535i Slipping Tranny

[todd]

Hello, My name is todd and I need help fast. My 535i just started slipping vary badly. Took it to the tranny shop he told me it needs new. How can I tell for sure? Is it possibily anything elsa? or am I grasping here?
It shifts hard into reverse, it will go best while cold, seem to work a bit better in manual mode but at some point it seems to stop altogether, until I shut it down.
The fluid is more tanish and does not smell like good tranny fluid.
Can anybody help or is it time to go for a used tranny?

[Dirty_Tool]

The trans fluid is usually a pretty good indicator of the condition of the internal transmission components. If the fluid is burnt or has metal flakes in it this is a good indicator that internal transmission components are wearing or worn. By the way you described the fluid along with of course the trans shop's recommendation it does sound as though its time to start hunting for a replacement trans.
Good Luck,
DT

[todd]

My brother own a mech shop do you know the best place to get a used one or just shop the net?
No metal in the fluid, Will a dealer do a diagnosis, I did have a trans code flash up on the on board system?

[Dirty_Tool]

I personally wouldnt recommend a used one because you may find yourself in the same boat in a few months. If you want used though check your local wrecking yards. Shipping cost if you buy 1 over the net may defeat the purpose.

The dealer can diagnose the transmission problems but most do not do any transmission overhauling as the labor at the dealer doesnt make it cost effective to do so.

DT

['89 635 csi]

I put a used one in my '86 just to find out it was doing the same thing!
I just ended up having a shop rebuild mine!

[todd]

What am I looking at cost wise, to rebuild, can I preform this task or is it a job for super tranny guy?

['89 635 csi]

I had a local european shop do it for $2100.
However a friend of mine just got the auto rebuilt in his '89 325 for $900.
So I'm not sure if he got a really good deal or I got screwed!