Changing Tiptronic trans fluid

[FHW]

I have a 1998 Base Boxster money pit. Tiptronic transmission is slipping between 4th and 5th gear on hard acceleration. Since I've purchased the car I don't believe the transmission fluid has ever been changed because of other problems I've had with maintenance. I've ordered all the filters and gasket getting ready to change the fluids. Before I started on the change I spoke to a very reliable mechanic who I trust. He told me that the transmission can wear down and get aluminum filings through out the fluid causing some real danger to the transmission failing after it has been changed. We sent a sample of the fluid to be analyzed and it came back saturated in filings. So I'm asking my friends what options do I have? Change the fluid risking failure, Purchase a rebuild, Drive it until it fails on its own?

[Starter986]

Leave it alone, or plan on a rebuild.

Why? Do a search herein about my Tip excapades from ~1.5 years ago. I've 1 year on my rebuild ($4300) and it's operating just swell.

[78F350]

In simple terms, automatic transmissions work by spinning a series of discs with magical glitter on them. Once the glitter comes off of the discs it cannot be put back on and new glitter-discs need to be installed.

It will only get worse with time and there is no inexpensive solution. If you still enjoy driving your car, drive it and enjoy it.

I follow a thread on another forum with a '98 Tiptronic Boxster. It started with a few minor problems and valiant attempts at DIY repairs. More money was spent. More problems developed. Eventually he sent the transmission to be rebuilt at great expense. The transmission was unknowingly damaged during re-installation and over a year was spent trying to resolve more issues that developed. At this point, the money, time, and emotion that has gone into this car would have been better spent accepting the loss a couple years ago and moving on to another car.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by 78F350

At this point, the money, time, and emotion that has gone into this car would have been better spent accepting the loss a couple years ago and moving on to another car.

If the car is in nice condition, you could consider rebuilding the transmission, or getting a used one
IMHO a bad transmission does not necessarily means a dead sentence to your beloved car..

[78F350]

Originally Posted by Gilles

... to your beloved car..

To an owner of a beloved car, the math is different and I won't argue that. Having a car set up exactly how you want it and knowing it has been meticulously maintained can outweigh the fact that you are spending more to repair a car than it is worth (repair cost plus residual value before the repair).

Other than the sad story of Adrain's car that I mentioned in the previous post, I have some personal experience that could bolster either argument:

I bought this car (https://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/62091-end-road-daily-driver-3.html) and did another transmission fluid flush on it, replaced the transmission mounts which were shot, replaced the damaged shifter mechanism and then enjoyed driving it. Within a year, I sold it for more than I paid, but less than value of parts plus labor I put into it. I saw the car for sale again later at a much higher price with the seller stating that he had rebuilt the transmission.
Still love to see the Nephrite Green interior, but don't want to spend hours sitting within it.


In the past year, I bought an '01 with a bad Tiptronic. The seller had spent thousands on having work done on the car and finally gave up and put it in a storage unit. I inquired about it after seeing the second time posting on Craigslist was about to expire at $3,500. I bought it complete and engine running, but not able to drive for $2,500. No other serious buyers showed and he didn't want to pay another month of storage. As a side deal, he sold me a good Tiptronic transmission for $500 that he had intended to put in the car, but never had the time. Big loss for the seller but it was also a heavy weight being lifted as I handed him the cash and drove away with the car on my trailer - I talked with him about it later when I picked up the transmission.


I had a VW new Beetle 1.8T convertible that the AISIN automatic transmission failed on (due to my abuse, not fault of the car). I spent a few months trying to fix it. After flushes and replacing a solenoid, it improved, but would still slip. I decided to sell it with a bad transmission and after a couple weeks had only one buyer interested. It sold for $300 in driveable condition along with a parts car to do a manual swap. I would have Given it away at that point, but it can be more hassle to get someone to take stuff for free than to sell it cheap.


What I mean to say; Life is short. If it makes you happy to have that car enjoy it and fix it when it needs to be fixed. If it has become a burden and drains you to think about it, let it go.

[FHW]

Thanks everyone, it seems you all came to the same conclusion I did. I'll drive until it goes while looking for a less expensive rebuild.
P.S. I'll take recommendation for a responsible transmission re-builder.