X5 trany problems
 

Yesterday my wife called me from work saying that her bimmer is gave up on her.
After working day I went out to check the vehicle, and here it is:

• Service engine light appeared on the dash.
• Trans. Save-Faile. Prog

I started the car, nothing unusual, put in the reverse, worked fine, put in the “D” mode, the car starts slowly moving forward w/o changing a gear.
So, I end up towing the car to the shop for the further inspection and here is what found after a scanning:

• Failing code #34—transmission oil temperature sensor.
• Failing code #49--- gear monitoring.
• #54 – gear monitoring 4
• Stall monitoring.

I do not know what should I do in this case? It is obvious that BMW dealer will try to sell me a new transmission, which is not the best thing for my wallet.
NOTE: the car have never been abused or hardly driven, we did not notice any suspicious activities in the transmission while driving the car. Everything was fine and all the sudden BOOOMMM .

Is any one else had the similar experience this the transmission?
Guys do you know any transmission shop with the good reputation in the Baltimore area?
Any input and advice are greatly appreciated.

did you purchase this car new or used?

Which tranny,...ZF or GM?

I purshased used one.

I don't know at this moment but i will call to BMW and find out.
BTW, what differents would it make?

I believe, 4.4i V8 has ZF and 3.0 IL6 has GM. so what year is your X5 and which engine size?

My car is 2001, 4.4

Does one tranny seem to be more reliable than the other?

First thing to do would be to check that transmission fluid level is full. Is the fluid is black and smells burnt? If so a new transmission is most likely in order.

Here's the procedure for checking the fluid level.

http://europeantransmissions.com/Bul...ansService.pdf

Looking at their tech sections, I really think these guys might be able to point you in the right direction. And in the event you need a new trans, their prices are very reasonable for rebuilt trans compared to BMW rebuilt trans. They both most likely get them from directly from the trans manufacturer (GM or ZF), only one has a much higher margin.

www.europeantransmissions.com

Thanks bud, i will check.