My First BMW 2002 X5 4.4!!! Got Screwed!!!

jhigbee · #1 01-15-2011, 10:01 AM

Last night I bought my first BMW ever. Not shortly after I drove it off the dealer's lot, I noticed something really weird.

I was at a gas station, turned the car on, then as I stepped on the gas pedal, the rpm's went up to 8000 as if I was in neutral then all the sudden in went into gear with a big jolt.

The weird thing is, it's was in 5th gear the whole time. It never goes out of 5th gear. From at a stopping point to on the freeway, 5th gear the whole time.

The check engine light is on and I get a trans failed safe error. Error code is P0721. Other than that, everything else looks good.

Could this just be a sensor that needs to be replaced or is it a big transmission problem? Thanks guys! Any direction on this would be helpful.

TowX · #2 01-15-2011, 10:14 AM

P0721 means that the transmission output speed sensor is out of synch with vehicle speed. In other words, the trans is slipping. Could be something as simple as low fluid level, and the fact that the trans revved to 8000 rpm before slamming into gear might be indicative of low fluid. But it can also mean the electronic valve body in the trans is bad or trans itself. Obviously, checking fluid level would be the first step.

jhigbee · #3 01-15-2011, 10:18 AM

Thanks for the reply. I actually tested it again, and around 2000-3000 rpms it will actually go into gear. It's a very hard jolt as well.

Which fluid are you referring to? Transmission fluid?

TowX · #4 01-15-2011, 10:22 AM

Yes, trans fluid level. If it's low it'll slip and band into gear.

jhigbee · #5 01-15-2011, 10:25 AM

How hard is it to top off the trans fluid? Will I need to drain out the current fluid then add new fluid?

Also, I wanted to add that this X5 has 125,000 miles on it. I don't know whether I should take it to an independent shop that specializes in BMW's or take it to the dealer if I can't get this problem solved by myself. Any recommendations on that aspect?

X5Dawg · #6 01-15-2011, 11:17 AM

Hate to tell you this, but that is about the mileage where we have seen trannies need replacing. Hopefully it is just the fluid, but if you need to replace it you will be looking at a $4 - 7K repair depending on who does it.

TowX · #7 01-15-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

Hate to tell you this, but that is about the mileage where we have seen trannies need replacing. Hopefully it is just the fluid, but if you need to replace it you will be looking at a $4 - 7K repair depending on who does it.

If not sooner.

X5Sport · #8 01-15-2011, 01:05 PM

Take it back and demand they fix it.

Kloogy · #9 01-15-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Sport

Take it back and demand they fix it.

If he bought it from some bumpkin Used Car lot with no warranty, they are responsible for NOTHING once he drives away.

jhigbee · #10 01-15-2011, 03:43 PM

I bought it from a well known Dealership in town. They are a Honda dealership but got this car on trade in. I did test drive it and only thing weird was the check engine light. Salesman said it was just a sensor that costs $300.

I signed something saying as is warranty. He said their mechanics didn't even look it over because of the high mileage. They don't certify it. In fact they didn't even register or license the cat. I have to do it on my own. Yes, a lot of red flags. But they kept assuring me it was just a sensor part that would fix the check engine light.

Its in a independant BMW dealer as we speak. Waiting to hear the prognosis. Said 95% of the time its the tranny from what I described.