SMG Locked
09-20-2005, 01:54 PM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bronx, New York
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My Ride: April Delivery 2005 - 545i Orient Blue/Beige Leather. Sport & Premium packages/Navigation/Heads-Up display/Premium Sound/Cold Weather Pkg/Park Distance Control/SMG/Split fold down rear w/ski pkg.
Currently: 2002 - 530i Steel Blue Metalic. Sport & Premium packages/Navigation/Cold Weather Pkg/Split fold down rear w/ski pkg.
For the second time in 4 months my SMG locked after receiving the dreaded Bong! When I reached a traffic stop at West 56th the car just died. I could not restart as the shifter was in neutral but the instrument cluster was locked in 5th gear.
BMW Assist called for a tow requesting a flatbed but they sent two regular issue tow trucks, both were sent away. Finally got a flatbed to my location 2 hours later! It should be noted that Manhattan BMW was only 2 blocks from where I broke down! Not a pleasant experience.
The last time I took my car to BMW for the same issue they reloaded the latest software, version 17. It was fine until this morning. It will be interesting to see what they blame this latest incident on.
Also, when I arrived at BMW there was another 545i on another flatbed with the same problem! He was towed from New Jersey. His car was locked in 4th not 5th. The service advisor upon seeing both cars on flatbed trucks stated, "Oh man, what the heck is the deal with these 545's." I told him he didn't need to ask the two of us that question, rather he should know the answer.
Just another day in Paradise!
BMW Assist called for a tow requesting a flatbed but they sent two regular issue tow trucks, both were sent away. Finally got a flatbed to my location 2 hours later! It should be noted that Manhattan BMW was only 2 blocks from where I broke down! Not a pleasant experience.
The last time I took my car to BMW for the same issue they reloaded the latest software, version 17. It was fine until this morning. It will be interesting to see what they blame this latest incident on.
Also, when I arrived at BMW there was another 545i on another flatbed with the same problem! He was towed from New Jersey. His car was locked in 4th not 5th. The service advisor upon seeing both cars on flatbed trucks stated, "Oh man, what the heck is the deal with these 545's." I told him he didn't need to ask the two of us that question, rather he should know the answer.
Just another day in Paradise!
09-21-2005, 08:13 AM
#4
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My Ride: MY05 545i Jet Black with Auburn interior. SMG, Logic7, Sport Package, Comfort Seats, Navigation.
Hopefully, you leased your car, so you can give it back without any strings attached at the leases end. I bought my car, so pray for me, I don't want to get slaughtered when I do sell the car in 2 years.
09-21-2005, 08:27 AM
#5
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Newcastle, CA USA
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I had the same problem about two months after I bought the car. It was out of commission for two weeks while they waited for a new SMG control module (?). Nine months later and I haven't had a problem since. Hope it works out for you.
09-21-2005, 11:24 AM
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My Ride: 2010 550i M Sport Package - Alpine White/Blk Nasca Leather, Premium hi-fi system, Sat Radio, Nav, Cold Weather Package, Value Package, Shift Paddles, Comfort Access keyless entry, Power rear Sunshade, Front Ventilated seats, Split fold-down rear seats, Heated rear seats, Automatic high beams
Originally Posted by das' date='Sep 21 2005, 12:31 PM
Not to make light of anyone's situation, but now I'm feeling kind of glad I ordered a conventional manual. 
[snapback]173193[/snapback]
09-21-2005, 02:37 PM
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2004
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Mine is in the shop now - if I turned it off in gear, when I went to restart the car it refused to get out of first gear even though the shifter was in neutral. Had to rock the car and stand on the brakes to get it started. (Have no idea what rocking the car does but a friend of mine suggested it and it seemed to work.) Or maybe it was the stream of profanity that got it started again.
Regardless, the BMW service guy said they are going to update the software, a two-day job. Hope it works...
I'm considering making my next BMW a normal manual. Gonna have to get my left foot back into shape...
Regardless, the BMW service guy said they are going to update the software, a two-day job. Hope it works...
I'm considering making my next BMW a normal manual. Gonna have to get my left foot back into shape...
09-21-2005, 06:08 PM
#10
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Maybe I'll jinx myself with this but my SMG is perfect and hasn't even burped or hinted at any issues.
That said, I love the SMG so much that even if I had major issues, I'd likely get another one if it's still an option. (Keep in mind that I usually lease so I'm always under warranty...)
That said, I love the SMG so much that even if I had major issues, I'd likely get another one if it's still an option. (Keep in mind that I usually lease so I'm always under warranty...)