hoser

I forgot to mention, a tech hooked up a professional scanner to it and reported he was getting no readings from the transmission selector. So, likely not mechanical. That would've been nice if it was a simple cable adjustment.

I love driving this car but I wish they could've offered a no frills version for better reliability.

sanjsanj

Oops, it sounds like you have the electronic selector lever. This wasn't part of the LCI update, so I'm not sure which year cars have it. If have the electronic selector, then the selector lever unlocking procedure I posted earlier is of no use to you. Obviously, the brake light info still applies.

hoser

Thanks anyway. I added my year and model to my signature to avoid confusion in the future.

I heard back from the independent mechanic. Says it is the transmission control module. $8xx for the part and $5xx for labor to diagnose, install and reprogram. I have not had a chance to look into this but before getting the call, I was almost sure it was the Gear Selector Switch from reading SI B 25 02 07

Part should come in tomorrow...

vash68

Sorry to hear the quote and thanks for posting SIB.
Does anyone know if there is an updated SIB covering E6x vehicles newer than 6/2008?

I have a 2009 535xiT and experienced the same issue twice in a past 3 months, both times it was "fixed" by restarting the engine. I took my car to a dealer but of 'cuz they could not recreate it
Am I screwed? My car is still under warranty.

hoser

update: I spoke with the mechanic. Apparently there was something lost in translation last time I spoke to the other person. The diagnoses is the gear selector switch as per the SIB posted in #23. Mechanic says the part is VIN specific and therefore special order. When I searched the part on www.realoem.com, the show what looks like 3 part numbers that have been superseded by PN 61319204091. Mechanic says the part will need to be programmed in... which is a bit of a downer since 1) added labor cost and 2) I don't think I could've done this repair myself even if I attempted to.

vash68, sorry, I don't have all the resources for the SIB/TSB's yet. I wouldn't say you are screwed since you reported these problems under warranty. Should they arise, even out of warranty, it is an ongoing issue and should be covered.

hoser

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help. The conclusion to my situation...

The 535i is alive and well! The independent shop changed the Gear Selector Switch to the updated part at a total cost of $1350. The vehicle only had 45k miles on it but was out of warranty by 4 months. I contacted BMW of NA in hopes they might goodwill at least the defective part ($870)... given this is a known, common problem. Well, they flat out said no. There might've been a chance if I took it to the dealer though.

Like I said, I love driving this car but I'm and a bit scared to own it out of warranty. Researching extended warranties now... looks like ~$3300 for two more years. Also looking at the NEW 2012 Lexus GS's. (Forgive me!)

luigi524td

Did you contact BMWNA by letter or phone call? If the latter I recommend you document the failure (I trust your indy has the failed part) and encourage them to reconsider their financial involvement. There is a little known hidden warranty that comes into play in situation just like this one [well maintained cars with low miles and just outside or warranty coverage. That doesn't [or shouldn't] matter if a BMW shop or indy does the repair though it's probably best to have taken this through a dealer.

Goo luck!

hoser

I sent them a letter yesterday and I called them today since I had some time. I did keep the defective part for my toddler to play with =) The boy loves cars!

Another reason why I had hopes is because of a previous experience with Honda. The work was repaired outside of warranty and by an independent mechanic. I later found out Honda was extending the warranty on this particular part. Honda reimbursed me, tax and everything!

I'll update this thread if the letter should happen to make it any further. But the 2nd person I spoke to on the same call, (Client specialist?) said she was the last stop... that there was nobody else to talk to.

luigi524td

Good follow-through ... as for the Client Specialist being the last stop ... nah!! Believe that and I have a bridge I want to sell you ... LOL

Hang in there and push gently for a reasonable answer to your situation! It'll help the next guy out too.

syrousd

The situation sucks..... try to nudge them gently in the right direction and good luck!