Forget about the BW35F theory. There was a huge gap at the cam even before I removed the wire. Cable was disconnected and slack in the engine bay; very weird! That cam moves freely and I am a bit confused.
I am very happy to report that there was no shmoo in the pan, the gasket fell off in one piece and the filter looks clean also (Per receipt, changed 2011).
Rear band seems to be fine, play is similar to the other transmission’s.
I will now look for a tube to remove the clip-in downshift cable fitting and change them as soon as my fingers have thawed a bit.
The metalastics for the transmission mount have the consistency of a medium rare steak at best, clunking source! Replacement is imperative. I might continue tomorrow as it’s dark already.
David