P38A Automatic gearbox drive problem

Hello, since purchasing my un-modified 1996 P38 (2.5 BMW DSE auto) a couple of years ago this is my first post with a request for help.
After about 169000 miles the auto gearbox has finally given up – Not sure when or if gear oil and filter have ever been changed but oil on dipstick is still a red colour.
First indications of an intermittent problem appeared when accelerating on uphill gradients – severe jolting developed on kick-down between 4th – 3rd gears. ‘GEARBOX FAULT’ warning illuminated and limp mode activated (in 4th I think). After standing with ignition off for about 15 mins everything returned to normal and I could drive off without issue. Over time the symptoms began repeating with more regularity.
My local indy garage informed me their fault diagnosis equipment did detect the warnings, but they were unable to identify the root cause of the problem .
Last time it happened, even after standing idle, movement on level surfaces was reduced to a very, very slow crawl in either high or low box, and the vehicle is unable to move at all on even the slightest uphill gradient (engine revs freely but no drive in any selected reverse or forward gears).
At this stage, I believe the problem may be beyond just oil and filter change, so I’m asking if anyone has experienced similar issues and managed to rectify them without costly investment in reconditioning or replacing the gearbox.

Main clutch failed possibly due to sticking valve block caused by poor maintenance. New box.

wammers said:

Main clutch failed possibly due to sticking valve block caused by poor maintenance. New box.

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Oh dear that is not good news!! But thanks for your reply Wammers....
Considering the vehicle's age, (and despite the gearbox issue), it is still in very good condition, so I would like to try keeping it as near to original equipment as when it rolled off the production line some 20 years ago.
Would it be worth having the box reconditioned or is the failure you mentioned likely to have caused other extensive damage which would render the box completely u/s?

the best way of determining oil colour is to drain a little out, box will need stripping and faults found, generally boxes are fixable but you do find the odd one not worth it , your issue may well be cured by swapping valve block,but you canttell till you see the clutch packs and check oneway clutches ,ive used another box as a donor to fix a box were the customer wanted to keep original number

Puddleduck said:

Oh dear that is not good news!! But thanks for your reply Wammers....
Considering the vehicle's age, (and despite the gearbox issue), it is still in very good condition, so I would like to try keeping it as near to original equipment as when it rolled off the production line some 20 years ago.
Would it be worth having the box reconditioned or is the failure you mentioned likely to have caused other extensive damage which would render the box completely u/s?

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You can fit a second hand box but that is a gamble or fit a reconditioned box. Not cheap but at least you know where you are. Reconditioners will do an exchange service on your old box. Do a search in your area.

Thank you for your replies Jamesmartin and Wammers.
Looks like there are a few options - all involving removal of the existing box before anything else,
It's too cold and wet to be under the vehicle at the moment so I'll wait for the weather to improve before proceeding....!!!
In the meantime, I'll make a start looking through RAVE and planning the work (and budgets) first.

valve block is replaceable with box in situ ,you can determine to some degree condition of box by cleanliness or not of sump,but obviously completely

IIRC, Ashcroft will recondition your box for you - rather than a service exchange

Disco1BFG said:

IIRC, Ashcroft will recondition your box for you - rather than a service exchange

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Thanks Disco1BFG - I shall consider them

Hi I had a guy do my gearbox about 2 years ago and he made a fantastic job at a very reasonable price , His name is John Rawle and his phone number is 01564 829740 he only repairs auto boxes his workshop is at Portway Nr Reddich just off the M42 which is close to where you live in the West Midlands. PM me if you need any more information Good Luck Brian ( Eldescans)

Thanks Eldescans; Redditch is only about 30-45mins from here.Did you drive your vehicle there or just send the gearbox.
I will first have a quick look at the box with it in-situ (as Jamesmartin suggests) but I'm thinking if things don't look too good then it may be a good option for me to have the vehicle transported and let an expert remove, repair and/or replace the box in one - It would certainly save me loads of grief trying to remove the gearbox in the limited space available where the vehicle is now standing.

Hi I live in Spain and heard about this guy while visiting England I had taken my box out as I had spoken to James Martin about having a look at it before I heard about this guy. I lived in Studley before moving to Spain About 5 miles from his workshop and have spoken to people I know and this guy has a very good reputation which judging by my box is fully justified. I don't know whether he would take the box out or not as obviously I didn't need it, he does have 2 guys that work there with him so it is a possibility Hope this helps Good Luck Brian (eldescans )