auto box issue on my 2002 X5

[johncaravanman]

Hi everyone
Looking for some kind advice regarding My beloved X5
Had the car for just over a year with no problems what so ever - then out of the blue went to pull away from a roundabout - no drive as if i had selected neutral?? double checked was in gear it revved up but no drive only with a high amount of revs did it managed to crawl to the side of the road.. switched verything off waited re started and got some momentum then same again. i believe it went into a fail safe mode and is now locked in 3rd
a couple of local mechs have briefly looked but no one has any idea all jumping to the easy option of terminal failure of box  -- get a new one
please any one got any suggestions

[X5Sport]

Sounds very similar to what happened to mine.  The story is unfortunately unlikely to be a happy one.

I lost the torque converter and debris clogged the oil pump, instant loss of pressure on the clutches and that was the end of the box.

Mine needed a complete rebuild which cost £2,200 and later it was found the Mechatronics unit (gearbox brain) was also damaged and added a further £1,500.

I suspect if the codes are read you will find that at least one, possibly two or more clutch and brake packs have failed due to the pressure loss and are slipping.  That means a major rebuild.  The labour is the killer cost (17 hours).  Parts/repair kits are around £600.

Yours being the 5-so box could well be a bit cheaper overall....though still a bill you don't want!

[johncaravanman]

Thanks for the reply its hopefully getting plugged into today.... fingers crossed

[johncaravanman]

Hi all
just had box read and we have "54 gear monitoring 4" mech re set the fault codes and box drives ok althought haven't driven it enough to get the oil hot
please tell me this is elec and not mechanical??

[X5Sport]

That fault code shows a mechanical issue, most likely a clutch pack slipping.  If it's cleared and not come back then you have been very lucky.  Once the oil is fully warmed up then if it comes back it is likely a rebuild is required.  If it doesn't happen again, and the car drives fine once more then you can do my lottery numbers..... )

[andym3]

When was the last time the gearbox was serviced? If it hasn't been done for a while id book it in quick to see if you can preserve the life of it a bit!