Trans Malfunction
 

:( hey guys got the dreaded error driving home from work, 2008 BMW X5 4.8 94k miles . My trans has always been jerky but I just learned to live with it, today I noticed when coming to a complete stop the RPMS would drop and the car would shut off and go into Neutral . Happend twice on a 9 mile drive home , as soon as I get to my driveway the car goes into trans malfunction this is the first time I'm seeing this error . I was not able to drive up my driveway but in Reverse gear the car drove like nothing while the error was still on. I shut off the car turned it back on and the error went away and was able to park the car. If anyone can give me any ideas or previous experiences please chime in! I've read countless threads about solenoid repair or transfer case rebuilds etc . By the way no engine lights or anything else was on thank you !

Welp. Find a transmission show with experience with ZF transmissions. Period.

Oh, unless you are a DIYer?

Check fluid level with engine running and fluid between 30 and 50c. Send codes to ZF for their opinion. https://www.zf.com/corporate/en_de/m...-inquiries.jsp

Most likely it is pressure regulators (solenoids). I just did my daughters for $300 in parts. The good news is her 325i now drives like new. I am so pleased that I plan to replace the pressure regulators in the 2 other 6HP BMWs we own. Many people report that low speed jerks that have been there since new go away.

Where did you source parts? Did you look at any of the Sonnax kits??

This is where I got my 6HP19 kit. ZF 6HP19 6HP26 6HP32 Auto Transmission Solenoid kit ZF# 1068298044, 2004-UP | eBay

I did not consider the Sonnax kit as I have not read any reports where only the valve body rebuild fixed an issue. There are lots of posts where replacement pressure regulator (solenoid) fixed fail safe related issues. Also, ZF told me valve body rebuilds are generally not needed.

Quick update , transmission slowly was leaking for who knows how long , found 2 quarts in the transmission upon dropping oil pan Yikes! Refilled ATF 5 quarts or so new oil pan and filter replaced , cars running amazing I can feel all the power That was apparently missing I am very lucky no metal shavings or anything thanks guys!

BMW X3 E83 X5 E53 E70 X6 Transfer Case Actuator Gear 27107566296 Odometer Gears | eBay

It might be your transfer case actuator gear. It is a wear point on our cars. The plastic gear teeth begin to wear down and causes these issues. Dealerships have no protocols to change them, but an Indy shop will. Worth a shot.

My car had a loose wire in the engine bay, giving me the same error code on idrive. I exhausted every option to solve it,before realizing it. Changed my gear (although it wasn't the cause), since it was worn out anyway.

Any instructions on how to install this gear?

Months ago, I had tranny problems after a fluid and pan change. Everything by the book, including the level check. I was frustrated, thinking it was the fluid (redline d6) and was going to order zf.

Then I saw threads on powerstrokes and jag forums on how the level is so sensitive and it's a pain to get it perfect. So i decided to put a slight tilt and added another quart, which they calculated to be less than 1/4 inch of level anyway! No problems since then and great shifting with redline d6!

A big thumbs down to not having a dipstick. Filling by a hole might work consistently for manuals, but for autos it's a bad idea. And what gives with no level sensor at least? Poor op driving around with low fluid durr to a leak and never would have known unless the trans started acting up!

I had a small indy shop do mine, but I would have done it myself if it wasn't already at a shop. Not too hard and the process is the same for the E53, E83, and E70. Here's a video link. Hope it helps!

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ar-Replacement