So apparently I'm the failed gearbox guy now 😂 Mo is unfortunately correct.
A failed auto box is a tough one - here's the light I can shed on the situation for you.
"Clutch E" error doesn't mean anything -
Clutch E is pointing to that particular set of clutches in your box - the error that follows after is the prognosis. If you were advised by your mechanic that it's terminal, you have two options.
Get a donor gearbox
Secondhand 6HP19s are
decently common but their condition cannot be guaranteed. You might find yourself spending R20 000 on a new box and taking it to the gearbox specialists, only to find out that the clutches are slipping (tough one).
Get your original box rebuilt
Take it to a gearbox specialist. You mention looking for assistance in JHB - there is
the guy when it comes to ZF transmissions. Give Mike a call @ Executive Transmissions in Edenvale and if possible, take your car there to get a proper prognosis. If you have a thorough scan tool, this can be avoided but ultimately your will get the best idea if he has your transmission in his hands. You
might be able to salvage your original transmission depending on what's wrong with it.
A mix of the two options
If you're unfortunate enough to buy a donor transmission and the donor itself is
also fuc in need of work, you can hopefully mix the two boxes and make one good transmission. This was ultimately the route I went down with mine as my donor box unfortunately had slipping clutches.. whereas my original box had a failed mechatronic unit AND slipping clutches... so, Mike was able to take the mechatronic out of the donor and REBUILD my box with new clutches. His work alone for this was north of R30k factor in a donor box that's ~R20k and again.. it's tough to see..
My recommendation is to give Mike a call ->
Executive Transmissions. Get a prognosis from him to see what's
actually wrong with your transmission and he will better guide you from there. He might advise you look for a donor box.. he might advise you to rebuild your current box.. I can't say... that's my recommendation however.
For what it's worth, Mike was one of the top oaks at ZF in Germany before leaving due to politics in the company.. so you're in good hands.
Good luck with it brother.
