06 M5 charge for "diagnostic time?"

2006 model M5 with 47K miles. Car has violent kick when shifting into gear. Sometimes, 1st gear cannot engage until car has started to roll a little.

I am told the "clutch" is not included in the CPO warranty, only the transmission. However, they say they are "40%" sure the problem is the clutch. The technician wants me to be charged a $600 fee for "diagnostic time" so he can take the transmission apart and evaluate the clutch.

I have never heard of anyone charging money to find out what is wrong with a car. Also, they will have to take the transmission apart anyway because it is obviously failing. Why would I pay them $600 to do something they will have to do even if part of the work is not covered by warranty?

Has anyone ever heard of this?

Hard to say !!! Do shift-settings have an effect on these violent shifts? Are you shifting manually? If so, at what RPM?
Some possibilities –
It could be a software problem … Any idea when was it last updated and which version?
It could be gear and/or clutch position sensor? They may have to reset your clutches after they replace the sensor/s .
Does the gear indicator blink when you/car up shifts and then comes the jerk? – Possible cause “Gear Synchronization” and/or CDV – Clutch Bi-Directional Valve.
Normally, diagnostic fee is included in total repair cost, if the repair done at the same facility.
Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by goodcat

2006 model M5 with 47K miles. Car has violent kick when shifting into gear. Sometimes, 1st gear cannot engage until car has started to roll a little.

I am told the "clutch" is not included in the CPO warranty, only the transmission. However, they say they are "40%" sure the problem is the clutch. The technician wants me to be charged a $600 fee for "diagnostic time" so he can take the transmission apart and evaluate the clutch.

I have never heard of anyone charging money to find out what is wrong with a car. Also, they will have to take the transmission apart anyway because it is obviously failing. Why would I pay them $600 to do something they will have to do even if part of the work is not covered by warranty?

Has anyone ever heard of this?

On another note, it's a normal practice to charge diagnostic fee if it's not covered by CPO. How much is fair …. that's debatable. As an option, you may take it to a reputed Independent BMW Shop in your area for a diagnosis and then determine your future course.
Here's the list ….just in case.
http://www.bimmershops.com/bmwshops/california/

I just paid 2400 dollars for diagnostic time at BMW Fayetteville and the problem is a 3000 dollar one