Problems with these boxes is not very common. Is your gearbox SMG or steptronic SMG versions have paddles on steering wheel to change gear and is basically a manual gearbox with hydraulics to shift gear.Whats the fault symptoms?
Would suggest getting a 2nd opinion from local independant(BMW if poss) garage.
The diagnostics on the tiptronic box is very good when connected to the relevant hardware bmw-dis or the autologic systems used by some independants can tell if its electrical and/or mechanical. if electrical can be sorted fairly easily, if mechanical a good reputable autobox repairer MAY be able to repair cheaper than the price quoted. If new parts needed try specialist breakers yard?
IAN.
September 2007