Trans Fail safe mode
 

Hey all,
I know this has been a topic in the forums, but I'm having this issue with the dealer right now and I need some advice. In the morning the truck drives fine, it seems when it warms up this starts happening, the truck drives perfect on the highway at regular speeds, when I slow down to make turns the X seems like it wouldnt go into gear but after it does, it drives fine again. When at a complete stop, it goes into gears fine. I took the X (2000 4.4i) to the dealer last friday because I kept getting the trans fail safe mode on my cluster every now and then and plus the slugish trans. I explained to the SA what was happening. Later on on the day he calls and tells me I have 2 Cam sensors that are bad and they need to be replaced ($449) I asked, is this the problem and he replied yes this will fix the problem. Ok...Later on he calls back and says four O2 sensors are bad ($1356.00) and My trans fluid is kinda a low ( about 1.5 liters) And they need to add to it to level it out ( $31.00/liter plus labor). I also Aksed is this the final reason why the truck is acting up, and he again replied yes. He also said That he recommend changing my spark plugs so I agreed. Im now some where around $2500. The best part of this story.........this afternoon he calls me and says he has bad news, it seems that the ST drove the X and the problem still consists. He now says that I have to replace my transmisson ($6400). WTF is going on with this dealer?? I just took the truck in for that specific problem and I told him thats all I wanted fixed, nothing else, now Im going to be somewhere around $9000. I was so pissed off that I told him, he needs to check out the truck again that I am not paying for a new trans, after telling me it was something else, if thats the case I wouldnt have fixed anything! $9000 is a down payment for a new car....he must be krazy. I'm waitng for him to call me back once again, after that I'm asking to speak to the manager. Anyone with similar problems? Is it my trans? Any advise?

How many miles do you have on your X5? This dealer is BS you on several things in my opinion. First it does not make sense to ask for $1356 to replace 4 OS2 sensors. Second the transmission is sealed on the X5 therefore I do not see how he could know that it is low 1.5l. Third if you really need to replace your transmission go for a rebuilt tranny which will cost you around 3 or 4k.

thanks for the response....
I have 115k on it right now. I'm thinking the same thing, I cant understand why the O2 sensors would cost so much and your right about the trans fluid, thats going to be my next question when he call me back. I think they're trying to rip me off. Where can I find a rebulit tranny for that price just incase i decide to change it??

ANY good tranny repair shop can offer a rebuilt tranny with 3 year warranty. they get them from specialist rebuild companies who usually do a good job.

PhazeX5, who is this dealer? I'd like to know so I can avoid bringing my X there. I think that Fairfax BMW in VA has the best service among stealers in the area. +1 with Zulu on looking for an independent mechanic in the area specializing in BMW trans. Try calling Curry's automotive and get a quote from them.

The stealer is Bmw Towson In MD.
Im still waiting for him to call me back. I really dont think its the tranny. Like I said, The truck goes into gears fine in the morning, but when it warms up thats when I start having the problem. I really think its a sensor or something.
Question: If the tranny was shot would it still go into all gears? And drive good on the highway at regular speeds with no problems?

we had the 'trans fail safe' message before when the alternator died. didn't have any issues shifting. the message never came back. it's possible the cam sensor were bad. but if you're actually haiving shifting issues it's the electronics inside the trans or the shifter (outside the trans body) has a sensor or two.

Thanks for letting me know. The last time my EML light went on, my X limped going home extremely slow and underpowered. I turned it off and it started again as if nothing happened. It turns out the the engine wiring harness was faulty and stealer changed it. It could also be a bad cam sensor. Did you ran any error codes on the car?

Yeah, I'm thinking its just a sensor...Im still waiting on the SA to call me back. He was pretty nasty to me yesterday after I voiced my Opinion about the sensor or a wire harness that might be bad, He said That I should'nt tell him how the ST should do his job. He also said that I should get a second opinion, I replied and said If I wanted a second opinion I would'nt have brought the truck directly to the dealer. That kinda pissed me off.

Im having the same problem right now... If I turn the X off wait a min or two and start it back up the Trans fail message is gone and the truck drives ok again...so Thats why I'm thinking its not the trans, maybe something electrical...???