Thoughts on Torque Converter and transmission on an '01 530 Sport

[1st time BMW buyer]

I have an '01 530 sport with 104,000 miles. Service light came on 4-5 months ago and I took it to the shop I've used for the last 5 years and they said the code was about the torque converter, but they really didn't think it was so they cleared it and told me to drive it and lets see what happened. Drove it a little bit and the light came back on. I've been out of town for work a lot over the last few months so the car has been parked primarily, so I just got around to dropping it off so they could really look into the problem.

After looking into it, they say it is the torque converter, and that is built in to the transmission so essentially, I'm looking at a whole new transmission. In terms of driving, I don't even notice there is an issue but they say that the torque converter is not engaging - so ultimately it puts more strain on the engine and such.

Wondering if anyone has had the same thing and what options there may be besides a $3,500 transmission. Love the car and want to keep it for a while, but that's a hefty repair bill so just trying to see if you guys have any opinions or suggestions (or, know of a place in the Atlanta, GA area that may be better to check into for cost). Thanks in advance for any advice...

[Tiger]

I suggest you call Kirt Koeller.

First of all, your car cannot move without torque converter period. There is no 'extra' strain scenario. It is possible that the torque converter is not locking into overdrive.

Don't let thoise guy work on your tranny. They obviously don't know transmission. A compentent shop would have the scanner trigger functions in the transmission to find out which component is not working properly and then they fix just that part... alot of time is it just dropping the tranny pan and fix the component.

[Tiger]

Also check transmission fluid level. Low fluid level will cause transmission error. At your mileage, I would change fluid too during the repair. There is NO LIFETIME FLUID regardless of what BMW says... if you feel you want to replace transmission every 100,000 miles... lifetime fluid is the way to go.

I personally would change fluid every 50 to 60.000 miles.

[Mr._Graybeard]

Yeah, I'd bet on something a lot simpler than a bad torque converter. You might search this list of service specialists on the ZF website for someone in your area.
http://www.zf.com/corporate/en/products/services/service_network/service_points/north_america_service/united-states_service_points/united-states_service_points.jsp

[Ross]

Get an expert diagnosis.
A trouble code isn't synonomous with replace X part.
Avoid chain tranny shops, they tend not to diagnose and repair but push to sell complete overhauls. Find an independant who specializes in German cars. Dealers usually farm out trans work or install a reman box so finding a good trans man there could be difficult too.
You may have something as simple as a sticky solenoid or a corroded wire connection.
DO address it though even if you aren't noticing symptoms as you've already found out the worst case scenario.
OH, should you need it I have a good used tiptronic from a '00 528i that I'll sell for a fraction of the reman cost.

[1st time BMW buyer]

Tiger - thanks for the info. You are right - they said that the torque converter was not locking into overdrive.

After a little more research, I'm wondering if the fluid is low - although I tried to figure out where to look/where to fill this weekend without much success (and not enough time to really get into it). Since the car drives good and runs right, I just feel like there is something simple that will take care of the issue right now without replacing the transmission. I have gotten mixed feedback on whether I should have the fluid changed at 105,000 since I haven't had it done before - some who say that'll surely bring about a problem and some who say give it a try because it's less than replacing the transmission.

Any other thoughts since what you said about the torque converter not locking into overdrive ?