KyleB

I've been reading a lot today about 6HP19. Hyundai used the same transmission in some cars, as did Audi and Rover. Ford is using their version of 6HP26 in their cars and trucks (they call it "6R", but it's the same transmission reproduced by Ford under license from ZF). I'm sure there are others as well. The point is there are a LOT of these transmissions out there, in a lot of different cars.

That fault code you referenced is very, very common apparently. I've had it show up twice in the past 10,000 miles. My guess is you got "4F85" just like the majority of us.

It looks like vast majority of these problems are from failing Mechantronic units, low fluid (because of leaks at the pan or sealing sleeve), or degraded fluid. I found literature online from ZF that states they recommend fluid changes between 48000 and 72000 miles. So much for the lifetime fluid claims from BMW.

The most often failure point of the Mechatronic appears to be the solenoids. Solenoids can be replaced, are available, and do not require complete replacement of expensive Mechatronic units or entire transmissions.

I did read a few cases where 4F85 ratio monitoring fault (basically the transmission is detecting slipping in the gear drum) was caused by excessive wear at a bushing on the input drum. Of all the cases I read about, I think one or two were caused by wear at the input shaft. ALL of the other ones were due to worn out solenoids in the Mechatronic. Even if you need a new input drum, that is available and can be replaced by itself too. The lesson here is that you can repair a transmission; it's usually a heck of a lot cheaper than replacing the whole thing with a new one, and solves the problem just as well.

It is unlikely you need a new transmission, and more likely you have issues within the Mechatronic unit.

My car has displyed 4F85 - ratio monitoring twice, is at 103K, and has developed a fluid seep at the transmission pan. Mechatronic sealing sleeve still looks OK, but I don't trust it much longer.

My plan is the following:

1- replace pan and fluid, leave sealing sleeve alone
2- drive car, see if shifting improves and/or fault code resurfaces

if fault code resurfaces, ill be dropping the mechatronic and replacing all solenoids, sealing sleeve, and mechatronic seal adapter (goes on top of the mechatronic).

I would seriously encourage those having transmission issues to treat it the same way you would if your engine were running rough. You wouldn't run to the dealer and have a new engine put in, right? You'd diagnose the issue, look at common failure points, and replace individual parts. Transmissions are no different. They can be repaired.

H F

[QUOTE=5_series_T;1528707]Sooo, I have an 06 525xi with 78,000 miles and I received the TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION message. I turned the car off n back on and it went away. It happened a few times but I couldn't get it checked because my mechanic was out of town. Then it popped up again but this time wouldn't go away. My mechanic gets back and takes a look at it and I need a new tranny. Any 1 know how much this should cost to fix or what the going rate for a rebuilt vs used tranny is? Anyone know a good place to find one? My mechanic knows but I like to do my research as well. Thanks for the help

. I would put a pause on a tranny replacement. It could be as simple as a tranny update ,eccentric sensor, crank positioning sensor a leaky mechatronic sleeve , as mentioned replacement of selinoids will most likely fix what's wrong with your tranny. Check out this thread . Tons of usefull information
05 545i Transmission Surging Issues help! - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Xklusiv

My car e60 530i n52 engine was diagnosed with 4F85, replaced my solenoids, and while at it, open up the valvebody and replaced 6 pcs solenoids accumulators, pay attention to these 6 pcs solenoids accumulators, they are small but play crucial parts in controlling the solenoids. The pistons are made of rubber, and when i took out mine from the valvebody, the rubber was already totally flat, whereas the new one was the shape of half a circle....so...replaced those and used new zf valvebody seperator plate to seal the deal. Currently the car is shifting like it should without any lag from N to R. And no slam when downshifting 2-1 (coming to a stop)....shifting is fairly smooth...not yet 100%, but according to ZF instructions, it will take the car 3-4 weeks to adapt to the new driving style...so...im waiting for it be 100% normal...

pcy

Good for you. Essentially, mechatronics was replaced and adaptations were reset. How much did it cost you? Must be significantly lower than trans replacement cost.

stel_i79

question
is the mechatronic come with solenoids and the solenoids accumulators?? or not..because that will make a big differnce if i decide to change just the solenoids (~$600+ labor) vs. mechatrinic(~$1500+labor)
thx u

KyleB

Where did you buy parts from?

pcy

New/Remanufactured Mechatronics comes with solenoids and related parts.

Xklusiv

I bought mine seperately not the entire mechatronic...solenoids 6 pcs of them (3 yellow, 3 blue and 1 black), and 6 pcs accumulators. Parts for valvebody can be found in sonnax.com, however i bought my parts from a transmission shop in perth, western australia. Cost me in total around Aud700+labour ..not sure how much is that in Usd. The solenoids are the most expensive ones...accumulators are like $5 each...

Xklusiv

No..they were purchased seperately...solenoids are about aud600, and the accumulators are about aud$5 each....dont forget to buy the valvebody seperator plate to replaced the old one.

Xklusiv

This is the pic



Note: Accumulators from my car is already flat

This is the parts numbers


Prices are in australian dollar


After opening valvebody i suggest you change the seperator plate as well...



Hope that helps