E60GUMSL

Hello Everyone, I'm new on here from Guam, with an 04 530i 80k miles

I've done some research regarding the infamous transmission issues that seem to be common on these E60 models. I apologize if this adds to another transmission post but I'm hoping someone can guide me here.

I have the Auto (6HP19) & have the following lights on the dash:

1) Service engine
2) air bag light
3) seat belt light
4) Transmission failsafe mode (!) - most important

Some of the transmission issues I have had include: no reverse, non-operable on D mode, rocks back & forth on Neutral, I have to choose M mode & can drive in M3. Binding, lurch when taking off. Sounds like airplane engaging or switching gears.. then when I take off it runs fairly smooth. I have difficultly going uphill, even a slight hill, it will just crawl then with some momentum I get going...

After some research on here. I found this site quite informative with info from KyleB, gcalo and some others.. I have done the following & achieved some positive results.

1) Replaced battery with 850 CCA, car came with 650 CCA battery, seemed week.
2) Drain transmission oil & refilled with Mercon SP - still same issues
3) Replaced oil pan/filter & oil - reverse works now, can drive in D mode, no M mode.
4) Got the Sonnax zip kit installed along with the bridge seal & mechantronics seal - no significant improvement, maybe slight improvement.

Just for peace of mind, I have also changed the oil with Pennzoil Synthetic Euro formula 5W40 & Mann filter.

All work done was performed by an indy shop who has experience with BMW.

I was hoping the sonnax upgrade kit would help cure most of the issues as it stated practically all the symptoms I was having. The mechanic also checked each & every solenoid & all are working.

I don't know what else it could possibly be? Has anyone experienced what I have?

On a side note:
Previously I have owned Hondas' while I lived in Toronto, Canada. I've been apart of Hondasociety, torontoaccords, jdmrides & torontoaccords.. If anyone on here have migrated from there, I used to be an active member 5-7 years ago lol. Screen name: Naptha94

I plan on being an active member on the forums with this being my first BMW & hopefully not my last. I plan to get a 535xi wagon later down the road.

I appreciate all the help.

Thanks!!

twh

Not sure this is you problem, but working checking on. There is also a semi common problem where the wiring harness from the shift level gets frayed. You should be able to find a couple of those in a few minutes with Google. The symptoms where mostly M didn't work right.

dingolfing

If you just purchased this car, you may also want to find out why you have those other errors. If the car was in an accident, the transmission problems may have occurred because of that.

E60Japanese

Hello and welcome to the forum and the trans problems

First have you done an error code check on your transmission?
If yes, what codes came up?

If no, I would suggest you did and let us know as it may help with our advice

E60GUMSL

Thanks guys for the advice.

I forgot to mention that I purchased the scan cable & diagnostics software(Inpa, DIS)

The codes I got were 4F85, 4F80, 4F81.( Clutch A, Clutch A, Clutch C)

I also have the code 299A (DME, egs/tcm fault) - would a software update solve that problem?

After changing oil pan only one code remained. I think it was referring to clutch A.

I had the mechanic check the connectors, he said all looked tight & secure.

My next thing to do is to remove shifter assembly and see if any pinched wires there.