't have any warning on dash only, check brake lining and brake light.
It does have a battery light on, but I assumed this wouldn't be a cause because I'm not getting the Trans Failsafe Prog. Message?
Just utterly confused.

Thankyou in advance.

[ianst0028]

Based on what I've read on here I think that the 3l petrol is pretty gentle on the gearbox.... Doesn't mean that they don't go wrong but in my opinion they're less likely to
Check your driveshafts cv joints and propshafts.... They might be the cause

[X5Sport]

Gearbox failure does not always result in a warning.  Mine destroyed itself and no warnings appeared.  The failures were only found after it had been recovered to a BMW dealer who read the error log.  Nothing showed on the dash.

If the oil is a burnt brown and smelled that way then the box is most likely toast.  The debris in it is from the clutches and once they fail, or begin to, then it is unfortunately rebuild/replace time.

[OverheadG]

Might it be worth getting the error codes cleared from the gearbox if there are any?
If not, could I buy a reconditioned box and fit myself?

[grumpywurzel]

Anything is possible if you have the skill and the tools 

[OverheadG]

I have a large array of cable ties, a hammer i bought from "the range" and some insulation tape..

Reckon I'll be any good to diy?  )

[X5Sport]

Change it for a 21-speed derailleur gearset and you'll be just fine with those tools......perfect set 

[grumpywurzel]

Make sure u have some black gaffer tape knocking around  and I reckon you'll be quids in

[henrym3]

I didn't realise there were so many people on here with such an array of tools, I'm jealous.

[ianst0028]

Not wanting to brag..... But I have 3 different hammers and 2 different colours of duct tape 

[OverheadG]

Oh I forgot to mention.
I have some small screwdrivers from a Christmas cracker..

Just call me Edd China 

[AW8]

). Comments on here made me smile.


Sorry to hear of issue highlighted.

I wonder if seller knew this was on the Horizon.

GM transmission on this car I think..... only mentioning this in case folk offer ZF specific advice accidentally.

[OverheadG]

Dropped the pan and found what doesn't look like ATF at all....looks more like engine oil  :blink: >:(

[OverheadG]

[X5Sport]

That looks in a very poor state.  It should be straw or pink colour but clear not opaque and full of debris.  And if it is engine oil then damage would have been caused.

The bits will be off the clutch and brake packs in the box.