gotta spare tranny? (94 auto 540i)

[wec5]

I have always wanted to know ......................

$5500 with 160K miles on it this summer. Much less than the $10,000 book value. But with the DME probs I've had and now the tranny, it looks like my costs will be about the same.

Just before I got mine, my girlfriend bought a 1990 735il and paid the same for hers, then a month or so later we replaced the cracked head.

Yes, I did have both cars checked by european specialists before purchase. I'm understanding why people call 'em BMtroubleyou / BreakMyWallet.

[l8apex]

M.S.R.P. was $47,500. Add $1,350 for ASC+T, $370 for heated seats, $1,000 for gas guzzler tax, and $450 destination charge. Total sticker was $50,670. Then the dealer added $1100 for the CD changer, $1184.56 for the built-in cellular phone, luxury tax of $1508.81, sales tax of $2,354.40, title fee of $45.00, registration of $486. We did a deal so that the final total cost was $50,718..85.

Dave

[minghong]

you can use any ZF 5HP30 Transmission in that car. It can come from a 540/740/840. 94-95. The fluid does cost that much if you are reclaiming one from junkyard.

I went with remanufactured one from EBaY and Kurt Koeller. It was 2700 plus install with all new ZF Parts and a warranty. You may want to investigate. - JT

BMW dealer told me the trans doesn't need fluid change. Is it true? Bought mine at 157k wish it can last forever.

[l8apex]

I bought my car new, and I have never changed the "lifetime" fluid. The car has 180,000 miles on the original Nikasil block, and I have never had any engine or transmission problems. I considered changing the fluid a while back, but was advised by "those who know" to leave it alone on the premise that new fluid would be likely to loosen up sediment or other deposits which would circulate through the transmission and valve body and either cause additional wear or obstruct fluid passages/check balls. etc in the valve body. I left it alone, and have never had any problems with the transmission, even though I run it hard at the track.
Dave B.

[632 Regal]

Lifetime fluid is just that, lifetime meaning as long as the car is under warantee. Change the filter and the fluid that comes out with it every 30k.

[MantecaBMW]

And use the expensive fluid or can you use Dexron III?

[l8apex]

If the tranny craps out after using a substitute, you'll be kicking yourself, even if you're not sure of the cause. A 10 liter jug is about $100. Cheap insurance.
Dave B.

[632 Regal]

530 trans uses Dextron III
540 trans uses the expensive Shell stuff.

never ever mix and match!

[ejhiggins]

where do you get the 10 liter for $100?

[l8apex]

I have to admit that I haven't purchased any or priced it for a few years. I think I got it from Pacific BMW a few years back. Shop around. Roundel advertizers are fairly reasonable, as are Turner and HMS.
Dave