2004 X5 wont start !! Please HELP
 

I have a 2004 Bmw X5 4.4i Sports Package. Problems first started when I was driving from my sisters' in law house to a gas station and then the car wouldnt start, I got a Trans Fail Safe program message. I jumped the car and it limped on 3 or 4th gear home. The next day the car was fine. I cleaned the MAF sensor, but the problem is back:dunno: sometimes the tranny jumped or kicked but I got no message then when I was just sitting at my banks drive thru I got the Trans Fail Safe program message again. Now this morning the car wont start. The battery is just fine as I had it tested with Autozone. I jumped it but this time it didnt turn on. and now the needles on my dash are jumping. the alarm also started beeping for no apparent reason. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

MINE DID THAT AND A NEW BATTERY FIXED IT RIGHT UP

It seems to be the battery, I have tested the alternator and its charging the battery, but when the jumper cables are removed from the car, the battery wont hold its charge at 12 volts it quickly begins to decline and if I open a door the car completely dies, and battery voltage drops to mid 10.7 to 10.3

I had the same issue. Dealer replaced the battery and I never saw the fault again. Dealer stated that a voltage drop would bring the "trans fail safe" into operation. They seemed to think that there was a known issue with the origonal BMW battery going dead short.

My wifes 2004 is doing the same thing. I am replacing the battery today. I will post back if this fixes it.

I always thought it is the other way around. A good-working alternator should keep the car running, and all accessories, even if you disconnect the battery, or remove the jumper cables. If the car dies after removing the cables I'd be inclined to say it's the alternator. Or if the car keeps running after you disconnect the battery then the battery is dead.

Ok, replaced the battery. All seems fine except the battery light stays on. Does this have to be reset or something.

im having the same problem with my 01 4.4i sport n i could only drive it in steptronic for it to be working good but i cant find the problem i need help big time

Looking at an alternator now. Put a meter to the battery post while car idle and reading is 11.8, 12.1 with car off. No output from Alternator.

Dropped off Alternator yesterday to get rebuilt. Will report back.