E36 328i Auto - Gearbox oil leak.

[anniesdad]

So I was on the way to playing a football match, when the car all of a sudden started to billow smoke. On my return journey knowing something was up, I took it extremely easy and there didn't seem to be much smoke.

But when alighting from a T junction, the car revved, with no take up, then almost immediately after baulked and found its gear. Under normal driving it seemed fine (except for the smoke, which started to billow again after half the return journey), it was taking off from standstill that the problem was really prevalent.

After investigation by the AA roadside guy it appeared to be a gearbox oil leak and it was this oil leaking onto the exhaust, causing the smoke. The cars at the garage now, awaiting further assessment.

Anybody any idea what I'm looking at? I'm assuming, as it's a sealed unit that it's a gearbox out job, and possibly engine out?

[anniesdad]

Had an update from the garage, looking at a new box. They suggest a reconditioned unit - cost £1200 + £300 labour.

Bugger.