BMW Auto Gearbox Longevity

[msm]

Need some advise on the expected life of BMW's auto gearboxes. Both my cars are auto (2002 E39 530D & 2005 X5 3.0D). The mileages are about 150K and 120K respectively.

Heard many people saying that BMW Auto gearboxes WILL fail before the car hits 200K. Scanned through some of the forums (mainly US) and some argue that it's due to BMW's "lifetime oil" which is sealed in the gearbox. However, the recommendation is that the oil needs to be changed at around 100K miles (160K KM's), if not sooner, even though BMW officially advises against changing the gearbox oil. I also noticed some used BMW's for sale with new gearboxes - however, most of these were above 200K KM's IIRC.

Anyone care to advise on this or share your experience? I'm considering having both my gearboxes serviced (i.e. oil changed) soon, as I intend keeping the cars for a while and they may hit close to 200K KM's before I sell.

 

[clutchplate]

msm, that sounds about right hey, It's a good idea, I'd say do it. It only makes sense. Gizmo ? whats your take on this bro ?

 

[freerider]

my 540i is on 270k kms and the box is still as smooth as silk

 

[Hellas]

Dunno about the E39, but I've seen and driven a couple of E34's with 350k on the clock an dthe auto boxes are still fine.

 

[clutchplate]

I've seen beemers with 400K+ on the clock and the auto gearbox are fine, but I think when you drive like I do, my gearbox prolly won't see 300K if I had o keep it now, its on 225K now, and seems fine except for a glitch with m2 2'nd gear when I stop.

 

[calypso]

Ok well I got a X5 3.0d that looks like it just lost a torque converter. Its on 150000km and has full service history from the dealer. Will get more details once its been opened up.

 

[freerider]

Ouch, thats going to cost a small fortune

 

[msm]

Ok well I got a X5 3.0d that looks like it just lost a torque converter. Its on 150000km and has full service history from the dealer. Will get more details once its been opened up.

Do you have the 5 speed 135KW or 6 speed 150KW (2004+) version. I heard the amount of torque (410/480NM) these engines make is partly responsible for killing the gearboxes, if it is driven hard.

Let us know what happens after it's been opened up. Also, are you taking it to a BMW dealer or someone else to look at?

 

[Gizmo]

Yeah, torque is the killer for autoboxes. My mom's '01 540i is on 140k and is starting to have intermittent issues. Yet her '97 528i with 200k has no issues whatsoever. Hell, even my dad's friend's '04 545i cracked the auto casing, these are weak links in high power bmws.

 

[calypso]

Its the less powerful of the 3.0d engines, and it isnt driven hard. Seems that the aux fan died which prevented the autobox oil cooler from working which put the gearbox into a safe mode. Car is at the dealer and they say that they still need to investigate more. Ill go tomorrow and chat to them, but aux fan already is R7000, i just cant find it on realoem.

 

[calypso]

Ok got the full deal, the dealer thinks this can be repaired by an auto specialist for around R25k, the autobox is all toasty inside. And dont forget the Aux fan that needs to be replaced. If they box needs to be replaced its R70k.
FYI if the fan fails there is no warning light, and its a seperate oil cooler so you cant see a temperature gauge rising. And by the time the gearbox failure comes up on the computer its too late. Bugger

 

[Hellas]

Ouch... R70k is a second hand E46...

 

[msm]

Ok got the full deal, the dealer thinks this can be repaired by an auto specialist for around R25k, the autobox is all toasty inside. And dont forget the Aux fan that needs to be replaced. If they box needs to be replaced its R70k.
FYI if the fan fails there is no warning light, and its a seperate oil cooler so you cant see a temperature gauge rising. And by the time the gearbox failure comes up on the computer its too late. Bugger

Was there no signs that the box was giving up or was it still shifting normally?

 

[calypso]

Yep no signs, but anyway it was the cooling the killed it, the fan just stopped working for no reason.

 

[freerider]

Jees man, that sux big time! I hope your sister realizes its her fault and coughs up :rofl:

 

[Jandre]

R70k.. Shiiiiivers!!!!!

 

[Gizmo]

Budler Motorsport do repairs to BMW auto boxes. Give 'em a call.

 

[BimmerMan]

Ok got the full deal, the dealer thinks this can be repaired by an auto specialist for around R25k, the autobox is all toasty inside. And dont forget the Aux fan that needs to be replaced. If they box needs to be replaced its R70k.
FYI if the fan fails there is no warning light, and its a seperate oil cooler so you cant see a temperature gauge rising. And by the time the gearbox failure comes up on the computer its too late. Bugger

Hey Calypso

Which Auto Specialist are you thinking of taking the car to?

 

[calypso]

The dealers refered me to a shop here in PE that does all their Autobox work, cant remember the name but will post it as soon as I remember.

 

[wynandd]

Calypso, do yourself a favour and go and speak to Hennie at Belgic Auto as well. He's ex BMW and I'm sure he'll be able to put you on to someone, if he can't do it himself. R70K sounds ridiculous? What about a used box from someone like Merbeda?

Belgic Auto - 041-4532965 ask for Hennie.

Hope you come right bro!:thumbsup: