Problem with transmission going into drive

[BobsX53.0i]

From the BMW TIS:

VS-23/Meyer Baugruppe/Group: 24 weltweit Datum/Date: all 12/2003

Positive engagement in drive position D delayed E46, E53, E83 with A5S 390R (GM5 transmission)

Complaint: The first time drive position "D" is engaged after a lengthy period out of use, e.g. over night, the transmission only gains positive engagement with a time lag (longer than 2 seconds).

Cause: Leakage inside the transmission, C1 clutch empties during the parking period. As a result, positive engagement is only gained with a time lag the first time a drive position is engaged after a lengthy parking period.

Affected E46, E53 with M54 and A5S 390R (GM5 transmission)
vehicles: Manufacturing period: February 2003 until November 2003 E83 with M54 and A5S 390R (GM5 transmission) Manufacturing period: from the start of series production up to November 2003

Procedure: In case of customer complaint, replace the transmission as described in Repair Instructions

Note: The manufacturing periods given in the parts list refer only to the status of the transmission. The manufacturing period of the affected vehicles (February 2003 until November 2003) applies for the purposes of reimbursement.

[Bassace]

Definately sounds like me, but, I'm sorry, what is the BMW TIS? Should the dealer know about this problem? My manuf. date in the door is 10/03.

[BobsX53.0i]

The TIS is BMW's technical information system. It's what all the dealers have for repair procedures and technical bulletins. I would guess that they should have known about this issue, but maybe they haven't seen any of these failures or complaints. My 2003 3.0i has 70K and the tranny is flawless. It may not be that common. If my X5 ever starts doing that and out of warranty, I won't worry about it.