'Trans Failsafe Prog' error

[ralphy4321]

I received this error code the other day, took it to dealer they claimed it was my crank case vent hose that needed to be replaced, i knew about this hose for over 6 months but it never gave me an error code or problem, I paid $1703.00 to get it fixed, 2 days later my car died out in NJ, before it died I got the same error message, turns out is my alternator now, the Dealer is saying this same error code had nothing to do with the previous error code. This is hard to believe, and now they want me to pay for again. What can I do or any suggestions. Thanks

[footsurg]

As long as you're not getting any slip codes when the trans failsafe prog error comes up, you will be okay. It might cost you something to fix, but nothing compared to the cost of a new transmission. I got the dreaded trans failsafe prog error last month, and $4600 later my X5 is back to normal. Mine was throwing slip codes, which equals new transmission. BMW dealer here wanted $7000 to fix it. I had it done at a local european shop for $4600 with a ZF tranny that was not cracked by anyone but ZF. Thats what I love about BMW, they tell you to never change the fluid in your tranny, but when it fails at 75k, they stick out their hand demanding upwards of 7 grand. On the new X5 they are now saying to drain and replace fluid at 100k. I bet within 5 years they will be recommending it be changed at 60k. Of course these long service intervals with oil and fluids are bad for the cars, but are good for BMW in their endless quest to be competitive with MB and Lexus. It has become a contest to see which company can claim the longest service intervals. MB lost a class action law suit a few years ago regarding sludged motors, and I believe that many more suits will follow spearheaded by folks who have been harmed financially by too infrequent service intervals. Anyway just thank god its not your tranny thats bad. Sorry for the rant.