[Styvy]

Hi All,

I hope someone can give me an advice.


I drive 2010 BMW E92 330D LCI with 6 speed ZF gearbox. I have changed the gearbox oil about 20k miles ago. Recently I have been seeing gearbox going into LIMP mode in either change of 4-5 or 5-6 speeds. A code is being thrown each time 4F85.
From my understanding its probably bearings or possibly solenoids. I dont have much experience lol.
I was wondering the cost involved in either repair or rebuild. So far I wrote to ZF in Dortmund.
Any reputable places in UK or Ireland. I live in Ireland but can drive.

Thanks,
Alex

[dragerboy]

I take it you have checked fluid levels? If it is a fault with the hardware I can't see it being good value to fix. You might be better off looking for a 2nd hand gearbox.

[Styvy]

Yep fluids have been checked as I ran into a problem with radiator before
Both coolant system and gearbox oil.
My regular service intervals for engine are 5k so I tend to check fluids every service. With gearbox every 3rd.
With 2nd hand box I agree the only difficulty is if something else fails or I get same broken box after 12k

[dragerboy]

How many miles has the box done? They rarely fail and are very durable.

[Styvy]

She has done a bit . 143k
I love travelling lol

[dragerboy]

Not bad then. Sure you could get a used box for sub £500 which has done half those miles.

[Styvy]

True mate. Thanks

[ChawenHalo]

Honestly, and from experience just go to a ZF service centre. It will be cheaper and quicker than sourcing and getting a second hand box. These service centre are very good and there are plenty in every country in EU. Bear in mind that ZF equips buses and lorries and these boxes are given absolute hell. Thats why they have service centres everywhere.

Just call up nicely and go there crying and i doubt it'll cost you more than €400 - 600 no matter what the problem is. Your box will feel brand new and the work is guaranteed.

[Styvy]

@ChawenHalo

Thanks mate. However it looks like it will cost more. I guess in a region of 1400 to 2.5k. The problem is with bearings It will be stupid not to do solenoids as well.

Recon box is a good choice yet expensive. Zf want in a region of 3k to fix it all up

[dragerboy]

I saw an LCI gearbox from a 325D for sale on Ebay for £350. Believe its the same box across the 330d/335d. Guess it would need software update or coding etc.

[Mus22]

Does the car chuck up a fault if you scan it this sounds like a mechatronic issue with the solenoids. What oil did you use when changing and did you put enough oil in. Lack of oil can damage the gears within the gearbox causing a slip on the gears which will chuck it in to limp mode.

If this is the case a second hand gearbox will be cheaper as brand new from zf them selves is £2000. Also if you do replace the gearbox the valve body should be programmed doesn't need to be to work but should be programmed to the car.

[Mus22]

Sorry I just re read your last post if its just your bearings then there is no need to change the solenoids on the mechatronic. A second hand gearbox would be much cheaper I got a quote for my brothers 123d 2008 gearbox to be rebuilt and I was told 1£1800 I called zf who quoted me £2000 for a new one. I Purchased a gearbox from ebay off of a 2010 same gearbox for £650. Whats the part number for your gearbox I can get in contact with the place I got my brothers one for you if you like. If you do get a second hand one you will need to fill it with oil as they come completely empty including torque converter. You can sell your old one to get you some money back to some placed buy them off you especially a working mechatronic you are looking at £300 + just for the valve body if you sell it.