No one got any ideas?

 

It is going to be a case of fine for ages, then maybe starting to get a rumble which could last for a while before problems.
There's a separate problem which is more common, and that's some electrical solenoids going inside and rough shifting, but it isn't related to the torque converter.

 

Ah right interesing.. so you can tell if a torque converter is going? (Sorry new to.auto's!)

Are the solenoids of which you speak replaceable?

 

Best way of checking a box is to reverse it up a steep hill to see if it slips.

If not done so I would have the oil changed by a specialist autobox firm.

 

Without sounding stupid... how do you tell if its slipping!? Haha

ok what would a specialist do other than changing the oil?

Cheers!

 

Basically, how can I prevent the gearbox dying on a 150thou mile car? Im handy with tools so changing bits and bobs isnt a problem. Just don't want the expense of a new gearbox. ..

 

Should I steer clear of a car with a tow bar? Hinting that its been towing, more stress on the engine and box? Maybe make the torque converter go sooner?

 

Tow bars sometimes were hardly used.
I have a 540i with a towbar in the boot, and it looks to have been used at some time, but it's on 182k miles now without problems.

 

Well its an aftermarket one I think cos it's not discrete.. Id pobably change ot fpr a discrete one and get a new bumper/repair it.

so I shouldnt be put off by it towing possibly, and the torque converters are generally fine? As soon as I get it il be changing all fluids anyway..

 

Yea, they're not something guaranteed to go wrong, just awkward if they do.
There's plenty of 5's and 7's over 200k miles.

 

cheers mate. went to have a look at a couple today and one ticks every box... fingers crossed itl be mine tomorrow! need to upgrade that stereo though! pretty gutless

 

Just for the record I have nothing to do with the company but if you ever need TC rebuild give them ring they also do all parts for ZF gearboxes I believe I was quoted about £200 for rebuild, the will be hunting from worn TC, when you drive down a road should happen from 40 MPH up the TC would not be able to lock it, it will try but then will fail and that can be spotted on rev counter, you will maintain the speed but the revs would be changing ( drooping and going back up)


From my experience when you looking to buy one make sure the auto box is in normal operating temp thats when the faults shows up, when gearbox is cold they have different point on changing gears ect.

Torque Converter Suppliers | Torque Converter Remanufacturers | Automatic Transmission Parts Distributors and Torque Converter Remanufacturers - Sussex Auto Parts

 

Ah well I picked it up yesterday! It doesnt do any hunting or anything. Drves well. Ah yeh you can see all the temps and pressures by accessing a menu in the screen on the cluster cant you? (Not sure what irs called yet!?) Can anyone point me in the direction of a way to do it and what each test is? (I remember a mate shoing me on his and like test 19 was oil pressure or something?)

Cheers for the link too mate, if I notice any signs of it going ol get a used one and send ot their way!