ZF trans service E39

[rusteee 52]

Hi guys

I have an E39 530 NZ new ZF transmission. Have noticed in the last few thousand k's the gearbox isnt quite as nice as it used to be, can sometimes be harsh when cold and sometimes flare for half a second from 4th to fifth when im flooring it. Is this a sign of the box giving up? Or would it be wise to get it serviced (oil filter etc) and see what happens. It's done 242,000kms and doesn't have gearbox service in the history book. How much roughly is a gearbox service, and also how long does one take? (hopefully not piece of string questions).

Cheers

[1rotty 40]

Doesnt have service in the book because theyre theoretically 'lifetime oil'...which is bullshit.

Even BMW concede that 100k is considered lifetime

Get it serviced & all the adaptions reset.

Hopefully will sort you out...if not then best to start saving./

Actually theyre not that expensive to recon.

Should be a same day job & could cost 800-1k

Edited May 13, 2013 by 1rotty

[yng_750 247]

my car has a repair invoice in the glovebox that shows the last owner paid 5.5K for a repair on the box in my 540i.

So probably cant hurt to get it reconned, better drive and more reliable.

do some research and make sure they are experienced with bmws.

do it once do it right i guess

[Eagle 1528]

I got E38 740i done a couple of years but and while i dont recall the exact amount it was around mid $300 for labour(about couple of hours) and fluid and i supplied the filter and gasket which was $100ish.

[rusteee 52]

Doesnt have service in the book because theyre theoretically 'lifetime oil'...which is bullshit.

Even BMW concede that 100k is considered lifetime

Get it serviced & all the adaptions reset.

Hopefully will sort you out...if not then best to start saving./

Actually theyre not that expensive to recon.

Should be a same day job & could cost 800-1k

Is that for a recon or service?

Yeah, I'm hoping I won't need a new box as the car still drives good, still a good kick back, just the odd time has to think for a second when its getting a good lead foot. I'm just weighing up wether its worth spending the money on the service, or if its too late for that, may as well put the money toward a new/recon box. Same day would be pretty good as I'd have to take a day off to get it anywhere.

[lidistick 70]

Got mine serviced at Marshall Transmissions in Hamilton. About $300 and got them to do the diff as well. Took about 90 mins.

[jeffbebe 1559]

First thing I did with mine was full service and replace the auto transmission fluid. If that doesn't fix your problems then consider a recon or, even better, manual conversion.

[rusteee 52]

Got mine serviced at Marshall Transmissions in Hamilton. About $300 and got them to do the diff as well. Took about 90 mins.

Oh really, How did that go? Did they use all the correct BM oil and change the filter etc?

I think i'll try a service first. $300 seems pretty cheap

[1rotty 40]

Is that for a recon or service?

Yeah, I'm hoping I won't need a new box as the car still drives good, still a good kick back, just the odd time has to think for a second when its getting a good lead foot. I'm just weighing up wether its worth spending the money on the service, or if its too late for that, may as well put the money toward a new/recon box. Same day would be pretty good as I'd have to take a day off to get it anywhere.

THat was for a service...may be less from what others say

[antil33t 90]

I paid about $300 for an E34 ZF auto service.

Do what 1rotty said.

[yng_750 247]

if you go to a place that knows bmw they will be able to tell you more reliably whether it needs a service or a recon.

sounds like just a service though

marshall transmissions are good

[elmarco 56]

I'd be resetting the transmission adaptions first.

[lidistick 70]

Oh really, How did that go? Did they use all the correct BM oil and change the filter etc?

I think i'll try a service first. $300 seems pretty cheap

Yep. Filter n gaskets etc.