The problem of the transmission failure warning happens when the car has been standing for about 12 hours (when cold).

The car is parked flat but I pull out onto a hill, and the problem only seems to happen when the car is not level. Prior to these warnings (which do clear if the car has warmed up a little and engine restarted) I was noticing rough gear changes and over revving like clutch slip.

I haven't noticecd any leaks but could my problems be due to low transmission fluid?
I would like any feedback or suggestions from anyone who has experienced this or had their auto box serviced.

I think I am going to have the gearbox serviced next week by a specialist, anyone have an idea what cost this would be?

 

Having been quoted ?700 to replace the mainshaft bearing in a manual Honda civic, I dread to think.

 

it could be that the fluid is low. i'd check it immediatley, as low fluid can lead to burnt clutches in the transmission.

 

I had my 08 535i doing the loud clunk at start up, Put in D and then i heared grinding noise with the diff leaking, Car at the from yesterday and won't know any thing till Tue. Sux

 

Being a "d' model, I would doubt it's a transmission problem, more like a computer or wiring problem.
AFAIK, my technician told me that 'd's have way less transmission problems than 'i's... I dunno, just
passing on the info he told me.

Have you checked your car to make sure your wiring hasn't been chewed on by rodents or connectors
having problems?

My car had 'transmission failure' messages along with a 'fuel pump' error -- took it to BMW and we found
out that a few wires had been chewed on by some rodents. A few hundred bucks to 'fix' those two wires...

 

Two other things to look at - battery and starter motor.

I had the transmission failure messages when my starter motor was on its way out (the battery was also weak at the time).

If the starter motor is failing you get used to the slow turnover speed of the engine as it is a slow degradation, but if you can listen to a similar E60 starting up you will hear how different they sound and can identify if this is the problem. The engine should turn over freely and fast.

If your over-revving / slipping is when pulling away from standing still, this may need the gearbox reset trick (widely used here - do a search)

Good luck,

 

I have just (last week) replaced the battery, alternator and MAF. The alternator was causing all sorts of errors.

I think I have convinced myself that its the gearbox itself. mainly due to the fact gravity appears to have an effect, so when the fluid travels to one end of the gearbox the error pops up.

All my service lights were green when I got the car at the beginning of the month, yet there was no service book and when I contacted the last BMW dealer on the printout of service visits the last service was done 30,000 miles back and 3 years. My local garage have replaced the particle filters and told me the air filter was filthy, so the car is going to have a fulll oil and filter service before I get it back.

I am praying that the gearbox just needs new oil, a clean and all will be fine, on level ground and warmed up it feels reasonably fine so my fingers are well crossed at the moment that the fix will be cheap.