I experienced the Transmission Malfunction warning on my 2008 CPO 528i Sport, with 73K miles, last Friday night. Afterwards had a hard time shifting (surge?) into second and third gear after stops but managed to limp home without further incident. Later I restarted the car, transmission warning was gone and the car seemed fine. I didn't want to take any chances and had it towed to my BMW dealer Saturday morning.

Yesterday I was informed the fault code diagnosis is pointing to the Transmission Control Module needing replacement. I asked about fluid level, if there were any leaks and if it needed seal or solenoid replacement. The answer I got was "no, it's the control module that needs replacing, a common part that fails". I did not think to ask about the fault codes that were stored in the car. As it now stands part has been ordered and is expected to arrive from Florida this Thursday or Friday. In the meantime, I have a 2014 428i Sport courtesy vehicle.

I spent quite a lot of time reading all the threads here and on Bimmerfest about the transmission issues on the E60. After reading one post about the Transmission Control Module just being one component of the transmission, system, and not seeing any posts specifically stating it was the control module that caused the problem, I am wondering what it is they are actually going to replace, will it solve my problem and/or if it might be a sign of more problems to come. I have been a customer of this dealer for almost ten years, have had the same SA and have no reason to doubt them. My car is still within it's CPO warranty until August, 2014. Now have a new young SA and he seems very professional and willing to help, but I am not sure how knowledgeable he is about transmissions on these cars.

Any feedback or recommendations from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

It sounds like they are replacing the Mechatronic in the transmission, which is basically a complete valve body assembly (the valve body and computer are one integral unit). Yes, it is a common failure point, and the symptoms you describe sound consistent with Mechatronic problems.

I can't imagine they would reuse the sealing sleeve or bridge seal for the Mechatronic, but if I were you I would confirm both will be replaced. If they say no, pony up the $40 and make sure you get the old ones back to verify they were replaced.

 

Thanks KyleB. Just heard from the dealer and my car is ready. It was not the Mechatronic in the transmission that was replaced. It was what he called the TCM located underneath the shifter in the car. Fortunately, all is covered under my CPO warranty. However, I remain concerned about transmission failure in the future. My CPO warranty expires in August 2014.

When I asked the SA what the fault code stored was, he said 0051A6. I did a search of BMW fault codes, and the majority start with the letter "P". Couldn't find anything even close to 0051A6. Does any of this make any sense to you? Do you recommend any preventive measures I might be able to take to avoid future transmission problems. I am hoping to keep my car long term.

Thanks again.

 

I can't find anything on that code either. I tried P51A6 also thinking maybe that would work better but still nothing. Must be a BMW version and not the generic code version

I would change fluid/filter/pan (filter/pan are one thing) and mechatronics sleeve for now, reset adaptations after, and see how things are working after that. I wouldn't be too concerned if everything is smooth and working well after that. I would be concerned if there are any remaining issues though that may get worse..

Mine had 178K miles (2004 545i) on the original transmission AND fluid. Changed fluid twice + solenoids at 180K and now it's at 207K miles with no transmission problems. It's usually mechatronics/valvebody/solenoids that start going out first on these transmissions.

(this is schpenxel from bimmerfest by the way)

 

Picked up my 528i this afternoon after 7 days and it turns out the fault code was EGS 0051A6 - Engine Signal. Turns out it was the shifter/gear selector lever was replaced to solve the transmission malfunction and valve cover gasket and crankshaft seal were replaced after finding an oil leak. All was covered under the CPO warranty. I was rather surprised after I was told earlier this week it was the TCM that needed replacement. The car seemed okay on surface streets back to the office. Does any of this makes sense?

 

I guess it makes sense. Just drive the car and see how she goes.

 

Surprise, surprise!! Transmission malfunction again this afternoon as well as a CEL. Same symptoms as before. Limped home again and immediately called BMW Roadside Assistance. Will have it towed back to the same dealer tomorrow morning. I suspected the last repair did not take care of the problem. It was too good to be true. I hope they get it right this time. I just may call BMW Customer Service since I still have six months left on my CPO warranty.

 

Car was at the dealer for nine days this time. Battery and crankshaft sensor were replaced, software was updated as recommended by BMW after opening a PUMA case and the adaptations were reset. Again, covered under the CPO warranty except for the battery. I refused to pay for the software update. When I got the car back it performed terribly. Acceleration from stops was sluggish and slammed a couple of times when accelerating to higher speeds. A few times went up to 3500-4000 rpms before shifting into third and fourth gears. It has totally lost its get up and go. It seemed to be a somewhat better last evening and this morning after driving a little over 100 miles, but definitely not like it was before all this took place. I was hoping it was just that the transmission needed to re-adapt itself to my driving style. However, the indy who did my brake fluid flush today told me there should have been no problem with acceleration or delayed shifting whatsoever after the software update. I am concerned that the update was just a patch to prevent a third transmission malfunction/fault code.

I left a message for the service manager at the dealership last evening asking that we meet personally to discuss my car's issues.

 

It is true that it takes a little while for the DME and tranny to readapt but it shouldn't be that rough and 100 miles is more than enough time unless it was all on the highway. Good luck and please follow-up letting us know the final outcome.

 

Car is back at the dealer for the third time. The shop foreman called, no fault codes stored and he claims he is "unable to duplicate my concerns" when test driving the car. I spoke to him and explained my concerns about the transmission and what I am feeling when driving the car. He will test drive again today. He also asked that I come in to take a drive with him as well. Says if I can show him the problem he will contact BMW again. We will meet on Friday.