BMW E39 automatic transmission problem.

DonJose · 14-01-2011 3:02pm #1

I was away for the last 6 weeks and my E39 was parked up in the cold weather. This morning when I was driving her the automatic transmission warning light came on and the car went into limp mode I drove her home 1km and went to the local mechanic who told me to drop her in and he'd diagnose the problem. The problem was she wouldn't move. Can anyone recommend a transmission specialist in the midlands, I'm in Mullingar.

Searching google I came up with a similar story to mine.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1209606

Plug · 14-01-2011 6:04pm

Is it an SMG?

DonJose · 14-01-2011 8:17pm

Yes, but they don't move it either, it was parked in the driveway for 6 weeks while I was away. Came home last night and drove it without problems, used it this morning and the Transmission Warning light came on and it kicked into limp mode. Drove a kilometer home and went to the local mechanic who told me to bring it. Drove 50 meters in limp mode then it stop moving, when I pressed the accelerator it just revved high. Stuck it in reverse and drove back. Nothing I can do will move it fprward. Damn you winter!!! Read online that it could be the alternator or battery as the e39 has an electronic transmission. Can anybody recommend a good transmission specialist.

Plug · 14-01-2011 8:29pm

A transmission expert wouldn't have a clue about these gearboxes I'd say. First of all its the same gearbox from the manual only it uses hydraulics to shift the gear and disengage the clutch. Its also the same gearbox as the E46 M3 SMG and M3 CSL. The problem here seems to be not with the gearbox itself but maybe an ECU or hydraulic unit for the gearbox. You will have to get it scanned with a diagnostic tool first. It can be anything. Are they any oil leaks on the driveway?

DonJose · 14-01-2011 8:34pm

Thanks for your reply. Yes there is oil on the driveway, atf leak?

Plug · 14-01-2011 8:38pm

It could be a leak from the hydraulic unit. The fault code generated could be maybe from the pressure sensor...Hopefully its not an expensive fix.

DonJose · 14-01-2011 8:51pm

Plug wrote: »

It could be a leak from the hydraulic unit. The fault code generated could be maybe from the pressure sensor...Hopefully its not an expensive fix.

Cheers, the mechanic is coming on monday to have a look.

Plug · 14-01-2011 9:08pm

Make sure you tell him its a manual gearbox but is operated by hydraulics like some ford autoboxes.

rev2.0 · 14-01-2011 9:18pm

Correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I know E39's were not available with SMG in Europe??

Plug · 15-01-2011 3:49am

A while back i thought I saw DonJose with location USA on on his user panal??:o Maybe?
Its a Getrag Type D six-speed anyway I'd say.

BMW E39 automatic transmission problem.

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