Ncsugrad, I will be sending the car in to see if any codes can be seen. Even though the 'trans malf' appear about a month prior to me sending it in for recent work (last week), the mechanic said he did not see any odd codes.

Perhaps they were missed through a minimal scan. I'm hoping they will show when I get the car in shortly.

Would the solenoid or similar issue also trigger a check engine light?

 

No on the check engine light. It would display a transmission malfunction message on the idrive screen though

 

He likely isn't using BMW specific diagnostic equipment/software. I use INPA to pull codes from my car and clear faults. He needs to be using something similar; a plain jane OBD2 scanner isn't going to show anything.

Start with fluid swap, see what that does. If you're still having problems, it's likely a fault inside of the Mechatronic (valve body). And more often than not, the parts that fail inside of the Mechatronic are the solenoids.

My car is at 104K, and twice I've experienced something similar to what you've experienced. I'm planning on replacing the fluid along with the Mechatronic sealing sleeve. I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures and post a DIY thread on this since it seems all of the photos in the other DIY thread are MIA.

good luck with the car.

 

I just contacted BMW where I used to take my car in when it was under warranty.

They said they did a Transmission Fluid Flush at 96k 1 year ago (car is at 110k now)

I inquired about any past Solenoid issues, they said they did not ever replace any Solenoids. The reason I thought they might have is because there were a couple times I told them the car was having some odd 'jerking' around 15-25 mph around turns. I figured maybe a transmission issue, but they never replaced anything and told me 'car was functioning normal.'

So in conclusion the trans fluid was flushed. Can I rule that out now?

 

I'd still at least take a look at the oil and see if there are any obvious issues

And of course, still need those codes

 

Dealers will not replace solenoids. I have heard that they no longer service the Mechatronic. Basically, if you pull in with any abnormal transmission behavior, they recommend complete transmission replacement. They take a shotgun blast approach to everything.

Why did they do a transmission fluid service at 96K? Was it requested by you or the previous owner (if there is one)?

Try to find an independent BMW specialist that can read whatever codes are stored. If you're located near me I'd be more than happy to take a look for you.

 

You mention the oil... And I had a recent check engine light go on.

My oil meter on the iDrive stated it was low the other day, so I added some:

Pennzoil Platinum SAE 5W-30 oil from Auto Zone.

I was advised it was ok to add a pint of it from this forum. I hope that didn't cause the Check Engine Light to go on...

Any ideas?

 

So i finally got the code scanner in the mail from amazon.

Looks like:

P0700
P17ea

Anyone have insight, lots of info on P0700 online but nothing on P17ea

Thanks in advance

 

Are you sure it was that and not P1744?

 

Yep - 100% sure, at least that's what Torque rendered for me. There's literally no info on that code online.

I found that codes with 1 are MFG (manufacturer) specific codes. I'm not sure if that means anything, though.