Yesterday the car went into transmission failure limp mode on the M25. Probably the torque converter, but with 136k miles on the clock the gearbox could probably use a refurb too.

Anyone with experience of a good, reliable specialist in the Essex/London/Homecounties area? Might consider further afield if worth it as I know it will be an expensive job, car would need to be recovered by them.

I see that there is lots of talk on a Sonnax valve block upgrade and the need to also replace the oil cooler.

Any advice or help greatly appreciated.

So far I have seen the following companies recommended in other threads, but not too sure of costs or if they are still any good.

A1 Premier Transmissions - Biggleswade
Midland Automatic Transmissions - Kettering

Here are some other companies I have found online but not sure if they are any good.

The Reconditioned Gearbox Company - Twickenham - Offer 2 year warranty
A1 Engines - Rainham Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

Hi, had my gearbox done around 3 weeks ago , 3.0L TDV6 (90,000 miles - know point of failure apparently on the GM boxes) , but obviously I'm up north, but I can at least give you an idea of cost. I paid £2100 and for this, I got a full rebuild of the torque converter , clutch plate etc with the LR upgraded parts and also got a 12,000 mile /1yr warranty (this was at GearTorque in West Houghton, Lancs and is a 2 day turnaround as they always have the parts in stock). Have to take the car back at 1000 miles /1 month for them to check for leaks etc. The other company I looked at was in Leyland, Lancs and charged £2300 for same as above, but they upgrade the oil cooler and if they remove and fit it, they give a 24K mile / 2yr warranty (else 1yr if you ship them the gearbox for rebuild) , however, their specialist was on long term leave hence could not use them. Main dealer could exchange gearbox for £4500 fitted !!! So that was not a viable option.
I did notice a dramatic change in the box when I got it back , the upshift /downshift between gears is very smooth now , I had not noticed over a long period how sluggish the upshift had become , the first signs of the upcoming failure in retrospect.
Hope this info helps. Steve

Main car : FFRR L405 Vogue SDV8
Other car : Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
Past cars : FFRR L322 Vogue TD6 SE (Sept 2006 MY07) ; LandCruiser SWB ; 4-Runner ; Supras; XJS V12 LeMans

Hi, did you have any joy with the rebuild and could you recommend a company in essex, cheers

You have RST landrover in Mersea Essex everyone rates about them on here. It's just a garage though so I'm guessing they wouldn't be able to refurb more likely just refit. Bushy

2003 RR Vogue Monté Carlo Blue

This might be a bit late but the transmission shop on canvy island is good I have the address if you need it

Recently had my repaired by ATS on Mersea Island, The guy really know's his stuff, although can be a bit pricey.. Previous LR's

Series III x2 SWB
Defender V8 90
Range Rover Classic V8 3.9 x2
Range Rover Classic V8 3.5 efi
Defender TDI 300 x2 90/110
Freelander V6
Defender TD5 110
Discovery II V8 LPG