BMW Transmission Problems Explained

BMW transmission problems can be a major concern for owners of these luxury vehicles. Common issues include rough shifting, hesitation, and delayed engagement. Factors such as low transmission fluid levels, worn transmission components, and software issues can cause BMW transmission problems. Regular maintenance, such as transmission fluid flushes and replacement of worn parts, can help prevent transmission problems in BMWs. However, if you are experiencing transmission issues, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a certified BMW technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

If your BMW transmission has problems such as getting stuck in failsafe mode, slipping, or won’t change gears, don’t panic. In this article, we go over some of the most common problems that cause BMW transmission problems and how to troubleshoot BMW transmission using the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner.

Top 7 ​BMW Transmission Problems

The most common problems that cause a BMW transmission to malfunction include the following:

1. Low transmission fluid level – The vehicle will drive OK and then go into limp mode. Fluid leaking around the oil pan gasket or wire harness plug to the transmission is common on high-mileage BMW vehicles.
2. Defective mechatronic unit – A prevalent issue is a faulty valve body, also known as mechatronic units in BMW terms. The vehicle will no longer change gears and throw warning messages on the dashboard.
3. Battery too weak–  low voltage is a common reason a BMW gets stuck in gear.
4. Faulty alternator regulator – Transmission problems are sometimes caused due to a bad voltage regulator mounted on the alternator.
5. Faulty MAF sensor – You may experience transmission issues such as erratic shifting between gear changes.

As you can see in this list, BMW transmission problems such as no shifting or erratic shifting are not always caused by the failure of a transmission component. To diagnose a BMW transmission, you must use a BMW scan tool and read the codes from the transmission control unit.

When the engine control unit (ECU) detects a problem that can lead to transmission damage, the vehicle forces the transmission to go into limp mode to minimize further damage. In the safe home, fail-safe, or limp mode, the transmission stays in second gear and no longer shifts.

Common BMW Transmission Warnings & Symptoms

There are several signs that your transmission may be going out. Some of the most common signs include:

• Slipping: This occurs when the transmission is unable to maintain a consistent gear ratio, causing the engine RPM to increase or decrease without a corresponding change in vehicle speed. This can be caused by worn gears, a malfunctioning clutch, or low transmission fluid levels.
• Harsh or delayed shifting: This can be caused by a variety of issues, including worn or damaged transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.
• Grinding or whining noises: These noises can be caused by worn gears or bearings, a malfunctioning clutch, or low transmission fluid levels.
• Leakage: Transmission fluid leakage can be caused by worn or damaged seals, a malfunctioning transmission cooler, or a damaged transmission case.
• Warning lights or error codes: The transmission control module (TCM) may set error codes or activate warning lights in the event of a transmission malfunction. These codes can be read with a diagnostic tool and may indicate the specific issue with the transmission.
• Burning smell: A burning smell can be caused by overheating of the transmission fluid, which can be caused by a malfunctioning transmission cooler, low transmission fluid levels, or a slipping transmission.

It is important to address any of these signs as soon as possible, as transmission failure can result in costly repairs or even complete transmission replacement. It is best to consult a certified technician to diagnose and fix the problem. Other BMW transmission error messages and malfunctions include:

• Transmission Failsafe Prog. Warning signs
• Transmission stuck in gear.
• BMW Transmission slipping
• Transmission shifts hard, not smoothly.
• Transmission malfunction drive moderately message
• The engine revs up, but the transmission refuses to shift.
• The lag between gears such as 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd
• Gear ratio fault codes
• Fluid leaks on the ground
• Shifting gears is delayed
• Rough shifting between gears, primarily 2nd to 3rd
• Transmission service due now message on dashboard
• Burning smell from under the car

If your BMW transmission is stuck in limp mode or won’t shift, check that the battery is fully charged. Next, start with the most simple and basic steps.

If BMW Gets Stuck in Gear, Pull Over and Restart Engine

If your BMW displays a transmission error message or is stuck in gear, you should find a safe location, turn off the engine, and restart it. Wait at least one minute before you start the car. This can reset the engine control unit, and the transmission message may turn off. It doesn’t always work, but it is worth a try.

If your BMW is back to normal, don’t assume there is nothing to worry about. There is a high chance you will experience the same transmission problem again. To find out what is causing transmission trouble, we recommend following this guide on reading BMW fault codes. In this case, you want to read the codes from the transmission control module.

Try Reseting BMW Transmission Adaptive Settings

​If you have noticed that your BMW has erratic shifts or does not respond appropriately to the gas pedal, the problem may be incorrect shift points. Try resetting the adaptive transmission settings. This procedure is straightforward, requires no tools, and only requires a couple of minutes.

Procedure

This procedure does not damage the transmission; it simply resets gear shift points to factory settings.

1. Turn on the ignition. If BMW has the Start/Stop button, press the Start button but NOT press the brake pedal.
2. All the dash lights will turn on. THE ENGINE SHOULD BE OFF.
3. Now, press the gas pedal to the floor and keep it pressed. (Ensure the kick-down switch is pressed )
4. Keep the gas pedal pressed for thirty seconds. During this procedure, the engine should be off but the ignition on.
5. Release the gas pedal.
6. Start the engine and drive.

This will reset your transmission, shifting to the original factory settings. In other words, the BMW will erase the adaptive transmission shift points. BMW will monitor your driving patterns for the subsequent few driving cycles; do not drive aggressively. This procedure does not clear any codes or reset the check engine light, but it can sometimes fix your transmission problem.

Common Causes

BMW transmissions are known for their precision engineering and advanced technology but are not immune to problems. Some of the most common issues that BMW owners may encounter include rough shifting, a common transmission problem symptom that can be caused by various issues, including worn or damaged transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or software issues.

Another common issue is delayed engagement, which occurs when the transmission takes longer than normal to engage into gear, which a worn or damaged clutch, low transmission fluid levels, or a malfunctioning transmission control module can cause. Additionally, hesitation or slipping while shifting gears can signal transmission problems caused by issues such as worn gears or a malfunctioning transmission control module. These issues can lead to serious transmission damage if not addressed promptly, so BMW owners need to be aware of the signs of transmission problems and have them addressed by a qualified technician.

1. Transmission Mechatronic Sleeve

​BMW mechatronic sleeve is located on the passenger’s side of the transmission near the automatic transmission. This is where the wire harness from the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) connects the transmission.

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Unplug the wire harness and inspect for oil contamination. If there is any oil, the communication between the transmission control unit and the mechatronic valve body is interrupted. To replace or check for leaks, you must get your BMW up on ramps. Remove the splash shield from under the transmission and unplug the wire harness.

2. Mechatronic Bridge Seal adapter

A BMW may display a Transmission Fault warning message on the iDrive screen due to a broken BMW Mechatronic adapter (Part #: 0501 215 783 01), known as the trans seal grommet, for the mechatronic valve body.

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Under normal conditions, the grommet allows the fluid to flow from the transmission to the mechatronic valve body without any fluid loss. This allows transmission fluid to make it to the mechatronic without pressure loss, allowing normal gear shifting.

The grommet or the plastic adapter can crack over time, which allows the fluid to leak at this port. When this happens, the fluid pressure at the mechatronic valve body is reduced. Because the fluid pressure is reduced, the valve body’s solenoids cannot open and close properly, triggering the transmission fault or erratic shifting. This part is easy to replace and comes in plastic or aluminum. The OEM part sold at BMW is usually plastic, but upgraded aluminum adapters can be purchased online and last longer than the plastic version.

This problem is common in these BMW transmissions: 6HP26, 6HP28, and 6HP32. Aluminum Part Number SFC-MA-001 is available. Another indicator that this part is broken is that you will typically get the Transmission Fault popup to move the shifter from the drive to the reverse.

Most affected BMWs by this problem:

• 2001 2008 BMW E65/E66 7 Series
• 2004 2006 BMW E53 X5 V8
• 2003 2010 BMW E60 5 Series
• 2005 2011 BMW E90 3 Series
• 2003 2010 BMW E63/E64 6 Series
• 2007 2013 BMW E70 X5 Except 4.0d
• 2008 2012 BMW F01/02 7 Series (except 760i/Li and Hybrid 7)

3. Mechatronic – Valve Body

If you read the codes, you may get fault codes related to the valve body, also known as the BMW mechatronic. BMW ZF mechatronics is notorious for 2nd to 1st-gear downshifts or shift flares during the upshift. These harsh upshifts are often due to a TTC clutch failure, overheating, damaged solenoid, worn selenoid springs, and other problems with the mechatronic unit.

If you checked everything above but still have problems with your BMW transmission, the cause is most likely the mechatronic unit. If you want to save money, you can consider replacing only the solenoids in the mechatronics unit/valve body.

Remember to change the foam strip between the solenoid terminals and connectors if you decide to replace the solenoid. If you want a unit that has already been remanufactured and tested, you can buy a remanufactured BMW Mechatronic unit online. You can replace the mechatronic unit if you have some basic DIY skills.

Remember that the unit may need to be coded to match your VIN. Before you purchase a replacement mechatronic unit, check with the seller or BMW dealer if programming or coding is required for your model. As seen in the following video, it is possible to replace BMW mechatronics.

If you would instead let a mechanic do the work, this repair can cost anywhere from $1500 to $3500. If you decide to have the dealer replace the mechatronic on your BMW, it will usually cost anywhere between $2100 and $3500.

It is recommended to reset the transmission module after the Mechatronic replacement. Drive the vehicle for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring the transmission cycles through the gears several times to recalibrate the shift points.

4. EGS Transmission Computer Software

Updating the software on your BMW’s transmission, also known as the EGS (Electronic Gearbox System) transmission computer, can help improve the performance and reliability of your vehicle. Here are the steps to update the software on your BMW EGS transmission:

1. Make sure your vehicle is parked in a safe and level location and that the engine is off.
2. Connect your BMW to a diagnostic tool, such as a BMW ISTA+ or ISTA-D system. This will allow you to access the software on your EGS transmission computer.
3. Follow the prompts on the diagnostic tool to update the software on your EGS transmission computer.
4. The update process may take several minutes, so be patient and do not disconnect the diagnostic tool or turn off the engine during the update process.
5. Once the update is complete, the diagnostic tool will prompt you to clear any stored fault codes and restart the engine.
6. After the engine is restarted, test drive the vehicle to ensure the transmission is shifting properly and that there are no warning messages or error codes.

It is important to note that software update procedures may vary depending on the model and year of your BMW. It is best to consult your vehicle’s user manual or seek assistance from a certified BMW technician for specific instructions.

BMW often comes up with software updates for the automatic transmission. These updates change the shift points, which improves the shifting. It has been reported to fix intermittent shifting problems or SAFE MODE issues in some cases. You will need to call your BMW dealer and ask them if a software update for your particular car’s transmission.

5. Transmission Stuck in FailSafe due to Weak Battery

We have seen cases where the BMW transmission will get stuck in second or third gear and will not come out of failsafe mode even if you restart the car. In one case, this problem was caused by a dead battery that stored hard codes.

Even though the BMW battery was replaced, the car remained in Failsafe mode. Typically a BMW will go into failsafe mode if the voltage is under 11 volts. If a fault code is stored in the EGS module, you will need a BMW Specific Scanner to clear the fault codes from the EGS module. First, carry diagnostic procedure to repair the problem then you will be able to remove the codes. Low battery voltage can also cause the transmission to not go into Drive or Reverse.

6. First Gear Issues

Often the transmission issue may be due to a problem with the first gear only. To verify the problem with the first gear, set your BMW transmission in Winter mode, which forces the transmission to start in the second gear. If your BMW shifts normally in winter mode, there is an issue with the first gear. Keep the transmission in winter mode until you get your BMW transmission repaired.

7. Stuck In Park

If your BMW is stuck in the park and the shifter won’t come out, the problem could also be the brake light switch or park solenoid.

8. Transmission Shudders

BMW equipped with a twin-turbo may experience shuddering symptoms, especially during a long trip. To verify that this is the issue, it is recommended that you stop your car and let it cool down.

If transmission shuddering symptoms go away when the engine cools down, the problem may be caused by the twin turbos. A check engine light may also come on. Symptoms often happen between 50-70 mph.

9. Torque Converter

Another reason you may experience transmission shudder is issued with the torque converter. This is often because the torque converter locks up, is wearing out, and not locking the torque converters.

BMW transmission shudder may also be caused due to spark plug or fuel injector problems. If the check engine light is on, scan the ECU codes with a good scanner for BMW to understand why the transmission shuddering is happening.

How to Diagnose BMW Transmission Problems

The next step is to read the fault codes from the transmission module, also known as the electronic gearbox (EGS). You will need a BMW scanner to retrieve fault codes from BMW modules. You can perform a full system scan with a scanner such as YOUCANIC Full System Scanner that can read BMW fault codes.

Don’t use a generic OBD-II scanner. If you use a generic OBD2 scanner, you will get generic fault codes such as P0720 or P0732, which don’t provide enough details on the cause of the problem. Sometimes, you may find DSC or ABS fault code throwing the transmission in limp mode. It is possible that a fault code can put your BMW automatic transmission in Fail-Safe mode even if there is nothing wrong with the transmission. This procedure will also work on BMWs that have a manual transmission.

Check the Transmission Fluid Level

​If a drive moderately error message pops up on your BMW, one of the first steps is to check the transmission fluid level. If the transmission level is low, your BMW transmission can go into limp mode to protect the transmission.

1. Drive your BMW for fifteen minutes to warm up the automatic transmission oil. Make sure to allow the transmission to shift through all the gears. Transition fluid temperature should reach around 100 degrees F. during this driving cycle.
2. Park the BMW on a level surface or lift it on a lift.
3. Let the car in park and at idle.
4. Raise the vehicle.
5. Remove the fill plug from the transmission. In some models, the drain plug can check the level. You will need to find out which transmission you have.
6. A minimal amount of fluid should drain from the oil pan if the level is full.
7. If the level is low, no oil will come out. Do not overfill the transmission above the recommended level, as this can cause shifting problems.

Typical signs that the transmission fluid level is low is that your BMW displays the Transmission Failsafe Prog. Warning under hard acceleration or when accelerating as you make a turn.

This happens because more transmission fluid is required during acceleration, or the fluids get pushed to one side of the trans oil pan when making a turn. As the level is low, there is no transmission fluid for the oil pump, which causes the transmission problems such as going in FailSafe or Limp mode.

Change BMW Automatic Transmission Fluid

A dirty transmission filter or fluid can cause shifting issues, especially in high-mileage vehicles. If you are experiencing shifting issues, consider changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter. It is essential to point out that there are many discussions and disagreements about whether you should change the automatic fluid, especially on a sealed transmission for life.

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In our experience, fresh fluid and a new transmission filter will only extend the transmission’s life. Only use the recommended fluid as noted in the owner’s manual of your BMW. In most cases, you will need the following:

• BMW Transmission Filter and Gasket Kit
• ZF Lifeguard Fluid – Or as recommended in the owner’s manual
• 4.5 qt if only draining oil pan
• 9.5 qt for full system flush
• Fluid Transfer Pump
• Torx Socket
• Drain Pan

A BMW automatic transmission holds about 9.5 qt of ATF fluid. Total system capacity includes all the oil in the transmission, oil pan, and torque converter. If you will not flush the whole system but drain the oil pan, you need about 4.5 qt of oil.

iDrive Transmission Trouble Messages

This is a list of common BMW transmission messages. These messages vary between models, but they all point to problems with BMW transmission.

• Transmission Malfunction – The functionality or display of the gear selector position may malfunction. Gearbox position P may not be available. Set the parking brake when completely stopped. Engine start may be possible with a delay.
• Trans. Malfunction – Drive moderately. Continued driving is possible. Reduced acceleration. Have the system checked by the nearest BMW center
• Transmission Malfunction. Limited gear selections are possible. Continued driving is possible./ Drive moderately. Have the system checked by your nearest BMW center.
• Transmission Faulty – Transmission position P is possibly not available. Operate parking brake when car stationary. Please contact the BMW service department.
• Trans. Failsafe Programming

These are some of the most common error messages when transmission problems are present.

Common Transmission Fault Codes

This is a list of common BMW transmission fault codes.

• 578E – EGS Gearbox oil wear
• CF17 No message from JBBF. Vehicle mode receiver DKG/EGS transmitter DSC/DME
• 5140 is a No CAN message from DME
• 4F8F – EGS: Ratio monitoring, gearshift 3-2
• 5149 is a No CAN message from the power module
• 27EB No message (EGS 2) from the electronic transfer mission control (EGS) unit
• 27EC No message (EGS 1) from the electronic transmission control (EGS) unit
• 299A CAN fault management, electronic transmission control (EGS)
• 4f81 – Gear ratio monitoring, Clutch A
• cf17 – Calibration between ISTA/D and ISTA/P missing
• 507B or 507C – Parking gear sensor implausible signal
• 507D – Parking gear incorrectly disengaged
• 4f89 – ratio monitoring gearshift incorrect
• 4f92 – EGS ratio monitoring, clutch A-C
• 4f8d – Ratio monitoring, gearshift 5-4 plausibility
• 37 – Voltage Low
• 4f85 – 4F85 RATIO MONITORING CLUTCH E
• 4f8a – RATIO MONITORING.GEAR SHIFT 4-5 GEAR
• 5088 – Sensors, transmission switch L1-L4
• 507C – Parking gear sensors are implausible
• 507B PARKING GEAR SENSOR IS IMPLAUSIBLE
• 4F84 RATIO MONITORING CLUTCH D
• 4F97 RATIO MONITORING CLUTCH “B”-D
• 4F83 RATIO MONITORING CLUTCH C

This list does not include all BMW EGS fault codes. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every control module of your BMW vehicle. ​The problems outlined in this guide cover only BMWs with automatic transmissions and do not apply to vehicles with manual transmissions.

We hope you find the Most Common BMW Transmission Problems Explained guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.

Frequently Asked Questions