Gearbox Repair | Book Gearbox Repairs for your BMW| RAC

Why choose the RAC for a gearbox repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Book a gearbox repair

The gearbox handles smooth gear changes and overall driving performance. If you’re hearing grinding noises, having trouble changing gears, or gears are slipping, it’s time for a repair at an RAC Approved Garage.

Quality work

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.

Exceptional customer service

We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

Diagnostic check

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just gearbox repairs that we do for BMW

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

View all garages

IN'n'OUT Autocentres Bristol

4.2/5

At IN’n’OUT Autocentres we offer fixed prices MOTs and Servicing for any make and model of car with no hidden extras. We are proud to be a ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ so we are really a garage you can trust. We also have a 5 Star Trustpilot reviews rating. We provide OEM parts and 12 months warranty on all parts and servicing. We only use premium Castrol oils in all servicing. Our services are all completed ‘while-u-wait’ so you have never have the inconvenience of losing your car for the day. You can watch your car as it is being worked on through the viewing window or sit back and relax in our clean and comfortable customer lounges with FREE Wi-Fi and coffee and read the latest magazines. Check out our latest reviews and BOOK NOW!!

In-N-Out Autocentres, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS10 7UD

Acton Service Centre

4.2/5

Acton Service Centre came under new management in 2012. A family run business that prides itself in offering excellent customer service and professional workmanship. Our highly trained engineers and technicians are committed to providing you with the solution to all your motoring needs. Based in Acton just off the A406, our modern reception and viewing area has been newly designed for the comfort of our large base of loyal customers.

17-18 The Broadway, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton, W38HR

MH Motor Experts LTD

4.5/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute, and are also AA certified to carry out their breakdown and repair work. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We offer courtesy cars and a free collection and delivery service within 5 miles of the garage.

Unit 7 Rushton Farm, Warren House Road, Wokingham, RG40 5RE

P D Vehicle Services Ltd, Bosch Car Service

4.6/5

PD Vehicle Services Ltd was formed in 2011 by Pep and Dan, two highly skilled individuals already very well established within the motor trade. Both dreamed of opening their own garage, with the aim of becoming one of the largest, most well-respected and well-equipped independent garages in the area. Since opening PD Vehicle Services, Pep and Dan have expanded the garage into what you see today; a workshop full of the latest diagnostic and testing equipment, including state of the art camera measured four wheel alignment equipment and a multi class MOT Bay that can test mopeds, motorcycles, cars, minibuses, motorhomes and 3.5t vans. With ten Ramps, including two 5.5 ton commercial ramps, two floor level flush mounted ramps for low sports cars and a dedicated diagnostic bay, PD Vehicle Services Ltd now employ ten members of staff full time, with two members reception staff and a full time driver. PD Vehicle Services are an accredited Bosch service centre having to meet stringent standards to carry the Bosch brand, we are also are an RAC Approved repairer as well as an AA Approved garage. Serving local residents with privately owned vehicles to national fleet contracts running huge fleets of vehicles for ‘household name’ companies, the workshop caters for all types of vehicle maintenance and repairs. We also carry out warranty repair work for major companies such as warranty wise, the AA, Warranty direct and the RAC. We can offer you a whilst you wait service on all servicing jobs, with a turnaround of no more than 2 hours, depending on the job. This service MUST be pre-booked as we will need to have the parts already waiting for your arrival in the garage. We have a very large and comfortable waiting room at your disposal which offers comfortable sofas, a TV with Netflix, refreshments, a work station with Wi-Fi available should you need to work. Nothing is too much trouble so please feel free to get in touch and ask any questions.

Unit 4 Soho Mills London Rd, Hackbridge, SM6 7HN

PJ Automotive Ltd

5.0/5

We are an RAC Approved Garage carrying out work on all types of vehicles including commercial vehicles to 5 ton. We can MOT class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles. We specialise in German brand vehicles (BMW, Mini, Audi, Mercedes). We can however carry out work on any make.

Mount Pleasant, Hanley, Stoke On Trent, ST14AY

Frequently asked questions about a gearbox repair

How to tell if the clutch or gearbox has gone?

If your clutch has gone, you may have a problem trouble shifting gears or a soft or spongy clutch pedal. It might not even move when in gear!

Gearbox issues, on the other hand, show themselves with grinding noises, difficulty staying in gear, or leaking fluid. Both issues affect your gear shifting but come from different parts of the transmission system.

What is a gearbox specialist?

A gearbox specialist is a mechanic who’s an expert in diagnosing, repairing, and replacing gearboxes. They have training and experience dealing with many types of gearboxes, including manual, automatic, and semi-automatic systems. Talking to a specialist makes sure that any gearbox issues you may have are accurately diagnosed and repaired to the best standard.

Can a damaged gearbox be repaired?

Yes, many damaged gearboxes can be repaired. How damaged it is dictates how repairable it is. Small issues like worn seals or bearings can often be fixed. Severe damage might mean a complete rebuild or replacement. A professional mechanic can see the damage and tell you the best course of action.

How do I know if my gearbox is faulty?

Common signs of a faulty gearbox include:

Grinding or whining noises.
Difficulty changing gears.
Leaking transmission fluid.
A burning smell from the transmission area.
The car slipping out of gear or not staying in gear.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to get your gearbox seen by a professional.

What is the function of the gearbox?

The gearbox transfers power from the engine to the wheels. This allows your car to move at different speeds. It adjusts the engine's power output to the wheels and makes sure the engine runs well at various speeds.

How are gearboxes diagnosed?

Mechanics use several methods to find gearbox issues:

Visual inspection: Checking for obvious signs of damage or leaks.
Test drive: Watching the car’s performance while driving.
Diagnostic tools: Using scanners to read error codes from the car’s computer.
Fluid analysis: Checking the condition and level of transmission fluid.

These methods help pinpoint the problem.

What is a DSG gearbox?

A DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) is a type of automatic transmission. It uses two clutches for faster and smoother gear changes. As it combines the ease of an automatic with the performance of a manual gearbox, it’s popular in many modern vehicles.

Is a gearbox repair covered by warranty?

Whether a gearbox repair is covered by warranty depends on your policy. Manufacturer warranties often cover gearbox repairs in a certain period or mileage. Extended warranties and aftermarket policies may also provide you cover. Check your warranty details or talk to your provider for more information.

Is my gearbox repair covered under insurance?

Most standard car insurance policies don’t cover gearbox repairs unless the damage is due to an insured event like an accident. Mechanical breakdown cover or specialised policies might offer you protection. Review your insurance policy or speak with your insurer to find out more about your coverage.

How much does a gearbox repair cost?

Gearbox repair costs vary a lot, depending on the issue and car type. Minor repairs can cost you a few hundred pounds. Major repairs or replacements can potentially cost you more than £1,000. Labour rates and party prices also influence the total cost that you may have to pay. It’s a good idea to get more than one quote for a good estimate.

Find trusted gearbox repair specialists

For the best quality repairs, look for certified mechanics with helpful reviews. Specialists can provide you accurate diagnoses and reliable repairs, keeping your car running as it should.