Something seems wrong with your X5? Let’s look at some of the most common BMW X5 transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your SUV back on the road.
What Transmission Do I Have?
BMW X5 Recalls
Recall ID – NHTSA: 05V504000 – 2005-2006 X5
Summary
Some automatic equipped 2005-2006 X5 SAV’s were built with an incorrectly manufactured parking prawl guide plate.
Consequence
This could cause the parking lock system not to engage Park when the shifter is placed in the ‘P’ position. If the vehicle is parked on an incline, it could roll away and cause serious damage or injuries.
Remedy
Dealers were instructed to replace the defective guide plate. Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269. Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 05V504000).
Recall ID – NHTSA: 04V409000 – 2004 X5
Summary
X5’s equipped with the 3.0L 6-cyl and a manual transmission, if the truck is slowly moving forward in first gear, with the throttle held in a constant position of low engine speed and the clutch partially released, the engine speed may suddenly increase.
Consequence
This condition could cause the X5 to accelerate unexpectedly, which could result in a crash and/or injury.
Remedy
This recall was issued back in 2004, and dealers were instructed to reprogram the Engine Management Control Unit. Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 04V409000).
BMW X5 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2002-2009 X5 – TSB B24 02 10
Problem:
On X5 models equipped with the GM6 6-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle may not be able to engage a forward or reverse gear.
Solution:
This problem is likely due to a failed gear selector valve, if it has a serial number less than 593323
2004-2006 X5 – TSB B24 01 08
Problem:
On X5 models equipped with the ZF 6HP transmission, the transmission warning light will be illuminated as the transmission enters failsafe mode. Fault code 4F81 (Ratio monitoring, clutch A), in some cases combined with the subsequent faults 507B/507C (Parking gear sensor implausible signal) or 507D (Parking gear incorrectly disengaged), are stored in the EGS control module.
Solution:
Possible causes: a. Low transmission fluid level; or b. Internal transmission pressure leak caused by a defective adapter seal (rectangular) between the transmission housing and the Mechatronic.
X5 equipped with the GM6 transmission – TSB SI B24 04 11
Problem:
On BMW X5’s equipped with the 6-speed automatic, it’s not uncommon to hear a frequent whistling and/or buzzing-type noise coming from the transmission. This noise occurs as soon as the EGS (TEHCM) “wakes up” when the vehicle is unlocked. This noise is heard regardless of whether the engine is running or not. 2. A clicking noise is heard with the engine running and the either the “P” or “N” position is selected.
Solution:
This noise indicates a normal situation which occurs as soon as the EGS (TECHM) “wakes up”; for example, when the vehicle is unlocked. This noise is heard regardless of whether the engine is running or not. 2. To prevent the solenoid valves in the TECHM from jamming or air collecting in the oil passages, the valves are cycled in a frequent manner. This controlling behavior can be heard in some situations. Neither of these noises indicate evidence of a fault, nor are they a result of faulty transmission behavior. Additionally, there is no negative effect on transmission operation or service life.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How to Diagnose & Fix
- Check the OBD Codes
- Check the fluid level
- Test transmission pressure
- Drop the transmission pan
- Repair, replace or rebuild
What to Read Next
Over to You
[poll id=”28″] [poll id=”36″]What Problem Does Your X5 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too
I have a 2003 BMW X5 4.4 never had transmission problems till I had it toll to get the alternator replaced after replacement I drove the car and the car began stalling and my mechanic claimed it was my transmission codes read were p0011 and oxygen sensor ..and the transmission stuck on some gears
My BMW X5 e53 model 4.4 cannot move faster than 140km/h
I have a 2005 e53 3.0d automatic X5. It was leaking from the pump seal on the front of the gearbox and i took out the gearbox, took out the torque converter and replaced the seal. Put in the torque converter accordingly and put back the gearbox. Topped up the transmission oil BUT it only goes reverse and forward without changing gears and doesn’t wanna engage to sport/manual on the cluster while it shows on the gear selector that it’s selected. What could be the problem???
I have 2003 X5 4.4i
Transmission goes in fail safe program when it warms up even if car is just idling, did reading with scanner and weird thing is trany oil temp.shows -55c
I have a 2004 BMW X5 4.4 the Transmisson start to slip after driving for 30 minutes?
I have a x5 bmw v8 2003 goes in to fail safe mode all speed sensors are replaced and the transmission was serviced still having the same problem
This may sound dumb. Check the voltage regulator. It should be on the back of the alternator
Just the other day bmw x5 v8 2003 went into trans safe mode alternator die put new alternator step out the shop and car started to thuder and slip when back to mechanic he said its my transmission and need to get another one never had any problems with the shifting or leaks should i get another opinion
I have a problem with X5 transmission Fault,when am driving at a speed of 80 to 100 km/h it over raves and says transmission Fault till I switch it off and cool for some minutes.
I have the same problem with my X5 2008
’03 X5 won’t shift into drive until rpm’s are increased
Good day.
My BMW X5 2007 model , while drive at sleep of 120 km/h ,just suddenly stop and gear went to parking. I try to restart the car and the car did not start. After troubleshooting , found the fuel pump was was unserviceable. I replace with new one and car was able to start . But now I’m not able to drive since my gear lever just move from Parking , Neutral and Drive but no gear engage. The Car start very well ,no fault code but it will not move. Please if you can help i will be happy. Thank you.
Skipping and transmission light is blinking 2008 x5
2003 BMW X5 3.0 180k
Reverse lights not on,
Trans fail safe mode
Move gear shift without using break,
PRND doesn’t highlight on cluster when in gear
Take off slow
Doesn’t go into manual/sport mode
All happened at one time
i have the same exact problem.. anyone here????
Me too!Did you fix IT?
I have a 2002 x5 4.4. I’m having problems withe it not going into reverse. It will sometimes go straight in and other times I Rev the engine and then will clunk in. I have the same problem going into drive. It has been going into safe mode. I will reset with code and after driving for a few ks and the goes back into safe mode. What could be the cause and how do I fix this. Thanks
2001 bmw x5 4.4 auto shuttering in lower gears and rpm seams to be between 1st and second before shifting and hard down shift if ac is not on and warmer engine temp also has 22″ rims
Here is an interesting one as well. My 2006 X5 4.4l with 94000 miles, just replaced battery to an AGM from lead acid and did the transmission service early. On a few occasions it goes into limp mode but does not drop into second or third but does have the 4X4 off indicator. coming to a stop, turning the motor off and then restarting does clear the code. Battery was not registered, could this be an electrical code mismatch?
2003 BMW X5 3.0 liter engine, tranny won’t shift on cold start, fluid and filter has been changed, improved issue but did not go away. Runs and shifts fine once driven and fully warmed up.
BMW 4.8is problem loss of power and it shows “False.Trans.Program and a 4×4 amplem is showing and an Abs also
Failure.trans.prog error on the cluster then it stops engaging into gear to move forward
my 2006 X6 3.0D has done 91000 miles. No real issue other than occasional clunk when car (auto) changes down ton1st gear.i have been reading that transmission oil needs changing really every 60,000 miles. Will this cure it ?
2 to 1st downshift coming to a stop. Put in sport mode and it does not do it. Like a slight blip in the rpm with the change.
Hi I have a 2005 BMW X5 4.8i the transmission slips & gives a “kick like” bang when vehicle warms up it shifts easier however it slips ,& all the Abs , Traction control 4×4 lights come on the dash is like a Christmas tree ,only light not on is check engine . Hmm any ideas , someone mentioned it being a transfer case to be changed or new transmission.?? Would there be a module or some kind of sensor that could be changed ? Or is it that I need to change transmission? Thank you for input
I had a 05 x5 4.8 that when cold ran great. But after about 15 miles or heavy stop and go traffic it would go into trans fail safe mode. Along with a few odd electrical issues when it got good and warmed up. Well long story short they have an external voltage regulator on the back of the alternator that had gotten a lot of oil on it over the years. I changed the regulator and all the problems were gone.
Thanks Tom for the important info. Did u test the regulator first before changing it? If so did it show as good even tho it was coated w oil? I’m testing ours just didn’t know if it would still read good and have an issue
I have a 4.4 2006. When cold in 80 degree ambient, just after the cats warm and the idle drops, pulling out in first it has a quick neutral and bangs into second. But only once.
Exact Same problem here!
Same problem with me
Here’s an interesting one: 2008 BMW X5 3.0si , ZF 6HP26 transmission , 120k miles.
Occasional irregular shifts, fail safe downshifts to 2nd or 3rd gear from 5th or 6th (possible clutch or bushing issues) …. been told there is either nothing to be found OR the transmission needs replacement. Which I suppose is an easy answer.
However, the transmission gives no problems with a cold start. Works fine up to 15 miles before giving trouble, even with hard use. Also notable is weird behavior in manual operation. I have had many times now that I can change from M5 and shift all the way down to M2 and the transmission will instead shift to 6th gear while still indicating M2. Or sometimes the other way around.
Just completely ridiculous and demented operation!
X5 2006 model, 3 lt. d. Clunking sound & slight jolt occurs after long drive, say 250 Kls. In changing from 1 st to 2 nd. After that all noticeable automatic changes are smooth, & in some cases, undetectable. Not noticeable when car is cold on initial start & motoring.
Same here but when cold.