Hi, I'm trying to find out how much it'll cost to overhaul or replace with remanufactured the transmission of my 1998 528i. I've called some places and of course no one wants to make a quote over the phone. Anyone out there with a good idea? Thanks.
As the old saw goes, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. You would be better off asking for references and checking BBB complaints and such to select a shop. After all what alternative do you have, you gotta get it fixed to use the car.
Certainly outside my range of experience. It is a fair reponse that an accurate estimate may not be possible until the technician examines the problem.
I can only suggest you go online and check the AAA approved mechanics in your area. Run this shortlist through the Better Business Bureau website.
Then make a selection and let someone look at this unit.
If you are tight on coins, have mechanical ability, then you might be able to find a tranny at a junk yard and swap it yourself.
I just had the GM 4L30E transmission in my '95 BMW 525iT replaced by a ATRA-affiliated shop in the San Francisco Bay Area. We went with a rebuilt that has a two year, unlimited mileage warranty. In total, it cost me about $2,700. As someone else said, definitely checked BBB. I also checked California's Bureau of Automotive Repair to figure out if this shop had any significant complaints, as well.
BTW, after I carefully described the problem on the phone to the shop, I had no problems getting a quote. It also doesn't hurt to have your BMW dealer look at it as well. They typically don't charge for such a diagnostic.
You've got a transmission that is relatively easy to overhaul but is expensive on parts. I do a few throughout the year in Isuzu Troopers and Rodeos mostly. The computer operation of the transmission needs to be checked before and after any work and the transmission base settings may need to be reset after an overhaul. Those types of services may not be available at your local transmission shop because BMW diagnostic equipment is not readily available or cost effective if you don't reapir a lot of them.
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