Opinion on Auto Transmission

XxJeffxX · 11-05-2013, 04:22 PM

I have a 06 325i with about 114,000 on the clock and i brought it in to a reputable transmission shop and they told me I needed a new transmission that will cost $6100

and was wondering if i should get another shops opinion that actually works on BMW's or not. The car does slip from 4th to 5th under load and the code that was pulled when the yellow transmission light came on was 4F8A which is a gear ratio error i believe. I have changed the fluid on it but have not changed the filter, so i'm wondering if i should change the filter with new fluid, will it make a difference?

ChasVS · 11-05-2013, 04:55 PM

Get a second opinion. If they say the same thing start looking for a new car.

mike-y · 11-05-2013, 05:01 PM

either way, a used transmission should be much less than that figure.

NormE91 · 11-05-2013, 05:14 PM

Can you do a fluid and filter change on these autos? I've heard of people having success with slipping transmissions on other makes. I know this is supposed to be a maintenance free unit though...

XxJeffxX · 11-05-2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasVS

Get a second opinion. If they say the same thing start looking for a new car.

Thanks, i will later next week.

XxJeffxX · 11-05-2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-y

either way, a used transmission should be much less than that figure.

wouldn't a used transmission give me the same problems? and be less reliable.

XxJeffxX · 11-05-2013, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NormE91

Can you do a fluid and filter change on these autos? I've heard of people having success with slipping transmissions on other makes. I know this is supposed to be a maintenance free unit though...

Yes you can on these, i do not believe BMW when they they it is maintenance free because auto transmission fluid will always degrade no matter who makes them.

NormE91 · 11-05-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxJeffxX

Quote:

Originally Posted by NormE91

Can you do a fluid and filter change on these autos? I've heard of people having success with slipping transmissions on other makes. I know this is supposed to be a maintenance free unit though...

Yes you can on these, i do not believe BMW when they they it is maintenance free because auto transmission fluid will always degrade no matter who makes them.

Actually I see there's a DIY on the fluid/filter change. I guess it would be a judgment call... Could fix the problem for a lot less than a replacement, or could be throwing away a few hundred bucks on filter and fluid... Tough call

mike-y · 11-05-2013, 05:38 PM

FYI, the filter is built into the oil pan on the 325i. If you change the pan, you also change the filter. If the fluid is new, you should be able to drain and re-use it if it's still clean.

El Cheapo Loco · 11-05-2013, 07:21 PM

$6k is for a reman AT. A used AT will probably cost you half of that at most. You will have to weigh the difference in warrant on both those options. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, then the factory reman AT is probably better. But damn, a $6k repair on a 6yo car is a tough pill to swallow.

XxJeffxX · 11-05-2013, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcheapoloco

$6k is for a reman AT. A used AT will probably cost you half of that at most. You will have to weigh the difference in warrant on both those options. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, then the factory reman AT is probably better. But damn, a $6k repair on a 6yo car is a tough pill to swallow.

yes you're correct about the reman transmission, it is a tough pill but it comes with a 5 year/100k warranty so its decent i guess, but if i can save all that money with an easy repair i'd much rather do that

techietaichi · 11-05-2013, 10:13 PM

Nothing is "maintenance free". Get a second opinion from a true blue BMW mech. and see what he says. If it does come down to getting a trans. salvage one dude.

XxJeffxX · 11-05-2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techietaichi

Nothing is "maintenance free". Get a second opinion from a true blue BMW mech. and see what he says. If it does come down to getting a trans. salvage one dude.

Thanks for the response, I'm definitely getting a second opinion, but do you think salvaging one is worth the hassle? will it be reliable still?, the last thing i want to do is waste money

techietaichi · 11-05-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxJeffxX

Thanks for the response, I'm definitely getting a second opinion, but do you think salvaging one is worth the hassle? will it be reliable still?, the last thing i want to do is waste money

I got you man, nobody want's to waste money, especially these days. Therefore, find a reputable breaker/salvage yard. Many if not all go through the part thoroughly before they sell it. The last thing they want to have happen is a part worth a couple grand coming back in the hands of a truly pissed off customer. At the end of the day though it comes down to your willingness to make that leap. I don't know how you feel about ebaY, but I was just looking at some transmissions.

idrift4wd · 11-05-2013, 11:48 PM

There are e90 transmission on ebay going from 900-2000, buy it and find a place to install.

XxJeffxX · 11-06-2013, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techietaichi

I got you man, nobody want's to waste money, especially these days. Therefore, find a reputable breaker/salvage yard. Many if not all go through the part thoroughly before they sell it. The last thing they want to have happen is a part worth a couple grand coming back in the hands of a truly pissed off customer. At the end of the day though it comes down to your willingness to make that leap. I don't know how you feel about ebaY, but I was just looking at some transmissions.

Humm, i have been thinking about ordering one of of ebay and doing this, have you had any experience buying a transmission from a salvage yard and doing this? i'd be all for this if it works, do you think the salvaged transmission might develop the same slip though? i'm just afraid of being in the same situation again.

XxJeffxX · 11-06-2013, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idrift4wd

There are e90 transmission on ebay going from 900-2000, buy it and find a place to install.

Will definitely look into this now, thanks man.

Eagle1oh7 · 11-06-2013, 12:14 AM

Do a 6MT?

XxJeffxX · 11-06-2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Do a 6MT?

Pablo! what's up man haha, and I was thinking about that but it won't end up being cost effective lol

Eagle1oh7 · 11-06-2013, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxJeffxX

Pablo! what's up man haha, and I was thinking about that but it won't end up being cost effective lol

LOL, well I would do an MT, doesn't necessarily have to be from an E90, could be from an E46.

techietaichi · 11-06-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxJeffxX

Humm, i have been thinking about ordering one of of ebay and doing this, have you had any experience buying a transmission from a salvage yard and doing this? i'd be all for this if it works, do you think the salvaged transmission might develop the same slip though? i'm just afraid of being in the same situation again.

Thankfully I've not had to pursue anything that large, but being part of the ebaY community for almost 14 years, my suggestion to you is once you find something you like, communicate with the seller directly either by email or better still, the phone. Check out the feedback from previous customers, it'll say a lot about the quality of goods they sell and their reputation. Ask all the questions you need to until you're satisfied. Good luck man!

mike-y · 11-06-2013, 12:12 PM

Any reputable auto recycler will offer some sort of limited warranty on the part you buy. Typically, you'll see a 90 day warranty or similar on used engines/transmissions. Sometimes longer. That should be long enough to tell if something isn't right.

That said, most of these transmissions last a good amount of time, and it's actually kinda rare to hear these kinds of problems at this mileage.

I'd say find a used trans, and get it installed with a new pan and fluid. Make sure you get the right fluid for your trans (the ZF trans is different than the GM one found in the 328i)

11-05-2013, 04:22 PM	#1
XxJeffxX Private 15 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Hayward, CA iTrader: (1)	Opinion on Auto Transmission I have a 06 325i with about 114,000 on the clock and i brought it in to a reputable transmission shop and they told me I needed a new transmission that will cost $6100 and was wondering if i should get another shops opinion that actually works on BMW's or not. The car does slip from 4th to 5th under load and the code that was pulled when the yellow transmission light came on was 4F8A which is a gear ratio error i believe. I have changed the fluid on it but have not changed the filter, so i'm wondering if i should change the filter with new fluid, will it make a difference?
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11-05-2013, 04:55 PM	#2
ChasVS Colonel 40 Rep 2,431 Posts Drives: 2012 MB ML350 Bluetec Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Central FL iTrader: (10)	Get a second opinion. If they say the same thing start looking for a new car. __________________ My speeding isn't the problem. It's the Slow Folks ahead of me that cause accidents!
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11-05-2013, 05:01 PM	#3
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	either way, a used transmission should be much less than that figure.
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11-05-2013, 05:14 PM	#4
NormE91 Captain 18 Rep 629 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi Touring Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Can you do a fluid and filter change on these autos? I've heard of people having success with slipping transmissions on other makes. I know this is supposed to be a maintenance free unit though...
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11-05-2013, 05:38 PM	#9
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	FYI, the filter is built into the oil pan on the 325i. If you change the pan, you also change the filter. If the fluid is new, you should be able to drain and re-use it if it's still clean.
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11-05-2013, 07:21 PM	#10
El Cheapo Loco douchebaggo 186 Rep 972 Posts Drives: stick Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	$6k is for a reman AT. A used AT will probably cost you half of that at most. You will have to weigh the difference in warrant on both those options. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, then the factory reman AT is probably better. But damn, a $6k repair on a 6yo car is a tough pill to swallow.
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11-05-2013, 10:13 PM	#12
techietaichi Major 294 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Pre-LCI & 2010 X3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Massghanistan, USA iTrader: (1)	Nothing is "maintenance free". Get a second opinion from a true blue BMW mech. and see what he says. If it does come down to getting a trans. salvage one dude. __________________
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11-05-2013, 11:48 PM	#15
idrift4wd Brigadier General 149 Rep 3,552 Posts Drives: Three Hundred and Thirty Five Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yonkers NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW [7.00]	There are e90 transmission on ebay going from 900-2000, buy it and find a place to install. __________________ 12.0 @ 117
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11-06-2013, 12:14 AM	#18
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	Do a 6MT? __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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11-06-2013, 12:12 PM	#22
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	Any reputable auto recycler will offer some sort of limited warranty on the part you buy. Typically, you'll see a 90 day warranty or similar on used engines/transmissions. Sometimes longer. That should be long enough to tell if something isn't right. That said, most of these transmissions last a good amount of time, and it's actually kinda rare to hear these kinds of problems at this mileage. I'd say find a used trans, and get it installed with a new pan and fluid. Make sure you get the right fluid for your trans (the ZF trans is different than the GM one found in the 328i)
	Appreciate 0 Quote