My First BMW 2002 X5 4.4!!! Got Screwed!!!
 

Last night I bought my first BMW ever. Not shortly after I drove it off the dealer's lot, I noticed something really weird.

I was at a gas station, turned the car on, then as I stepped on the gas pedal, the rpm's went up to 8000 as if I was in neutral then all the sudden in went into gear with a big jolt.

The weird thing is, it's was in 5th gear the whole time. It never goes out of 5th gear. From at a stopping point to on the freeway, 5th gear the whole time.

The check engine light is on and I get a trans failed safe error. Error code is P0721. Other than that, everything else looks good.

Could this just be a sensor that needs to be replaced or is it a big transmission problem? Thanks guys! Any direction on this would be helpful.

P0721 means that the transmission output speed sensor is out of synch with vehicle speed. In other words, the trans is slipping. Could be something as simple as low fluid level, and the fact that the trans revved to 8000 rpm before slamming into gear might be indicative of low fluid. But it can also mean the electronic valve body in the trans is bad or trans itself. Obviously, checking fluid level would be the first step.

Thanks for the reply. I actually tested it again, and around 2000-3000 rpms it will actually go into gear. It's a very hard jolt as well.

Which fluid are you referring to? Transmission fluid?

Yes, trans fluid level. If it's low it'll slip and band into gear.

How hard is it to top off the trans fluid? Will I need to drain out the current fluid then add new fluid?

Also, I wanted to add that this X5 has 125,000 miles on it. I don't know whether I should take it to an independent shop that specializes in BMW's or take it to the dealer if I can't get this problem solved by myself. Any recommendations on that aspect?

Hate to tell you this, but that is about the mileage where we have seen trannies need replacing. Hopefully it is just the fluid, but if you need to replace it you will be looking at a $4 - 7K repair depending on who does it.

Did you get any kind of a warranty? 30 days at least?

I would take it back to the dealer immediately.

I'm assuming it has a warranty ........ Right ??

If not sooner. :(