2003 530i 55k Torque Converter prob?

[Fitz530i]

I just had myy 55k service done on the vehicle and all was well, or so I thought. 3 days later the service engine light came on and we took it in. They informed me it was a code 048 (torque converter) excessive and notatated the cause as a turbine shaft seal inside the converter. Their recommendation was to replace the torque converter at the special price of 2400.00 plus 495 for the fluid. I have a tough time believing this ultimate driving machine that has been babied its entire life and serviced only by BMW would have such a problem with just 55k miles.
I took it to 2 independent shops and they are telling me they have the same code as well as 002 and 003 (EDS2 and EDS3 pressure regulators in the lower valve body?) Further they have explained that they believe that when changing them out they would satisfy the present fault code the converter is sending.
Does this sound viable? I am at a loss.....one shop told me they could do the converter for 900.00 but believes it is the pressure regulators causing the problem. If I replace those parts in the valve body the cost will be 900.00.
I am worried that fixing the valve body regulators may not be the fix for the converter and I may have to go in and have it done as well.

Any suggesions??

Thanks

[darkhorse737]

what oil was used in replacement???

i think they used the wrong type of tranny oil... wrong type/grade and torque converter won't perform correctly; neither will the tranny valves meter the correct amount of fluid when viscosities are incorrect.

Q: aside from the check engine light... what other symptoms are you experiencing?

[Fitz530i]

Thanks for the quick reply.....To the best of my knowledge the trany oil has never been replaced. The weird thing is the car has absolutely NO SIGNS OF SLIPPAGE OR PROBLEMS SHIFTING. Everything feels ans is acting normal other than the light being on.

[darkhorse737]

I sorry to be the bringer of sad news... but there is a TSB(Technical Service Bulletin) that BMW put out in july 2006 pointing to CODE 048:

Unfortunately, a torque converter replacement is the only remedy if the shaft seal has deteriorated.

What you can do:
1)have them clear the light a few times. It just might just been a glitch. With some luck it might go away.
2) measure out & examine the tranny fluid. if dirty, try a flush and replace fluid to manufacturer's specs.

that is certainly worth taking a chance on instead of footing the bill for a new TC

Good Luck