2011 E 70 "TRANSMISSION FAILURE" light

Badasblkbmwx5 · #1 08-26-2015, 06:02 PM

Hello new user on forum. Couldn't locate a post that fits my situation regarding transmission problem. This morning trying to back X5 out of drive, idiot light came on stating "TRANSMISSION FAILURE". Gear shift would not go into reverse or drive. Had to have X5 towed from garage to dealership.
I am under warranty and have had dealer perform all services. Anyone else have this issue? I have 60K easy miles??? Please respond if you have had this problem. Really appreciate it.

ninja_zx11 · #2 08-26-2015, 06:45 PM

By light,Do you mean message on the idrive screen?

Badasblkbmwx5 · #3 08-26-2015, 07:43 PM

I had a light bulb on dash surrounded by a square and on Idrive screen "Transmission failure"

Badasblkbmwx5 · #4 08-26-2015, 07:44 PM

I thought the trannys were strong on E70 models. Must be a sensor I hope.

bawareca · #5 08-27-2015, 06:26 AM

Probably a sensor, perhaps in the gear selector. Even if the transmission have internal failure it will stay in limp mode (3rd gear) and the car will still move. If there is a bad sensor in the gear selector it may lock you out the way it did.

macming · #6 08-28-2015, 10:44 PM

I'm interested to know what ended up being the problem. My X5 hasn't been overly reliable either

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

swanpoint · #7 09-05-2015, 09:22 AM

Did you get this resolved? I have the same issue with my 2011 X5, 31,000 miles.

Badasblkbmwx5 · #8 09-05-2015, 02:46 PM

I have had this issue happen 3 times in the past few weeks, leaving us stranded. Towed car to dealer and was told that the computer showing "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" code. During the visit at the dealership for one week they we never able to duplicate the problem. That being said, the problem wasn't found and car was good to go! Picked up vehicle and drove straight home into garage. The very next morning same started fine, but would go into gear. Flat bedded again from inside garage. I'm in a loaner and informed the Service director not to call till they have "diagnosed" the problem. I have never abused this vehicle, completed all required servicing performed by the dealership??? Not really sure what to do but this is terrible as we drive the vehicle and a lot of times in rural areas with no cell phone service.