Transmission 8HP45 Swap and Mechatronics Question

[ltemup4650]

Hello all. I would appreciate some insight/suggestions on a transmission issue I’m having.

Background: I purchased a BMW X5 35i with a bad transmission. It has the ZF 8HP45 transmission. When I pulled the pan I found chunks of metal in the pan, so I bought a replacement transmission from a donor 2011 X5.

After I replaced the transmission I couldn’t get the transmission to shift out of park (no reverse, neutral, or drive). I read that the transmission control module (Mechatronics) is mated with the DME, CAS/FEM/BDC modules for the specific vehicle. Thus, when a transmission replacement is required, it is not possible to install a used automatic transmission without affecting the ability of the vehicle to function.

So, I thought, no problem. I dropped the pan and valve body from the “new” transmission and swapped the mechatronics from the original valve body onto the new valve body. I re-installed the new valve body with the old (vehicle's original) mechatronics, re-installed the pan, filled it with fluid, and then: same thing. The vehicle will not shift out of park. I don’t have any transmission codes (or at least I don't think I do as none show up on my Autel scanner). I am getting a transfer case code, however. The transfer case code is: CF80 - signal from engine management setpoint-torque request. I think this code would go away once the car is moving again but I don’t know. Regardless of this code, I would think the transmission (separate from the transfer case) would still select a gear.

Here’s my main question: Did starting the car with a different mechatronics (the one that came with the “new” transmission) than the original one cause the DME to freak out and now it won’t even accept the original one?

I’d like to hear some suggestions from you all before I ship a mechatronics unit to be “virginized” at a cost of $300 if that’s not my problem.

I’ve posted in E46 Fanatics as I own a 2004 325i, but this is my first post in xoutpost.
Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.