Bad news. I spoke with Weasel (BMW tech) and he said:

"Unfortunately once the control module is coded to a vehicle it is married to that vehicle/VIN# and won't work in other vehicles... with a used EGS he'd still have trans failsafe. Best I can think of is to find a dealer that can order it VIN specific at wholesale cost, don't I remember a dealer giving good discounts online like that from the forum?

Now, could he be mistaken? Possible but I would not bet on it.

All the threads I've linked before never came to full conclusion and gave feedback it was all good. They both still had problems even after re-using a used EGS. I haven't found a definitive thread that said otherwise - here or on the web.

So, based on all that it would seem it would be a waste of money.

Its really a shame that you had the tranny rebuilt and you still have the same problem. I can only imagine the frustration and anger you may be feeling. :(

I don't even want to think about what happens if you replace the EGS and the Failsafe Prog is still there.

Maybe someone else will have better suggestions.

Hi, yes it seems that on the other posts they have some success with swapping out, they didnt report any major issues with changing or trying one. But as you pointed out the ecu was never the cause of the problem they were only ruling it out. But it appears with the used ones they didnt get any specific error code.

Just found a company in uk 'bbareman', inspection fee £35 if faulty repair fee £300.

bba-reman.com

Oh well gearbox company have asked me to collect as they cannot fix it. Still want £2400 to release the car though!

Bullshit. Call the cops.

The company are holding the car under a 'mechanics lien' which means I have to pay to get the car back and then take action to claim the money back.

So after a 'polite letter' they are going to order and try a used trans ecu.
I await the outcome.

Update, got a phonecall today, upon removing the gearbox ecu they found water in it, they think this is the cause of the problems, used one on order. has anyone ever heard of water in the trans ecu? if so how does it get in there, where is it located. I do have to top my coolant a little every month but I have never found the leak, never any damp on the driveway.

thanks

Update, had a used gearbox ecu fitted and programmed, apparently works great. Told today I could collect but had to pay on top for the ecu, I refused as I am already looking at £2280 for the trans rebuild that wasn't necessary. But glad she's fixed.

Thanks for letting us know the end result. This will give people, who have a similar problem hope, that it doesn't necessarily mean you need to have your tranny rebuilt.

I'm so glad you got the problem resolved, especially after all you went through. Hope you get your X back soon and start enjoying it again! :thumbup: