It's been a few years so I dont remember the codes if any

Cant find the original writeup but here's a similar one with all the important details including codes thrown:

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/t...on-e39.976170/

And here's a good write-up on the selector switch in the ZF 6HP26(Z)... ;)

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rov...faults.397154/

Selector switch failure looks exactly like shorted connector.

The diesel transmission may have a separate cable for the selector switch.

One symptom of selector switch problem is the gear display on the dash can be very odd. Like mine at times would show multiple gears at once like 54


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Yes, my TransFailSafe would happen after a few shifts, but only a few hundred meters from the house. The problem was worse when the temperature was less than say 5 C.

Not on a ZF 6HP26 transmission - the selector "switch" is a set of hall-effect sensors connected to the EGS module (inside the transmission).

Nope - see above comment. The LCI 3.0d diesel uses an identical transmission to the LCI petrol cars - or at least the same as the 4.4i and 4.8iS.

Since the gear display is datagrams from the transmission's internal EGS unit, I'm pretty sure this cannot happen on the later ZF transmissions.

Well turned up un announced mechanic he told me bring it in back tomorrow, pleaded with him to check fluids etc so i don't do more damage if already haven't done so, and he said wont have computer for couple of hours to scan, but he may have a look today, and big thanks to everyone input is great.

PS checked Voltage levels as have read this maybe issue too, and they are in thresholds listed earlier plus battery is 2 months old....like mentioned had no slipping or issues with gear change ever...on occasion on steep descents trans.failsafe.prog would popup, stopping car starting would get me back to normal, until recently the trans.failsafe just appeared again after relatively low descent drive and stopping starting the car message always on, and its like being at helm of ocean cruiser.

Gonna have to grin and bear it, and I do have faith in mechanic as he was one of the few who hit nail on the head regarding battery drain issue i was having for years being down to the starter that came with this model of X5 3.0d...another long story

I doubt it will cause any damage but it will run like crap, it is after all the fail-safe mode.

If you dont have any trans leaks you are not gonna be low on fluid. Unless it leaks into your coolant like it did on my 3.0 right when I got it, so I suggest check for external leaks and check your coolant, IMO very very small chance your fluid is the problem if both are ok.

cheers, apparently checking on the 3.0d for a leak pool on the ground under the transmission is not an option as the "underbelly splash guard" will collect the leak so to speak(is my understanding by replies here)..so hopefully on ramp mechanics can have a look and also check levels anyway no harm done for sure...coolant not checked, gonna wait see what diagnosis is made by Elias.

But yes if my fluid levels are ok, but limp mode is down to some other issue solenoids, or gear selector, or abs sensor, maf, then do i still run risk of damage driving in this mode 10-15km a day till those parts are sorted? I mean yes there is undue stress to get off the mark but if the fluid is ok will it not do its job in keeping things lubed and and prevent cooking of clutches etc?

Not sure if the diesels extended accoustic panels under the trans but on the gassers you can see the trans pan if you take a peek under the car by the front doors.

I would not recommend driving it regularly in limp mode especially if it is perpetually in it now. Before I'd be driving and it would randomly pop up. But when it got more frequent I stopped using the car till fixed.

It running normally then suddenly going into limp mode does not seem to be a failing transmission IMO