2001 4.4i X5 Auto Transmission problems

[beemaadict]

I have a 2001 4.4i Auto X5. After about 4 years and 60,000km the transmission was replaced under warranty because the gearbox was a box of neutrals! It has now done 117,000km and just recently the gearbox is plying up again and it goes into neutral on odd occasions (only when fluids are cold and going up a steep driveway slowly). Once the engine is stopped for a while (5 mins) the vehicle reverts to normal (so far at least!) If I drive up the driveway quickly, then it does not go faulty (I suspect it is because the fluid in the transmission does not have time to settle to the rear of the gearbox.)

I have had the transmission filter changed as well as the transmission fluid. However the problem is still there. The transmission is a ZF gearbox.

My local BMW service person has run his diagnostics over it and no fault found. Any help would be appreciated.

[king_julien]

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2001 4.4i Auto X5. It would go to 'FailSafe Mode' after a couple of hours drive occasionally but it did not indicate a 'FailSafe Mode' on the cluster. I had it diagnosed at my dealer but no fault code relating to the problem appeared in their system.

After a lot of research I decided to change the 'Output Switch' which is located on the right-side of the gearbox. It also known as 'Range Switch'. Inside the switch there is a circuit which monitors the position the gear is in. When it becomes faulty, it will become intermittent in some cases it will not sense whether you're in neutral, reverse or even drive. When that happens, your gearbox is likely to misbehave intermittently.

To cut the story short, I purchased one from the 'stealer' for sum of £170 and installed it by myself. Less than 10 minutes job, held by 10mm bolts. Try replacing it because it worked for me. Hope this help...

[beemaadict]

Hi Julian,

Many thanks for your contribution. Diagnostic checks so far have not shown anything up which does show some similarity with your problem.

I shall give it a go - it's only money! And heavens knows BM and all other anufacturers will need it given the global economy!

[beemaadict]

Folks, I have a similar problem although no dash warning or error messages. And the problem ONLT happens when going up a steep incline.

See http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...d=1#post549321
for a response from Julian that might be of assistance.

Or did you get the problem fixed?

[beemaadict]

Thanks King Julien, I have had the switch replaced and it seems to have done the trick. To some extent I am a little hesitant to try going up my driveway slowly as it is narrow and has an inclination of about 30 degrees!
(As you can imagine the thought of getting stuck part way up it with nothing but neutral is a situation one would prefer not to be in.)

I appreciate your assistance. Thanks.

Originally Posted by king_julien

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2001 4.4i Auto X5. It would go to 'FailSafe Mode' after a couple of hours drive occasionally but it did not indicate a 'FailSafe Mode' on the cluster. I had it diagnosed at my dealer but no fault code relating to the problem appeared in their system.

After a lot of research I decided to change the 'Output Switch' which is located on the right-side of the gearbox. It also known as 'Range Switch'. Inside the switch there is a circuit which monitors the position the gear is in. When it becomes faulty, it will become intermittent in some cases it will not sense whether you're in neutral, reverse or even drive. When that happens, your gearbox is likely to misbehave intermittently.

To cut the story short, I purchased one from the 'stealer' for sum of £170 and installed it by myself. Less than 10 minutes job, held by 10mm bolts. Try replacing it because it worked for me. Hope this help...